Gwangjang Market, Seoul - people in market during daytime
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Gwangjang Market Seoul

4.2
·43k reviews·, South Korea

Seoul's oldest market, a bustling culinary paradise famed for its authentic street food and vibrant atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, easier to eat

CrowdMedium
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Gwangjang Market, Seoul - people in market during daytime

Gwangjang Market Seoul

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, easier to eat

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Seoul's oldest market, a bustling culinary paradise famed for its authentic street food and vibrant atmosphere.

4.2
(43k reviews)

"It's a tourist trap like Myeongdong, but still a good place for someone to experience if it's their first time in Seoul."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Cash! 💰

Most food stalls are cash-only. ATMs are available, but it's easier to have won on hand.

Explore Beyond the Main Stalls

Some Redditors suggest the most popular stalls are tourist traps. Venture deeper for potentially better value and taste.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.2 · 43,750 reviews

Type

Market

♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kalguksu (Handmade Noodles)

Kalguksu (Handmade Noodles)

Various stalls, notably the one featured on Netflix

Chewy, flavorful handmade noodles in a savory broth. A must-try for noodle lovers!

Bindaetteok (Mung Bean Pancake)

Bindaetteok (Mung Bean Pancake)

Various stalls

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, packed with savory goodness. Perfect snack!

Yukhoe (Raw Beef)

Yukhoe (Raw Beef)

Specialty stalls

Tender raw beef marinated with pear and sesame oil, often served with egg yolk.

Tteokbokki & Mandu

Tteokbokki & Mandu

Various stalls

Spicy rice cakes and delicious Korean dumplings, classic street food favorites.

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Planning Your Visit

Bring Cash & Be Prepared for Crowds

Many vendors at Gwangjang Market are cash-only, so stock up before you go! It's a popular spot, so expect it to be bustling, especially during peak hours. Arriving earlier can help you snag a seat at sought-after stalls.

Navigate the Food Stalls Wisely

While Gwangjang Market is famous for its street food, some Redditors suggest the most popular stalls can be overpriced or a 'tourist trap.' Explore a bit to find hidden gems and compare prices before diving in.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, easier to eat
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Experience the buzz
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Also bring cash !! The way I could have spent a whole day here🥹 #seoultravel #seoulkorea #koreavlog #thingstodoseoul #koreamarket #travelvlog
@shirleyye_
828.9K likes • 4.3M views

Bring Cash! 💰

Most food stalls are cash-only. ATMs are available, but it's easier to have won on hand. TikTok

Explore Beyond the Main Stalls

Some Redditors suggest the most popular stalls are tourist traps. Venture deeper for potentially better value and taste. Reddit

Everything I ate at Gwangjang Market (Part 1) 🍜💗 #southkorea #gwangjangmarket #seoul #korea #kalguksu #knifecutnoodles #noodles #dumplings #mandu #netflix #koreanfood #marketfood #streetfood
@biteswithlily
471.9K likes • 4.3M views
Looking for the best street food in Seoul? Gwangjang Market is an absolute must-visit! It offers all the delicious food in one place. The market has been open since 1905, making it the oldest and la...
foodsinmyheart
0 likes • 127.3K views

Go with an Empty Stomach!

So many delicious options! Come hungry and ready to sample a variety of Korean street food. TikTok

Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:

You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the market. TikTok

Follow @lokalvegan for local life in Asia ♥️ Bibimbap is one of most famous Korean dishes 🇰🇷 A lot of people come to Gwangjang Market in Seoul to have one of the best bibimbap in the city 🥗 They serve...
lokalvegan
12K likes • 373.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Cash! 💰

Most food stalls are cash-only. ATMs are available, but it's easier to have won on hand. TikTok

Explore Beyond the Main Stalls

Some Redditors suggest the most popular stalls are tourist traps. Venture deeper for potentially better value and taste. Reddit

Go with an Empty Stomach!

So many delicious options! Come hungry and ready to sample a variety of Korean street food. TikTok

Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:

You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the market. TikTok

Try the Kalguksu :noodle:

The handmade knife-cut noodles are a signature dish, especially from stalls featured on shows like Netflix's Street Food. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.2
(43k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Gwangjang Market is a vibrant hub for authentic Korean street food, drawing crowds with its famous Kalguksu and Bindaetteok. While many praise the delicious flavors and lively atmosphere, some visitors find certain stalls overpriced and geared towards tourists, suggesting a need to explore beyond the most popular spots.

"I went because it's near my hotel but don't go just for it. It's definitely not worth. Maybe at the end of it you will find some good local food at decent price but don't stay too much time. It's 80% blankets and old people cloths. Not such a good place to hangout."

Lorris LE GAL

"This market didn’t impress us. The food selection was repetitive and nothing was really appealing to our eyes. We ended up trying a mungbean paste pancake and walnut-shaped pastries. The taste wasn’t bad but definitely not something that I would travel for."

Lei Z.

"This market is awesome—it has coffee shops, restaurants, street food, souvenirs, and even flea market items. It’s not huge, but it’s big enough to explore comfortably. Some areas even have A/C despite being partly outdoors. Souvenir prices are actually cheaper here than in regular stores or even at the airport. You must try the street food like fresh fruit juice, pancakes, and sushi/sashimi. I wish I could’ve spent more time here. Plus, it’s within walking distance of many other tourist spots."

Yong Choi

What People Like

Delicious street food
Lively atmosphere
Iconic dishes

What People Dislike

Overpriced stalls
Tourist crowds

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Gwangjang Market is easily accessible via Seoul's subway system. Take Line 1 to Jongno 5-ga Station (Exit 8) or Line 2/5 to Euljiro 4-ga Station (Exit 4). It's a short walk from either station. TikTok

Yes, Gwangjang Market is generally open on Sundays, but some individual stalls may have reduced hours or be closed. It's best to check specific stall hours if you have a particular vendor in mind. Reddit

From Myeongdong, you can take Subway Line 2 from Euljiro 1-ga Station to Euljiro 4-ga Station, which is a short walk from the market. Alternatively, a taxi ride is also a convenient option. TikTok

Absolutely! The subway is the most recommended mode of transport. Numerous bus routes also serve the area around Gwangjang Market, making it very accessible. TikTok

Yes, Gwangjang Market is a well-known landmark and is clearly signposted. Its central location in Jongno-gu makes it easy to navigate to. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no admission tickets required to enter Gwangjang Market. It's a public market, and you can freely wander through its aisles. TikTok

Gwangjang Market is typically open daily from around 9 AM to 10 PM, but individual food stalls may close earlier, especially on weekdays. Some sections, like textiles, have different hours. Reddit

While Gwangjang Market offers delicious food, some Redditors note that prices can be higher than in other local markets due to its popularity with tourists. It's still generally affordable compared to sit-down restaurants. Reddit+1

Yes, many tour operators offer guided food tours of Gwangjang Market, which can be a great way to sample a variety of dishes and learn about Korean cuisine from a local guide. TikTok

There are no entrance fees to Gwangjang Market. You pay for the food and goods you purchase from the vendors. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Must-tries include Kalguksu (handmade noodles), Bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), Yukhoe (raw beef), Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and Mandu (dumplings). TikTok+2

It can be challenging for vegetarians as many popular dishes contain meat or seafood. However, options like Bindaetteok, Kimbap, and some vegetable side dishes are available. TikTok

The famous Kalguksu stall, often featured on shows like Netflix's Street Food, is located within the main food section of Gwangjang Market. Look for the longest queues! TikTokReddit

Gwangjang Market is renowned for its authentic Korean street food, offering a taste of traditional flavors. However, some Redditors caution that certain stalls cater heavily to tourists. TikTokReddit

Prices vary, but expect to pay around ₩7,000-₩15,000 for most main dishes like Kalguksu or Bindaetteok. Yukhoe might be slightly more. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vibrant atmosphere of the food stalls, the colorful ingredients, and the bustling crowds. The 'Netflix lady' stall is a popular photo op. TikTokInstagram

It's generally acceptable to take photos, but it's always polite to ask for permission, especially if you're focusing on a specific vendor or their food. TikTok

Late afternoon or early evening can offer beautiful lighting as the market lights up. However, daytime provides a clearer view of the food and activity. Reddit

Drone usage is typically prohibited in crowded public spaces like Gwangjang Market due to safety regulations and potential disruption to visitors. TikTok

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide market scenes and close-ups of food. A fast prime lens can be useful in lower light conditions. TikTok

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs

Gwangjang Market is also known for its extensive selection of textiles, fabrics, clothing (especially vintage and used items), and some traditional Korean crafts. TikTokReddit

While it has textiles and some crafts, many Redditors suggest Myeongdong or other dedicated souvenir shops are better for typical tourist souvenirs like K-beauty products or character goods. Reddit

Bargaining is more common in the textile and clothing sections than at the food stalls. Be polite and respectful if you choose to negotiate prices. TikTok

The textile and fabric sections are primarily located on the ground floor and some upper levels. Exploring these areas will reveal a vast array of materials. TikTok

Beyond food, look for traditional Korean fabrics, custom-made clothing, and unique vintage finds. It's a treasure trove for fabric enthusiasts. TikTokReddit

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