Gwangjang Market
광장시장
Korea's first permanent market, opened in 1905. Mung bean pancakes, raw beef and 'numbing' seaweed rice rolls make it Seoul's hottest food market.
Gwangjang Market opened in 1905 and was Korea's first permanent market. It is known for hanbok fabrics, bedding on the second floor, and the food stalls in the central first-floor area. Must-eats include freshly ground and fried mung bean pancakes (bindaetteok), yukhoe (raw seasoned beef), bite-sized 'numbing' seaweed gimbap, blood sausage and knife-cut noodles, paired with a cup of makgeolli (rice wine). Sitting on the stalls' long benches, eating while watching the hard-working owners, is a great experience. Visitor numbers have surged in recent years, and there have been debates about prices and portion sizes, so check the menu prices before ordering. The food stalls generally operate until around 22:00–23:00, and some fabric shops are closed on Sundays. It's a 2-minute walk from Jongno 5-ga Station (Subway Line 1) or Euljiro 4-ga Station (Lines 2 and 5).
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–23:00 (varies by stall)
Nearby sights
- Jongmyo Shrine
- Changgyeonggung Palace
- Ihwa Mural Village & Naksan Park
- Heunginjimun (Dongdaemun Gate)
- Dongdaemun Design Plaza
- Ikseon-dong Hanok Street
- Changdeokgung Palace
- Namsangol Hanok Village