Travel Korea (2) | Gwangjang Market: Explore Seoul’s Iconic Street Food Paradise

 

사진: Unsplash의(っ◔◡◔)っ Clement 🇰🇷

 

Thanks for joining us again on the Travel Korea series!
This time, we're leaving the palace walls behind and diving straight into the lively heart of Korean street life.
Let’s explore Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and most delicious markets in Seoul. 🇰🇷🍜

---

📍 What is Gwangjang Market?

Gwangjang Market (광장시장) is one of the oldest traditional markets in Korea, originally opened in 1905. While many tourists visit modern malls and cafés in Seoul, Gwangjang offers something you can’t find elsewhere: authentic Korean street culture, mouthwatering traditional food, and a vivid glimpse of everyday life.

It’s a place where the air is thick with the smell of garlic and sesame oil, and the sounds of sizzling pans, shouting vendors, and clinking bowls surround you. Every corner feels like a scene from a Korean drama or travel vlog—but this one is real.

---

🚇 How to Get There

• Jongno 5-ga Station (Line 1 or 5) – Exit 7
• Euljiro 4-ga Station (Line 2 or 5) – Exit 4
  🗺️ Just a 2–5 minute walk from either exit.

Opening Hours

• Street food: ~8:30 AM – 11:00 PM
• Hanbok & fabric stores: Usually 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Some shops open 24/7 (mainly textiles)
  ⚠️ Closed or limited on Sundays

---

🍽️ What to Eat – Street Food You Can’t Miss

Famous worldwide and featured on Netflix’s Street Food Asia, Gwangjang is a paradise for food lovers:

• Bindaetteok (빈대떡) – Crispy mung bean pancake (~₩5,000)
• Mayak Gimbap (마약김밥) – Addictive mini rice rolls (~₩4,000)
• Tteokbokki (떡볶이) – Spicy rice cakes (~₩5,000)
• Kalguksu (칼국수) – Knife-cut noodle soup (~₩6,000)
• Sundae (순대) – Korean blood sausage (~₩5,000–6,000)
• Yukhoe (육회) – Korean beef tartare (~₩12,000–15,000)

👉 Most stalls are cash-preferred, but many accept cards.
Don’t be shy to sit beside strangers—it's all part of the fun!

---

💬 The Atmosphere

Vendors shouting. Oil sizzling. Locals slurping noodles elbow to elbow.
Gwangjang is raw, loud, aromatic, and absolutely unforgettable. It’s not just a place to eat—it’s a slice of Korean life.

---

🛍️ Beyond Food

• Hanbok rentals & shops
• Traditional textiles & wedding gifts
• Vintage clothing arcade on the 2nd floor

Fashion lovers and culture seekers will both find hidden treasures here.

---

🧭 Nearby Attractions

• Cheonggyecheon Stream – Peaceful walking path
• Jongmyo Shrine – UNESCO World Heritage site
• Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) – Futuristic architecture & exhibits

Perfect to combine with your market visit!

---

🏨 Where to Stay Near Gwangjang Market

Here are great places to stay for every budget:

1. Moxy Seoul Insadong (by Marriott)

💰 ~$90–130 USD/night
📍 15 min walk
Trendy and stylish, with rooftop views and modern vibes.

2. Hotel PJ Myeongdong

💰 ~$80–120 USD/night
📍 12 min walk
Spacious rooms, quiet neighborhood, shuttle service available.

3. Grid Inn Hotel

💰 ~$50–70 USD/night
📍 8 min walk
Budget-friendly, simple, and very walkable.

4. Orakai Daehakro Hotel

💰 ~$100–140 USD/night
📍 15 min walk or short taxi
Modern and peaceful, with great amenities.

5. Hostel Haru (Solo/budget travelers)

💰 ~$30–50 USD/night
📍 10 min walk
Minimalist and clean, with great views and communal vibe.

👉 Most hotels in this area are well-connected to subway lines and attractions. Booking early is smart!

---

🧳 Travel Tips

• Bring cash (₩), especially for smaller stalls
• Try to go on a weekday to avoid crowds
• Learn a few Korean phrases: “Hello” = 안녕하세요, “Thank you” = 감사합니다
• Look up stall reviews or maps beforehand if you’re picky with food

“Thanks for joining us on our first stop in the Travel Korea series!
Next, we’ll head to another cultural gem. Stay tuned! 🇰🇷✨”