Gwangjang Market | What to eat in Seoul’s Conventional Market 2023

Gwangjang Market (광장시장) is a well-known Korean road meals market situated pretty near the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. This conventional meals market provides a wide range of conventional Korean road meals from Mungbean pancakes, mandu (Korean dumplings), and extra. If you wish to get conventional Korean meals in South Korea, that is the place to do it. In case you are new to Korea or simply touring it’s a must to add Gwangjang market to your locations to go to a minimum of as soon as in your lifetime. 

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Gwangjang Market | What to eat in Seoul’s Conventional Market

This market is Seoul’s oldest conventional market to get conventional clothes, conventional road meals, and extra. Gwangjang Evening Market is when a lot of the motion occurs, however there are some employees that are available to eat meals through the lunch rush. Gwangjang Market is often known as Gwangjang sijang and Kwang jang Market. Kwangjang is the previous spelling and sijang simply means market in Korean.

Why is Gwangjang Market In style?

Gwangjang market is a well-liked Seoul meals market as a result of it’s the oldest market in Seoul. It isn’t solely recognized for its Gwangjang market road meals, however you may as well get lots of nice clothes objects on this space. It’s thought-about to be one in every of Korea’s largest markets and is situated within the coronary heart of Seoul. Right here you could find a wide range of issues from silk, custom-made hanboks, classic clothes, and conventional Korean road meals. In case you are wanting extra for garments, then I extremely counsel visiting Dongdaemun market.

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What to eat at Gwangjang Market | In style Korean Avenue Meals in Gwangjang market

There are such a lot of nice meals stalls at Gwangjang Market and it has all the time been common amongst vacationers visiting South Korea. Nevertheless, it has just lately turn into much more common as a result of well-known Gwangjang Netflix collection on Korean Avenue Meals. In case you are planning to go to Gwangjang Market, then these are the Korean road meals you should strive there. I’ve listed Gwangjang market well-known meals choices beneath.

In contrast to the meals market Myeongdong, the meals at Gwangjang market is extra conventional compared. Listed below are among the hottest issues to eat at Gwangjang market.

Undecided what to eat or really feel intimidated? E-book this Gwangjang Market meals tour!

Bindaetteok – Mungbean Pancakes – greatest meals at gwangjang market

Gwangjang market Meals is understood for these well-known and common mung bean pancakes and all for good purpose as properly. You’ll go right here and have one and I’m certain you’ll crave one other and wish to return. This Gwangjang market pancake jogs my memory of potato pancakes and are heat and a bit crispy on the surface. It’s completely scrumptious and a should eat at Gwangjang market. 

Kimbap or Gimbap

This common Korean dish is greatest described as a Korean model of sushi. Nevertheless, as a substitute of uncooked fish, this dish is normally full of greens and meat together with carrots, cucumbers, pickled radishes, and meats like bulgogi (marinated beef), tuna, and extra. You may get a wide range of various kinds of kimbap, though the smaller or mini ones known as Mayak kimbap additionally spelled Mayak gimbap are thought-about to be extra favorable on this market. 

Kalguksu 

This Gwangjang market kalguksu conventional Korean soup is full of knife-cut Korean-style noodles. This soup is nice for maintaining you heat through the chilly winter months and filled with consolation and taste. There are various kinds of Kalguksu you may get from seafood to beef.

This soup is gentle in taste which means it isn’t spicy nevertheless like most Korean dishes is usually served with a facet of kimchi. If you happen to plan to go go to the Gwangjang Market Netflix girl, that is one in every of her hottest dishes and one of the crucial common knife-cut noodles att Gwangjang market – she is named the Netflix kalguksu girl. 

Mandu

There are two typical sorts of mandu or dumplings which are typical in Korea. There’s the standard taste full of minced meat and veggies and the kimchi mandu which is full of imply and kimchi. Kimchi mandu is barely frequent in Korea and it’s one in every of my favorites to eat in Korea. They’re so scrumptious and you may’t go away this market with out consuming them.

Most Koreans eat it steamed or in a soup, nevertheless, there are locations that pan-fry them. I normally like them panfried, nevertheless, it actually depends upon how they’re made and what they’re full of. The lady from the Netflix stand has each the standard and kimchi mandu and let me let you know, that kimchi mandu is one thing I wish to return for. 

떡볶이 – Tteokbokki

It is a common Korean road meals at Gwangjang market that’s product of cylinder-shaped rice truffles and coated in a candy and spicy sauce. You’ll be able to see the sort of road meals throughout South Korea and it’s one of the crucial common road meals to get pleasure from. If you happen to haven’t had it or discovered different distributors in different areas, you’ll want to have some right here. 

