Gwangjang Market

Amazing experience. Got there around eleven o'clock in the morning and it was a good time a the crowds had not built up yet. Stalls were all open and the options and good was delicious. The mung bean pancakes were a particular favorite of mine, as was the rice cakes and the spicy dumplings. Menus had english but really it was point at something you wanted and sit down at the counter stalls. Worth a visit to tantalize the taste buds. Easy to get to buy using the Metro. Lots of good walks around the canal and side streets.

Went on a Sunday after 6-7, very busy. Great place good mung bean pancakes. We got the pork one, which had to be freshly made so it was very hot and perfect for winter.

For sit down places you need to order a dish per person or get take away. Cash is best, only very few places have card.

You shouldn’t miss Gwangjang Market especially if you’re into authentic Korean street food. We went here twice, morning and evening, and we had pleasure in both visits.

Choosing what to eat was challenging since there are hundreds of options. Aside from food stalls, there are also those that sell souvenirs, cloth, garments, and more.

We still lined up in stalls with long queues. We didn’t have to wait long since the line moves quickly. I noticed, though, that many of the treats are fried, but of course there are also food items that are healthier to eat in a generic sense.

Gwanjang market was in my bucket list for quite a while and finally i went there a few days ago. It’s a place for street food lovers and for those who cares about the taste and prices of the food rather than fancy ambiance of the expensive restaurants. It’s a well crowded space and full of aroma of foods. It’s also a shopping place for groceries. So I will recommend every south korea traveler to visit this place 😊

So many choices to choose from, I think allocating a few days to try the best places is recommended!

From small snacks, fabrics, to cute handcrafted souvenirs, and most importantly the food… there is something here for everyone.

I really wanted to come try the famous knife cut noodles, but was a bit disappointed that the stall was not open (even though I came 2 days). Nonetheless, the other options were still just as tasty!

Famous traditional market in Seoul. Tons of good food options around. Enjoyed our experience here!! Popular stores definitely need some queuing. Loved the donuts~

A must see n smell place, everyone is eating, cooking, preparing dishes, I was blown away. We chose a stall nearest to one of the exit (inside can be stuffy during summer) Korean lady was super friendly. Food was great. I even bought a medium pot to bring home from one of the stores. (To cook instant noodles)

Very fun place to go to. They sell all sorts of stuff from toys, kitchen utensils, clothes to food. Enjoyed the famous kalguksu noodles and mung bean pan cake

Had some delicious hotteok, mung bean pancakes, kimchi tofu dumplings and spicy cold noodles. It was wonderful to find some vegetarian options! Lovely staff and food stalls.

Food is amazing especially the dumplings and custard fish cakes.
Great place to try different local food in cold weather as it’s indoor and many stores provide seating option

What an amazing traditional Korean market to eat marinated raw crab, Netflix noodles, and rice cakes. highly recommend for tourist I like that they offer seating at the little food stalls.

This place is a treasure trove of diverse Korean street delicacies. I enthusiastically endorse trying the renowned dumplings featured in a popular Netflix series - they're absolutely delectable and well worth any waiting period.

And then there's the Korean honey pancake, an affordable treat that will satisfy your hunger with ease.

Additionally, you'll encounter numerous quaint shops offering authentic Korean culinary delights, adding to the enchantment of the experience.

Gwangjang Market is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul. It is definitely a must-visit place in this city.

Tens of thousands of people visit this market each day. It can be very crowded during the weekends and public holidays. Not only foreign tourists visit this market, the local people come too.

Most of the visitors come here for the authentic Korean street foods. There must be hundreds of stalls under one roof here selling all kinds of local foods, drinks, snacks, etc, etc. There is so much to eat here that one single visit may not be enough.

Do not miss this market when you are in Seoul.

✅ hipster coffee shop

✅ Netflix auntie shop

✅ toilets available here

✅ yukhoe and raw octopus around 30k won per page. I have walked throughout and I can say that’s the price here. I see that most shops actually partner with each other. For example if you order fried bean pancake from a yukhoe and raw octopus speciality shop, they get the bean pancake from somewhere else. No complains from me as long as they were delicious.

✅ there’s actually decent shopping to be done here. Came in October and they sold thick bomber markets for 30k won what a steal!!

Amazing market. The balanced ratio of locals and tourists created a great atmosphere to enjoy some traditional Korean cuisine. It was quite hard to find seats though so take that into consideration if you’re in a large group.

As a tourist in Korea.
Gwangjang Market got you almost everything you want, you need, and the things you wanna try.

There is a center area with food stalls, i tried many of them, i will say most of them are good and you basically don’t need to worry which one to choose cus they are mostly selling the exact same food.

If you are hesitant about which place, don’t overthinking just find one that you like or you think it’s suitable for you.

Few things of the MUST TRYs:
1. Fried sugar-sticky rice cake
2. moon bean cake (seafood/pork/traditional)
3. Fish cake soup
4. Sun Dae (the pig blood rice cake)
5. Rolled seaweed rice
6. Raw octopus sashimi
7. iced water noodle
8. kimchi and Tteok boki (spicy fried rice cake)
9. Raw Beef plate
10. Soups! All types of soups

My favorite of the night markets to have what the locals have. The stalls where you just kind of sit down as space is made was fascinating to me and I tried everything from mung bean pancakes to soondae to Netflix Auntie’s Kalguksu here! I came back twice during my week long trip because I had to experience it again!

A Culinary Adventure at Gwangjang Market, Seoul

Gwangjang Market, nestled in the heart of Seoul, is a vibrant and bustling hub that offers an authentic glimpse into Korean traditional markets. Renowned for its array of local street food, this market is a paradise for food enthusiasts and a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience the true essence of Korean culture.

As you meander through the narrow aisles of Gwangjang Market, the enticing aromas of various Korean delicacies fill the air. The market is famous for its street food offerings, with vendors serving up an array of traditional Korean dishes. From the savoury mung bean pancakes (bindaetteok) to the incredibly fresh octopus, each stall showcases the depth and variety of Korean cuisine. The food here is not only delicious but also prepared with a level of authenticity that is hard to find elsewhere.

The market's charm also lies in its warm and inviting atmosphere. The vendors are friendly and often happy to share stories about their food and the market's history. This interaction adds a personal touch to the experience, making you feel a part of the local community.In conclusion, Gwangjang Market is not just a place to eat and shop; it's a vibrant cultural experience. Its array of traditional foods, including the must-try fresh octopus, coupled with the lively atmosphere and cultural richness, makes it an unforgettable destination for anyone visiting Seoul.

Me and my friend came here almost at 10, mostly the stores were closed, but the food stalls in the middle were full of people. We came to the famous netflix ahjumma's stall, she served delicious kalguksu and made them right after you ordered.

A food haven and must visit for all food enthusiast. If you want to try authentic korean local dishes this is the place and they are cheaper here. The mungbean is a must try. For the adventurous try out the sundae and beef tartare.

This market also a great place to buy kimchi, spicy powder and other local ingredients.