Gwangjang Market: The Ultimate Destination for Traditional Korean Food
If you're traveling through Seoul and want to experience real Korean food—authentic, homemade, and packed with flavor—then you need to visit Gwangjang Market (광장시장).
This is not a fancy tourist spot or a polished food court.
It’s a living, breathing food alley, where old ladies in aprons fry pancakes by hand, seasoned vendors call out from behind steaming pots, and locals sit on small stools enjoying dishes passed down for generations.
Gwangjang Market is where Korea eats.
And if you’re a food lover, you’ll feel right at home.
A Century of Flavor
Gwangjang Market opened in 1905, making it one of Korea’s oldest and most beloved traditional markets. Located in central Seoul, near Jongno and Dongdaemun, it’s easy to get to—and once you’re inside, it’s a full-on sensory experience.
The sizzling sounds.
The smell of sesame oil and kimchi.
The sight of golden pancakes and colorful noodles piled high.
Whether you’re here for a snack or a full meal, you’ll leave full—and maybe a little obsessed.
What to Eat: A Foodie’s Guide
There’s no such thing as “just one dish” at Gwangjang Market. You’ll want to try everything. Here are some of the most popular (and delicious) traditional Korean foods you can find here:
1. Mayak Gimbap (마약김밥)
Miniature seaweed rice rolls, usually dipped in a tangy mustard sauce. Addictive, crunchy, and totally unique to Korea.
2. Bindaetteok (빈대떡)
A mung bean pancake fried until crispy, filled with vegetables and sometimes meat. Served with dipping sauce and often enjoyed with a glass of makgeolli.
3. Tteokbokki (떡볶이)
Soft rice cakes in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce. A must-try Korean classic that’s both comforting and fiery.
4. Hotteok (호떡)
Sweet pancakes stuffed with brown sugar, cinnamon, and crushed nuts. They’re cooked until the sugar caramelizes—gooey inside, crispy outside.
5. Twisted Donuts (꽈배기)
Fried dough twisted into shape and coated in sugar. Light, chewy, and a perfect street snack.
6. Korean Pancakes (파전)
Savory pancakes made with green onions, seafood, or kimchi. Served piping hot and usually paired with makgeolli. Perfect for rainy days—or any day.
7. Korean Blood Sausage (순대)
Steamed sausage made from pig’s intestines filled with glass noodles. Often served with spicy salt or in soup. Not for everyone, but a beloved classic.
8. Yukhoe (육회)
Korean-style beef tartare. Raw beef seasoned with sesame oil, garlic, and soy sauce, topped with a raw egg yolk and sometimes sliced pear. Fresh, bold, and unforgettable.
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9. Japchae (잡채)
Stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables and soy-based seasoning. A slightly sweet, savory, and chewy dish.
10. Live Octopus (산낙지)
Chopped, fresh octopus tentacles served raw and still moving. A challenge for some, a delicacy for others.
11. Jokbal (족발)
Braised pig’s feet served in soy-based sauce. Rich, gelatinous, and incredibly flavorful.
Don’t Forget the Drinks
What pairs well with all this savory food?
Makgeolli (막걸리) – Korea’s traditional rice wine.
It’s milky, slightly fizzy, and mildly sweet. Makgeolli is the perfect companion to pancakes like pajeon or bindaetteok. Sit down at a food stall, order a plate and a cold bottle of makgeolli, and soak in the vibe.
You’ll understand why locals say this is the ultimate Korean comfort meal.
Beyond Food: A Market Full of Life
Gwangjang Market is more than just a food heaven. It’s also:
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A vintage fashion hub (especially the second floor)
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A center for traditional textiles and handmade bedding
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A place to try on or purchase hanbok, Korea’s traditional dress
The market is bustling day and night, but food stalls start getting crowded from late morning until evening. It’s always alive with energy, conversation, and the clatter of chopsticks.
How to Visit
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Location: Near Jongno 5-ga Station (Subway Line 1, Exit 8)
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Opening Hours: Most food stalls operate from around 10 AM to 10 PM
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Payment: Many stalls are cash-only, though some accept cards
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Language Tip: English is limited, but a smile and a finger point will get you far
Final Thoughts
There are many places in Seoul to eat, but nowhere else offers the sheer variety and authenticity of Gwangjang Market. It’s where you can taste the past, present, and soul of Korean cooking—all in one place.
So come hungry. Bring a friend. Or come alone and make a few over a shared table.
You won’t just be eating—you’ll be joining a tradition that’s fed generations.
If you’re looking for one place to experience it all, Gwangjang Market is it.