One of my favourite questions to ask people is about their favourite market. Mine has always been the Tsukiji Fish Market, but I think Gwangjang Market comes close behind. While in Seoul, I visited the famous market twice, and if I had more time, I’d happily see it more often.
Gwangjang Market
The first thing I noticed stepping into the Gwangjang Market was colourful flags from many countries decorating the main alleyways. The market is undoubtedly geared towards tourists. But it hasn’t always been the case.
For over a century, the market has been the go-to one-stop place to shop for the locals (it reminded me of Mangga Dua Market in Jakarta).
Years back, it was a tradition for newlyweds to shop at Gwangjang Market for everything they would need to set up their new lives together. Although most of the non-food stalls were already closed by the time we went there, they are still active during day time until today.
Meanwhile, in the evening, the market’s alleyways were alive with buzzing food stalls surrounded by small benches and an overflowing crowd. I am guessing there would be more than a hundred food stalls in the market. They cover different varieties of Korean food, specifically Korean street food.
Street Food in Gwangjang Market
I have easily eaten a few days’ worths of food during the two visits to Kwangjang Market.
Stalls with pictures of celebrities, including international celebrities, plastered on them were not rare in Gwangjang Market. But, to be fair, the street food I had from these stalls were delicious.
I enjoyed the first-ever bowl of kalguksu I had at the Gohyang Kalguksu stall featured in Netflix’s Street Food Asia. I also had the best Tteokbokki and Gimbap from another stall famous for the lady owner having fed Gordan Ramsey during his visit to the market. Apparently, she didn’t know who he was at that time.
Another must-eat Korean street food in Gwangjang Market is savoury pancakes from Pajeon (scallion pancake) to Bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and many others.
The market is also famous for Hotteok (Korean Sweet Pancakes), but having had it in Myeongdeong Night Market, I opted for other sweet street food. I can’t choose which one I loved more, between Hodugwaja (Korean walnut pastry) I had during my first visit or the twisty sugary doughnut I had the last time there.
Sitting and eating in the stalls inside Gwangjang Market is a must-do Korean travel culture activity while visiting Seoul. It’s also a prime spot for a street photography session.
Kwangjang Market Information
Gwangjang Market is located at 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea. You can take the train from Seoul Station to Jongno 5-ga Station (Subway Line 1). It's also easily accessible by busses. It's open daily from 9 AM to 11 PM. If you are after street food, the best time to visit is from 5PM to 9 PM.
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