Gyeongju Traditional Market South Korea
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Gyeongju Traditional Market South Korea

4
·6k reviews·Gyeongju, South Korea

A bustling hub of flavors and local life, Gyeongju Traditional Market offers an authentic taste of Korea, especially its vibrant Night Market.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings (6 PM - 11 PM)

Night market magic awaits!

CrowdMedium
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Gyeongju Traditional Market South Korea

Gyeongju Traditional Market South Korea

Best Time

Evenings (6 PM - 11 PM)

Night market magic awaits!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A bustling hub of flavors and local life, Gyeongju Traditional Market offers an authentic taste of Korea, especially its vibrant Night Market.

4
(6k reviews)

"The Night Market is a must-visit for its incredible variety and affordability, a true foodie paradise!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Embrace the Night Market

Don't miss the Night Market! It opens at 6 PM and is the heart of the market's evening buzz.

💳 Card Friendly Vendors

Many food stalls accept credit cards, making it super convenient to try multiple dishes.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Night Market Food Stalls

Night Market Food Stalls

Central Market Area

Indulge in a diverse culinary adventure with numerous food booths offering local and international delights. A must-try for foodies!

Seafood Market

Seafood Market

Designated Seafood Section

Experience the authentic sights and smells of a bustling Korean seafood market. Fresh catches and local interactions abound.

Traditional Korean Goods

Traditional Korean Goods

Market Aisles

Browse unique local crafts, clothing, and snacks. A perfect spot to find souvenirs and immerse yourself in Korean culture.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Evening Buzz

Gyeongju Traditional Market truly comes alive after dark. The Night Market, a highlight for many, opens at 6 PM and offers a fantastic array of food stalls. Arrive before sunset to catch the transition and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as the city's other shops close early. Reddit

Budget-Friendly Feasts

This market is a paradise for budget travelers! You can sample a variety of delicious foods, including a 4-item sampler for around 12,000 KRW (approx. $9 USD). Many vendors accept credit cards, making transactions smooth and convenient. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Evenings (6 PM - 11 PM)
Why
Night market magic awaits!
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more local feel
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Try to go before sunset 🧡 📍Seorwoldang Address : Gyeongsangbuk-do Gyeongju-si Hwangnam-dong 229-12 #gyeongju #southkorea #koreatravel #cafeaesthetic
@sam_wonderlands
26.3K likes • 322K views

🎯 Embrace the Night Market

Don't miss the Night Market! It opens at 6 PM and is the heart of the market's evening buzz. Reddit

💳 Card Friendly Vendors

Many food stalls accept credit cards, making it super convenient to try multiple dishes. Reddit

It’s pink muhly season in Korea 💗 This is probably one of the most beautiful pink muhly fields I’ve seen in my two autumn visits here and it’s located in Gyeongju. Take a day trip from Seoul and enjoy it now in the month of October. (The video was taken one week ago) 🥰 #pinkmuhly #pinkmuhlykorea #gyeongju #koreantiktok #travelkorea
@iwanderlista
14.5K likes • 275.1K views
I recently traveled to the city of Gyeongju, South Korea - where I stumbled upon this area of various buffets in a traditional market. The price for all this unlimited food came out to 7000 KRW ($5.80 USD). This is definitely worth every penny and perfect for the budget traveler to South Korea! . #tastesseoulgoood #gyeongju #koreanfood #koreanfoodlover #koreatrip #외국인 #외국인유튜버 #경주맛집 #koreatravelgu...
tastesseoulgood
121 likes • 5.8K views

💰 Great Value Food

Grab a 4-item food sampler for around 12,000 KRW. Delicious and budget-friendly! InstagramReddit

👃 Authentic Seafood Smells

The seafood market is vibrant but can have a strong, authentic aroma. Embrace the experience! Reddit

The most beautiful historical city 🇰🇷💗 #southkorea #travel #gyeongju #seoul #korealovers
@sam_wonderlands
8.1K likes • 147K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Embrace the Night Market

Don't miss the Night Market! It opens at 6 PM and is the heart of the market's evening buzz. Reddit

💳 Card Friendly Vendors

Many food stalls accept credit cards, making it super convenient to try multiple dishes. Reddit

💰 Great Value Food

Grab a 4-item food sampler for around 12,000 KRW. Delicious and budget-friendly! InstagramReddit

👃 Authentic Seafood Smells

The seafood market is vibrant but can have a strong, authentic aroma. Embrace the experience! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond Food

Beyond food, discover traditional clothing, snacks, and local crafts. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Gyeongju Traditional Market for its vibrant Night Market, offering a wide array of delicious and incredibly affordable food options. The convenience of credit card acceptance and the popular 4-item food sampler are frequently highlighted. While the authentic seafood market offers a unique sensory experience, some find its strong smells intense. The market is a culturally significant and budget-friendly destination.

"I love the Night Market concept where one could buy a box of 4 for KRW 12K, and pick any 4 types of food to try. Credit cards are accepted, that was so convenient.
Quality of the food was of high standards. The place is also very clean. Seats are available. Paper napkins are free to use as well.
The Night Market opens at 6pm-11pm. Great for night owls. The rest of the Gyeongju shops closed super early. The streets are like ghost town on a Saturday evening."

iPS yANg

"Very authentic seafood market. Highly recommended for a stroll. Be aware of the smell and that animals might not be kept the way you wish they would.

Culturally important place to visit when going to South Korea."

Philip Prohaska

"Loved it! Local market, shops, traditional stores of clothes and snacks
The seafood market quite good"

Luisa Leon

What People Like

Affordable and delicious food
Vibrant Night Market atmosphere
Convenient credit card payments

What People Dislike

Strong seafood market smell

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Gyeongju Traditional Market is centrally located and accessible by local buses. If you're coming from outside Gyeongju, you'll likely arrive by bus or train and then take a local bus or taxi to the market. TikTok

Yes, it's a prominent landmark in Gyeongju. Look for signs indicating 'Gyeongju Jungang Market' or 'Gyeongju Traditional Market'. TikTok

Local buses are efficient for getting around Gyeongju. Taxis are also readily available. For exploring historical sites, consider renting a bike. TikTok

Yes, you can take a KTX high-speed train from Seoul to Singyeongju Station, which takes about 2-2.5 hours. From there, you can take a local bus or taxi to the city center and the market. TikTok

There are parking lots available near the market, but they can fill up quickly, especially during peak hours. It's often easier to use public transportation. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Gyeongju Traditional Market is free. You only pay for the food and goods you wish to purchase. Reddit

The market operates during the day, but the highlight is the Night Market, which typically opens from 6 PM to 11 PM. Reddit

While the market generally operates daily, it's always a good idea to check for any specific holiday closures. The Night Market is a popular evening attraction. Reddit

No, the Night Market is also free to enter. You pay for the delicious food and drinks you consume from the various stalls. Reddit

Food samplers are typically purchased on-site from individual vendors. It's best to arrive and choose your desired items directly from the booths. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Night Market offers a wide variety of Korean street food, including tteokbokki, odeng, fried chicken, and more. You can also find some international cuisines, like Filipino dishes. InstagramReddit

Many visitors find the market, especially the Night Market, to be clean and well-organized, with available seating and free paper napkins. Reddit

This popular option allows you to choose any 4 different food items from participating booths for a set price, usually around 12,000 KRW, offering a great way to taste various dishes. Reddit

While many Korean street foods are meat-based, you can often find options like tteokbokki (rice cakes), pajeon (pancakes), and some vegetable side dishes. It's best to ask vendors directly about ingredients. Reddit

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as you'll be on your feet exploring. Dress in layers as evenings can be cooler. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The 4-item food sampler is highly recommended for trying a variety. Popular choices include seafood dishes, Korean street food classics, and even some international flavors. Reddit

Absolutely! The market is known for its cheap eats. The 4-item sampler is a great deal, and individual portions are also very reasonably priced. InstagramReddit

Yes, the dedicated seafood market section offers a wide array of fresh catches. It's a very authentic experience, though be prepared for the characteristic market smells. Reddit

Prices are very affordable. A 4-item sampler is around 12,000 KRW, and individual dishes are generally a few thousand won each. Reddit

Keep an eye out for local Gyeongju specialties if available, and don't shy away from trying the Filipino cuisine booths, which have been praised by visitors. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The vibrant food stalls of the Night Market, the bustling seafood section, and the colorful displays of traditional goods offer great photo opportunities. TikTok

Generally, it's polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their stalls, especially if they are busy. Most are friendly and accommodating. TikTok

The evening, as the Night Market lights up, provides a magical atmosphere for photography. The transition from dusk to night is particularly photogenic. TikTok

While the market itself is a modern hub, the surrounding city of Gyeongju is rich in history. Consider visiting nearby historical sites like Seorowoldang for unique photo ops, especially during autumn for pink muhly. TikTok+1

A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is sufficient for capturing the market's atmosphere. If you have a DSLR, a versatile lens like a 24-70mm would be useful. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Gyeongju Traditional Market can be a fun outing for families, especially during the Night Market. The variety of street food offers something for most picky eaters, and the food sampler is a great way for kids to try different things without committing to a full meal. Reddit The lively atmosphere is engaging for children, and the market is generally clean and safe. Consider visiting earlier in the evening to avoid the biggest crowds. Reddit

For a more relaxed experience, explore the traditional goods section where kids might enjoy looking at colorful items. While the seafood market is authentic, the strong smells might be overwhelming for very young children. Overall, it's a budget-friendly and tasty adventure for families looking to experience local Korean culture.

💰 Budget Travelers

This market is an absolute gem for budget travelers! The Night Market is your best friend, offering incredibly affordable and delicious food options. The 4-item food sampler for around 12,000 KRW is a standout deal, allowing you to feast without breaking the bank. InstagramReddit Many vendors accept credit cards, which is a huge plus for convenience. Reddit

Beyond the food, the market itself is free to enter, and you can find many affordable souvenirs and local products. It's a stark contrast to some of the more tourist-centric, expensive dining options. You can easily spend an evening here, eating well and soaking in the local atmosphere for a fraction of the cost of a typical restaurant meal. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Gyeongju Night Market Experience

The Gyeongju Traditional Market Night Market is a culinary highlight, transforming the space into a lively hub of food stalls from 6 PM to 11 PM. Visitors rave about the incredible variety and affordability, with many praising the option to create a personalized 'food sampler' by choosing four different dishes for a set price, often around 12,000 KRW. Reddit This allows you to taste a wide range of flavors without committing to large portions. The atmosphere is energetic, with vendors calling out their offerings and the enticing aromas filling the air. It's a fantastic place to experience local life and enjoy delicious, budget-friendly meals. Instagram

Beyond the sampler, you'll find classic Korean street foods like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), odeng (fish cakes), and hotteok (sweet pancakes). Some stalls even offer international cuisine, such as Filipino dishes, which have received specific mentions for their quality. Reddit The market is generally clean and well-organized, with ample seating and readily available napkins, making it a comfortable dining experience. Many vendors accept credit cards, adding to the convenience. Reddit

Pro-tip: Arrive before sunset to witness the market transition from day to night, capturing the best of both worlds. It's also a great alternative to other Gyeongju attractions that might close early, offering a vibrant evening activity. Reddit

Exploring the Traditional Market's Charm

While the Night Market steals the spotlight, the Gyeongju Traditional Market offers a glimpse into everyday Korean life during the day. Here, you'll find a more traditional market atmosphere with vendors selling fresh produce, local snacks, clothing, and household goods. It's a place where you can observe local shoppers and experience the authentic rhythm of a Korean market. Reddit

The seafood market section is particularly noteworthy for its authenticity. Be prepared for the strong, briny smells that are characteristic of fresh seafood markets. It's a sensory experience that offers a genuine look at the local fishing industry and the types of seafood consumed in the region. Reddit You can find a wide variety of fresh fish, shellfish, and other marine products. While it might not be for everyone, it's a culturally significant part of the market experience.

Beyond the food, the market is a great place to discover traditional Korean goods. You might find stalls selling hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), local crafts, and unique souvenirs. It's a more laid-back experience compared to the bustling Night Market, offering a chance for a leisurely stroll and perhaps a unique find. Reddit

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