
Gyeongju Traditional Market 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
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Night market magic awaits!

Gyeongju Traditional Market South Korea
Best Time
Night market magic awaits!

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

🎯 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Traditional Korean Goods
Market Aisles
Browse unique local crafts, clothing, and snacks. A perfect spot to find souvenirs and immerse yourself in Korean culture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Evening Buzz
Budget-Friendly Feasts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
💰 Great Value Food
Grab a 4-item food sampler for around 12,000 KRW. Delicious and budget-friendly!
👃 Authentic Seafood Smells
The seafood market is vibrant but can have a strong, authentic aroma. Embrace the experience!
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.
💳 Card Friendly Vendors
Many food stalls accept credit cards, making it super convenient to try multiple dishes.
💰 Great Value Food
Grab a 4-item food sampler for around 12,000 KRW. Delicious and budget-friendly!
👃 Authentic Seafood Smells
The seafood market is vibrant but can have a strong, authentic aroma. Embrace the experience!
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond Food
Beyond food, discover traditional clothing, snacks, and local crafts.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, it's a prominent landmark in Gyeongju. Look for signs indicating 'Gyeongju Jungang Market' or 'Gyeongju Traditional Market'.
Local buses are efficient for getting around Gyeongju. Taxis are also readily available. For exploring historical sites, consider renting a bike.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Gyeongju Traditional Market is free. You only pay for the food and goods you wish to purchase.
The market operates during the day, but the highlight is the Night Market, which typically opens from 6 PM to 11 PM.
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.
No, the Night Market is also free to enter. You pay for the delicious food and drinks you consume from the various stalls.
Food samplers are typically purchased on-site from individual vendors. It's best to arrive and choose your desired items directly from the booths.
🎫 🧭 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.
Many visitors find the market, especially the Night Market, to be clean and well-organized, with available seating and free paper napkins.
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.
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.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as you'll be on your feet exploring. Dress in layers as evenings can be cooler.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
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.
Prices are very affordable. A 4-item sampler is around 12,000 KRW, and individual dishes are generally a few thousand won each.
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.
📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant food stalls of the Night Market, the bustling seafood section, and the colorful displays of traditional goods offer great photo opportunities.
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.
The evening, as the Night Market lights up, provides a magical atmosphere for photography. The transition from dusk to night is particularly photogenic.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Gyeongju Night Market Experience
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. 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.
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.
Exploring the Traditional Market's Charm
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. 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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit