Gwangjang Market Seoul
Seoul's oldest market, a bustling culinary paradise famed for its authentic street food and vibrant atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier to eat
Gwangjang Market Seoul
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier to eat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Seoul's oldest market, a bustling culinary paradise famed for its authentic street food and vibrant atmosphere.
"It's a tourist trap like Myeongdong, but still a good place for someone to experience if it's their first time in Seoul."
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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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)
Various stalls
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, packed with savory goodness. Perfect snack!
Yukhoe (Raw Beef)
Specialty stalls
Tender raw beef marinated with pear and sesame oil, often served with egg yolk.
Tteokbokki & Mandu
Various stalls
Spicy rice cakes and delicious Korean dumplings, classic street food favorites.
Planning Your Visit
Bring Cash & Be Prepared for Crowds
Navigate the Food Stalls Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
Go with an Empty Stomach!
So many delicious options! Come hungry and ready to sample a variety of Korean street food.
Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the market.
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.
Explore Beyond the Main Stalls
Some Redditors suggest the most popular stalls are tourist traps. Venture deeper for potentially better value and taste.
Go with an Empty Stomach!
So many delicious options! Come hungry and ready to sample a variety of Korean street food.
Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the market.
Try the Kalguksu :noodle:
The handmade knife-cut noodles are a signature dish, especially from stalls featured on shows like Netflix's Street Food.
What Travellers Say
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.
"As a visitor from the U.S., I really enjoyed this place. We went in July — I wouldn’t recommend that time of year because it was pretty muggy — but aside from the weather, the experience was great.
I was honestly surprised by how clean everything was, especially with all the food out. The vendors clearly take cleanliness seriously, and there were hardly any flies while we sat and ate.
All the vendors were friendly and never pushy, which made it easy to walk around and decide what we wanted to try. It was a great way to sample a variety of different foods in one spot."
MATTHEW SIAOSI
"Gwangjang Market is a must-visit spot in Seoul for food lovers and culture seekers. The bustling atmosphere is full of energy, with rows of food stalls offering authentic Korean street food like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), mayak gimbap, and the famous mandu kal-guksu featured on Netflix. The market is lively, friendly, and filled with the delicious aroma of freshly cooked dishes. It’s a great place to sample local flavors and experience a slice of traditional Korean life. Be prepared for crowds and long lines, but the food and atmosphere make it all absolutely worth it. Highly recommended."
The Travel Hunter
"I was a bit worried it would be a tourist trap since it’s a famous market, but it’s actually great — and definitely not a tourist trap! I loved it.
It’s a super fun place to try all kinds of food and see different things. I noticed a lot of locals coming to eat too, not just tourists. Some of the stalls are even featured in Netflix shows.
I tried the dumplings, mung bean pancake, desserts, oden, and some drinks — everything was good and not overpriced. Had such a good time here!"
Earn S.
What People Like
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
Absolutely! The subway is the most recommended mode of transport. Numerous bus routes also serve the area around Gwangjang Market, making it very accessible.
Yes, Gwangjang Market is a well-known landmark and is clearly signposted. Its central location in Jongno-gu makes it easy to navigate to.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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. +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.
There are no entrance fees to Gwangjang Market. You pay for the food and goods you purchase from the vendors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Must-tries include Kalguksu (handmade noodles), Bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), Yukhoe (raw beef), Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and Mandu (dumplings). +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.
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!
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.
Prices vary, but expect to pay around ₩7,000-₩15,000 for most main dishes like Kalguksu or Bindaetteok. Yukhoe might be slightly more.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in crowded public spaces like Gwangjang Market due to safety regulations and potential disruption to visitors.
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.
🎫 🛍️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
Beyond food, look for traditional Korean fabrics, custom-made clothing, and unique vintage finds. It's a treasure trove for fabric enthusiasts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the market is primarily about food, some of the textile sections might offer visual interest. However, the focus for families should be on manageable food portions and keeping a close eye on children due to the busy environment. Bringing snacks for picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions is also a good idea, as vegetarian options can be limited.
💰 Budget Travelers
Remember to bring cash, as many vendors don't accept cards, and this can sometimes lead to quicker transactions. Exploring the less crowded aisles might reveal hidden gems with even better prices. Compared to sit-down restaurants, Gwangjang Market offers a significant culinary experience without breaking the bank.
🍜 Food Enthusiasts
Be prepared for a culinary adventure where you might encounter both celebrated dishes and lesser-known delights. Engage with the vendors, observe the preparation, and savor the diverse flavors. While some Redditors caution about tourist traps, the sheer variety and historical significance of the market make it an essential stop for any foodie exploring Seoul.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Gwangjang Market Food Experience
However, it's worth noting that some visitors, particularly on Reddit, have expressed concerns about Gwangjang Market becoming a 'tourist trap.' They suggest that the most popular stalls might be overpriced and that the quality can vary. Some locals reportedly avoid eating there, preferring more traditional, less crowded markets. This doesn't mean the food isn't good, but it encourages a more discerning approach to your culinary exploration.
To make the most of your food adventure, consider arriving during off-peak hours to avoid the biggest crowds and potentially get better service. Don't be afraid to explore beyond the most famous stalls; often, smaller, less-hyped vendors offer equally delicious and more reasonably priced options. Remember to bring cash, as most food vendors do not accept cards.
Navigating Gwangjang Market: Beyond the Food
For those interested in souvenirs, Gwangjang Market offers a different kind of shopping experience compared to places like Myeongdong. Instead of mass-produced trinkets, you'll find more artisanal goods and fabric-related items. Some Redditors recommend it for its unique fabric finds, while others suggest that for typical souvenirs, other markets might be more suitable. It's a place where you can haggle, especially in the clothing and fabric sections, so be prepared to negotiate politely.
Exploring the non-food sections of Gwangjang Market provides a more comprehensive understanding of its history as a traditional marketplace. It’s a place where you can find everything from everyday necessities to specialized goods, offering a glimpse into the daily lives and commerce of Seoul.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit