Gwangjang Market (광장시장) is a well-known Korean avenue meals market positioned pretty near the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. This conventional meals market affords a wide range of conventional Korean avenue 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. If you might be new to Korea or simply touring you must add Gwangjang market to your locations to go to not less than as soon as in your lifetime.
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Gwangjang Market | What to eat in Seoul’s Traditional Market
This market is Seoul’s oldest conventional market to get conventional clothes, conventional avenue meals, and extra. Gwangjang Night Market is when many 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 Kwangjang is the outdated spelling and sijang simply means market in Korean.
Why is Gwangjang Market Popular?
Gwangjang market is a well-liked Seoul meals market as a result of it’s the oldest market in Seoul. It just isn’t solely identified for its Gwangjang market avenue meals, however it’s also possible to get numerous nice clothes gadgets on this space. It is taken into account to be one in every of Korea’s largest markets and is positioned within the coronary heart of Seoul. Here yow will discover a wide range of issues from silk, custom-made hanboks, classic clothes, and conventional Korean avenue meals. If you’re looking extra for garments, then I extremely recommend visiting Dongdaemun market.
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What to eat at Gwangjang Market | Popular Korean Street Food in Gwangjang market
There are so many nice meals stalls at Gwangjang Market and it has at all times been well-liked amongst vacationers visiting South Korea. However, it has not too long ago turn into much more well-liked because of the well-known Gwangjang Netflix collection on Korean Street Food. If you might be planning to go to Gwangjang Market, then these are the Korean avenue meals it’s essential strive there. I’ve listed Gwangjang market well-known meals choices beneath.
Unlike the meals market Myeongdong, the meals at Gwangjang market is extra conventional as compared. Here are a few of the hottest issues to eat at Gwangjang market.
Not certain what to eat or really feel intimidated? Book this Gwangjang Market meals tour!
Bindaetteok – Mungbean Pancakes – greatest meals at gwangjang market
Gwangjang market Food is thought for these well-known and well-liked mung bean pancakes and all for good motive as properly. You will 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 of crispy on the skin. It’s completely scrumptious and a should eat at Gwangjang market.
Kimbap or Gimbap
This well-liked Korean dish is greatest described as a Korean model of sushi. However, 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 can 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 of 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 that means it isn’t spicy nonetheless like most Korean dishes is usually served with a aspect of kimchi. If you plan to go go to the Gwangjang Market Netflix girl, that is one in every of her hottest dishes and one of the vital well-liked knife-cut noodles att Gwangjang market – she is named the Netflix kalguksu girl.
Mandu
There are two typical varieties of mandu or dumplings which might be typical in Korea. There is the normal 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 are so scrumptious and you’ll’t depart this market with out consuming them.
Most Koreans eat it steamed or in a soup, nonetheless, there are locations that pan-fry them. I normally like them panfried, nonetheless, it truthfully depends upon how they’re made and what they’re full of. The girl from the Netflix stand has each the normal and kimchi mandu and let me let you know, that kimchi mandu is one thing I wish to return for.
떡볶이 – Tteokbokki
This is a well-liked Korean avenue meals at Gwangjang market that’s manufactured from cylinder-shaped rice desserts and lined in a candy and spicy sauce. You can see this sort of avenue meals throughout South Korea and it’s one of the vital well-liked avenue meals to take pleasure in. If you haven’t had it or discovered different distributors in different places, make sure you have some right here.
육회 – Yuk-hoe or Steak Tartare
This market may be very well-liked for the steak tartare. They normally prime it off with a uncooked yellow yolk that you just combine in with the steak tartare. Although I didn’t get an opportunity to strive it right here as a result of I used to be so full off of every little thing else, it regarded completely scrumptious and I plan to return and have some. I actually take pleasure in beef tartare in South Korea as a result of it’s so flavorful and evenly seasoned.
Soondae
Best 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 are fairly scrumptious however might be considerably bland as properly. I feel the feel is what most individuals dislike about it.
Sannakji
Although you may get dwell octopus right here, I’d recommend you wait and get it at one of many fish markets in Seoul or Jagalchi market in Busan. If you don’t have an opportunity to go to these locations, then you would strive it right here. It’s one in every of my favourite dishes to eat in South Korea. It’s a freshly reduce octopus lined in sesame oil, sesame seeds and a bit of little bit of salt. The octopus continues to be transferring on the plate and chances are you’ll want to make use of your chopsticks to pry the transferring tentacles, however truthfully, 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 affords a wealthy, oceanic taste. It’s a hands-on consuming expertise that captures the essence of Korean avenue meals.
Other choices you possibly can eat at Gwangjang Market
- 비빔밥 – Bimbimbap – A spicy rice dish with veggies and meat
- 물냉면 – Mul-naengmyeon – Cold noodle soup
- 족발 – Jokbal – Pigs ft
- 닭발 – Dalkbal – Chicken ft
Desserts at Gwangjang Market
Hotteok
This well-liked avenue meals in Korea and normally served through the winter months. I solely discovered a number of stalls on the Gwangjang market that had them, however should you discover them it’s completely value testing. It’s my favourite dessert avenue meals choice in South Korea. A hotteok is a candy rice flour pancake that’s normally full of brown sugar and typically sunflower seeds and nuts relying on the seller.
꽈배기 – Twisted Korean doughnut
Right subsequent to the hotteok stand I noticed contained in the Gwangjang market was a stall promoting Gwabaegi which is a well-liked Korean doughnut. This is a extremely popular donut that’s manufactured from rice flour so it’s a bit of stickier than common donuts. They are normally sizzling and recent to be able to be good and lined in sugar and typically cinnamon sugar. If you’re a donut lover like myself, you will need to strive one in every of these donuts.
붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang
Now, it is a well-liked snack amongst many Asian youngsters. It was my favourite rising up and should you aren’t a giant fan of candy purple beans then I don’t recommend you order this. This is a fish-shaped pastry full of sweetened purple bean paste. This well-liked dish originated in Japan and was introduced over and turn into a well-liked staple in Korean avenue meals delicacies.
호두과자 – Hodo Kwaja
These pleasant treats are constructed from a tender, cake-like batter that’s poured right into a walnut-shaped mould. Inside, you’ll sometimes discover a filling of candy purple bean paste, and typically even a bit of walnut for that additional crunch. The mould is then closed and baked till the skin turns a golden brown. The outcome? 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 on your style buds—comforting, candy, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, they’re normally offered in little paper baggage, making them the proper on-the-go snack as you proceed to discover the wonders of Gwangjang Market.
Where to buy at Gwangjang Market
So all the avenue 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 number of distributors on the primary flooring down some alleyways as properly. I’d say that the extra prestigious ones are upstairs with larger high quality, nonetheless, I discover all of them to be fairly nice in design. I extremely recommend taking one in every of Gwangjang Market’s day excursions in Seoul to get extra out of it.
How to get to Gwangjang Market and Opening Hours
- Gwangjang Market Opening hours: Typically 8:30 am – 6 pm each day however the eating places are normally 8:30 am to 11:00 pm, however I recommend you go within the afternoon or night although locations are opening within the morning, most of them are prepping the meals for the day. Some locations are closed on Sunday.
- Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 88 (예지동)
- How to get there: Take the subway to Jongno-5 station and exit quantity 7. Head straight and you will note the doorway to the market in your right-hand aspect.
- Prices: Okorean avenue meals costs fluctuate, on the Netflix stall we paid 10,000 received (~$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 received (~$2.50). So truthfully, it depends upon the place you go and what you get. Most locations are 1,500 received and up.
- Website: www.kwangjangmarket.co.kr
Things to do close to Gwangjang Market
There are numerous issues to do close to Gwangjang Market. Besides consuming foot at Gwangjang market, right here are some things I recommend you do whereas right here.
Purchase a Hanbok
The Hanbok is a standard Korean gown 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, usually worn on particular events and holidays.
Now, why do you have to purchase it at Gwangjang Market? Well, my buddy, this market is sort of a treasure trove for genuine, high-quality Hanboks. Unlike the mass-produced variations you may discover elsewhere, the Hanboks right here are sometimes handmade, stitched collectively by artisans who’ve honed their craft over a long time. You can 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 cheap in comparison with specialty boutiques.
Buy Traditional Souviners
Gwangjang Market is sort of a treasure chest in terms of conventional Korean souvenirs. Let’s go on a bit of digital procuring spree, we could?
- Korean Pottery: Whether it’s a celadon vase or a cute kimchi pot, Korean pottery is famend for its craftsmanship. These make for elegant items or house decor.
- Korean Fans: Hand-painted with intricate designs, these followers usually are not simply useful but additionally extremely lovely. They’re straightforward to pack and make for a captivating present.
- Traditional Masks: Known as “Hahoe,” these masks are sometimes utilized in conventional Korean performs and dances. They make for distinctive wall decorations and are an important dialog starter.
- Korean Tea Sets: If you’re a tea lover, you’ll adore the normal Korean tea units. They usually 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 received’t final lengthy however can be remembered!
- Calligraphy Sets: If you’re into artwork or writing, a standard Korean calligraphy set may very well be a significant memento. It normally consists of brushes, ink, and paper—all it’s essential strive your hand at this historic artwork kind.
- Jewelry: You can discover lovely items manufactured from jade, a stone that holds particular significance in Korean tradition. It’s stated to carry good luck and prosperity.
- Silk Scarves: These are sometimes hand-painted and have conventional Korean patterns. They’re light-weight, making them straightforward to pack, they usually add a contact of magnificence to any outfit.
- Korean Ginseng: Known for its well being advantages, Korean ginseng is a well-liked present. You can discover it in numerous kinds, from roots to extracts and teas.
Gwangjang Market FAQs
Is Gwangjang market indoors?
It just isn’t positioned indoors, nonetheless, it’s beneath a lined construction. It’s a big open area with roofing which prevents rain and different climate from ruining your possibilities of consuming at this classic market in Seoul.
Where is Gwangjang market positioned?
It’s positioned in Seoul, South Korea. The handle 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 is 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 selections 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 – Cold noodle soup, 족발 – Jokbal – Pigs ft, 닭발 – Dalkbal – Chicken ft, Hotteok, 꽈배기 – Twisted Korean doughnut, and 붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang.
What are some halal meals at Gwangjang market?
While I can’t assure any of the meat is halal, listed here are some halal choices you possibly can take into account: Gohyang Kalguksu, hotteok, 꽈배기 – Twisted Korean doughnut, 붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang, 떡볶이 – Tteokbokki, some mayak kimbap, and 물냉면 – Mul-naengmyeon – Cold noodle soup.
How to go to Gwangjang market by subway
Take the subway to Jongno-5 station and exit quantity 7. Head straight and you will note the doorway to the market in your right-hand aspect.
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