육회 – Yuk-hoe or Steak Tartare

This market may be very common for the steak tartare. They normally prime it off with a uncooked yellow yolk that you just combine in with the steak tartare. Though I didn’t get an opportunity to strive it right here as a result of I used to be so full off of every thing else, it seemed completely scrumptious and I plan to return and have some. I actually get pleasure from beef tartare in South Korea as a result of it’s so flavorful and frivolously seasoned. 

Soondae

Finest generally known as blood sausages. This dish is for the adventurous as a result of it’s a bit chewy in texture and blood sausages are normally stuffed pig intestines. They’re fairly scrumptious however could be considerably bland as properly. I feel the feel is what most individuals dislike about it. 

Sannakji

Though you may get dwell octopus right here, I’d counsel you wait and get it at one of many fish markets in Seoul or Jagalchi market in Busan. If you happen to don’t have an opportunity to go to these locations, then you may strive it right here. It’s one in every of my favourite dishes to eat in South Korea. It’s a freshly lower octopus coated in sesame oil, sesame seeds and a bit little bit of salt. The octopus continues to be transferring on the plate and you could want to make use of your chopsticks to pry the transferring tentacles, however actually, don’t let that scare you away. 

Soy Marinated Crab

Soy Marinated Crab at Gwangjang Market in Seoul is a must-try delicacy. This dish options crab marinated in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sweetness. The meat is tender, and the roe provides a wealthy, oceanic taste. It’s a hands-on consuming expertise that captures the essence of Korean road meals.

Different choices you may eat at Gwangjang Market

• 비빔밥 – Bimbimbap – A spicy rice dish with veggies and meat
• 물냉면 – Mul-naengmyeon – Chilly noodle soup
• 족발 – Jokbal – Pigs ft
• 닭발 – Dalkbal – Hen ft

Desserts at Gwangjang Market

Hotteok

This common road meals in Korea and normally served through the winter months. I solely discovered a couple of stalls on the Gwangjang market that had them, however for those who discover them it’s completely price testing. It’s my favourite dessert road meals possibility in South Korea. A hotteok is a candy rice flour pancake that’s normally full of brown sugar and generally sunflower seeds and nuts relying on the seller. 

꽈배기 – Twisted Korean doughnut

Proper subsequent to the hotteok stand I noticed contained in the Gwangjang market was a stall promoting Gwabaegi which is a well-liked Korean doughnut. It is a very talked-about donut that’s product of rice flour so it’s a bit stickier than common donuts. They’re normally scorching and contemporary in an effort to be good and coated in sugar and generally cinnamon sugar. In case you are a donut lover like myself, you could strive one in every of these donuts. 

붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang

Now, this can be a common snack amongst many Asian youngsters. It was my favourite rising up and for those who aren’t an enormous fan of candy crimson beans then I don’t counsel you order this. It is a fish-shaped pastry full of sweetened crimson bean paste. This common dish originated in Japan and was introduced over and turn into a preferred staple in Korean road meals delicacies. 

호두과자 – Hodo Kwaja

These pleasant treats are constituted of a smooth, cake-like batter that’s poured right into a walnut-shaped mould. Inside, you’ll sometimes discover a filling of candy crimson bean paste, and generally even a bit of walnut for that further crunch. The mould is then closed and baked till the surface turns a golden brown. The consequence? A heat, fluffy pastry with a gooey, candy middle.

Hodo Kwaja is a well-liked snack not only for vacationers but additionally for locals. It’s like a hug to your style buds—comforting, candy, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, they’re normally offered in little paper baggage, making them the right on-the-go snack as you proceed to discover the wonders of Gwangjang Market.

The place to buy at Gwangjang Market

So all the road meals distributors are sometimes on the primary flooring. If you wish to search for materials, clothes, and extra, they’re totally on the second flooring. There are a couple of distributors on the primary flooring down some alleyways as properly. I’d say that the extra prestigious ones are upstairs with greater high quality, nevertheless, I discover all of them to be fairly nice in design. I extremely counsel taking one in every of Gwangjang Market’s day excursions in Seoul to get extra out of it.

get to Gwangjang Market and Opening Hours

• Gwangjang Market Opening hours: Usually 8:30 am – 6 pm each day however the eating places are normally 8:30 am to 11:00 pm, however I counsel you go within the afternoon or night regardless that locations are opening within the morning, most of them are prepping the meals for the day. Some locations are closed on Sunday. 
• Handle: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 88 (예지동)
• get there: Take the subway to Jongno-5 station and exit quantity 7. Head straight and you will notice the doorway to the market in your right-hand facet. 
• Costs: Okorean road meals costs range, on the Netflix stall we paid 10,000 gained (~$9USD) for a bowl of Kalguksu and Mandu. We shared the dish and it was fairly filling for two individuals. The Bindaetteok was about 2 for 3,000 gained (~$2.50). So actually, it depends upon the place you go and what you get. Most locations are 1,500 gained and up. 
• Web site: www.kwangjangmarket.co.kr

Issues to do close to Gwangjang Market

There are lots of issues to do close to Gwangjang Market. In addition to consuming foot at Gwangjang market, right here are some things I counsel you do whereas right here.

Buy a Hanbok

The Hanbok is a standard Korean costume characterised by its vibrant colours and easy strains. The ladies’s model normally consists of a jeogori (shirt) and a chima (skirt), whereas the lads’s model has a jeogori and baji (pants). It’s an emblem of Korean tradition and heritage, typically worn on particular events and holidays.

Now, why must you purchase it at Gwangjang Market? Properly, my buddy, this market is sort of a treasure trove for genuine, high-quality Hanboks. In contrast to the mass-produced variations you would possibly discover elsewhere, the Hanboks right here are sometimes handmade, stitched collectively by artisans who’ve honed their craft over a long time. You’ll be able to really feel the love and custom in each thread. Plus, the range is astounding—whether or not you need one thing conventional or a contemporary twist, you’ll discover it right here. And let’s not overlook, the costs are sometimes far more affordable in comparison with specialty boutiques.

Purchase Conventional Souviners

Gwangjang Market is sort of a treasure chest in the case of conventional Korean souvenirs. Let’s go on a bit digital procuring spree, we could?

• Korean Pottery: Whether or not it’s a celadon vase or a cute kimchi pot, Korean pottery is famend for its craftsmanship. These make for elegant presents or residence decor.
• Korean Followers: Hand-painted with intricate designs, these followers aren’t simply practical but additionally extremely stunning. They’re simple to pack and make for a captivating present.
• Conventional Masks: Referred to as “Hahoe,” these masks are sometimes utilized in conventional Korean performs and dances. They make for distinctive wall decorations and are a fantastic dialog starter.
• Korean Tea Units: If you happen to’re a tea lover, you’ll adore the standard Korean tea units. They typically include a teapot, cups, and a serving tray, all exquisitely designed.
• Korean Snacks: From dried seaweed to honey-filled “Yakgwa” cookies, Korean snacks are a tasty memento that gained’t final lengthy however can be remembered!
• Calligraphy Units: If you happen to’re into artwork or writing, a standard Korean calligraphy set might be a significant souvenir. It normally contains brushes, ink, and paper—all you should strive your hand at this historical artwork type.
• Jewellery: You’ll find stunning items product of jade, a stone that holds particular significance in Korean tradition. It’s mentioned to carry good luck and prosperity.
• Silk Scarves: These are sometimes hand-painted and have conventional Korean patterns. They’re light-weight, making them simple to pack, they usually add a contact of class to any outfit.
• Korean Ginseng: Recognized for its well being advantages, Korean ginseng is a well-liked present. You’ll find it in numerous varieties, from roots to extracts and teas.

Gwangjang Market FAQs

Is Gwangjang market indoors?

It isn’t situated indoors, nevertheless, it’s underneath a coated construction. It’s a big open house with roofing which prevents rain and different climate from ruining your probabilities of consuming at this classic market in Seoul.

The place is Gwangjang market situated?

It’s situated in Seoul, South Korea. The tackle is 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 88 (예지동).

Does Gwangjang market take card?

Not sometimes. This Korean meals market in Seoul is just about a cash-heavy space to seize low-cost and scrumptious meals. Myeongdong meals market is just about the identical as properly.

What’s the kimbap Korean spelling?

김밥 is the Korean spelling for Gimbap or Kimbap.

What are the most effective meals in Gwangjang Market?

I’ve listed them above, however to be quick and concise, the highest decisions are binddatteok, kimbap particularly mayak kimbap, Kalguksu, mandu, 떡볶이 – Tteokbokki, 육회 – Yuk-hoe or Steak Tartare, Soondae, Sannakji, 비빔밥 – Bimbimbap – A spicy rice dish with veggies and meat, 물냉면 – Mul-naengmyeon – Chilly noodle soup, 족발 – Jokbal – Pigs ft, 닭발 – Dalkbal – Hen ft, Hotteok, 꽈배기 – Twisted Korean doughnut, and 붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang.

What are some halal meals at Gwangjang market?

Whereas I can’t assure any of the meat is halal, listed below are some halal choices you may think about: Gohyang Kalguksu, hotteok, 꽈배기 – Twisted Korean doughnut, 붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang, 떡볶이 – Tteokbokki, some mayak kimbap, and 물냉면 – Mul-naengmyeon – Chilly noodle soup.

go to Gwangjang market by subway

Take the subway to Jongno-5 station and exit quantity 7. Head straight and you will notice the doorway to the market in your right-hand facet. 

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