Gwangjang Market (광장시장) is a well-known Korean avenue meals market situated pretty near the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. This conventional meals market presents a wide range of conventional Korean avenue meals from Mungbean pancakes, mandu (Korean dumplings), and extra. If you wish to get conventional Korean meals in South Korea, that is the place to do it. In case you are new to Korea or simply touring you must add Gwangjang market to your locations to go to at the very least as soon as in your lifetime.
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Gwangjang Market | What to eat in Seoul’s Conventional Market
This market is Seoul’s oldest conventional market to get conventional clothes, conventional avenue meals, and extra. Gwangjang Night time Market is when a lot of the motion occurs, however there are some staff that are available in to eat meals throughout the lunch rush. Gwangjang Market is often known as Gwangjang sijang and Kwang jang Market. Kwangjang is the previous spelling and sijang simply means market in Korean.
Why is Gwangjang Market Well-liked?
Gwangjang market is a well-liked Seoul meals market as a result of it’s the oldest market in Seoul. It isn’t solely recognized for its Gwangjang market avenue meals, however you too can get quite a lot of nice clothes gadgets on this space. It’s thought-about to be one among Korea’s largest markets and is situated within the coronary heart of Seoul. Right here you will discover a wide range of issues from silk, custom-made hanboks, classic clothes, and conventional Korean avenue meals. In case you are wanting extra for garments, then I extremely recommend visiting Dongdaemun market.
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What to eat at Gwangjang Market | Well-liked Korean Avenue Meals in Gwangjang market
There are such a lot of nice meals stalls at Gwangjang Market and it has all the time been fashionable amongst vacationers visiting South Korea. Nonetheless, it has just lately change into much more fashionable because of the well-known Gwangjang Netflix collection on Korean Avenue Meals. In case you are planning to go to Gwangjang Market, then these are the Korean avenue meals it’s worthwhile to strive there. I’ve listed Gwangjang market well-known meals choices under.
In contrast to the meals market Myeongdong, the meals at Gwangjang market is extra conventional compared. Listed below are a few of the hottest issues to eat at Gwangjang market.
Unsure what to eat or really feel intimidated? E-book this Gwangjang Market meals tour!
Bindaetteok – Mungbean Pancakes – greatest meals at gwangjang market
Gwangjang market Meals is understood for these well-known and fashionable mung bean pancakes and all for good cause as nicely. You’ll go right here and have one and I’m positive you’ll crave one other and need to return. This Gwangjang market pancake jogs my memory of potato pancakes and are heat and just a little crispy on the skin. It’s completely scrumptious and a should eat at Gwangjang market.
Kimbap or Gimbap
This fashionable Korean dish is greatest described as a Korean model of sushi. Nonetheless, as an alternative of uncooked fish, this dish is often full of greens and meat together with carrots, cucumbers, pickled radishes, and meats like bulgogi (marinated beef), tuna, and extra. You may get a wide range of several types of kimbap, though the smaller or mini ones referred to as Mayak kimbap additionally spelled Mayak gimbap are thought-about to be extra favorable on this market.
Kalguksu
This Gwangjang market kalguksu conventional Korean soup is crammed with knife-cut Korean-style noodles. This soup is nice for retaining you heat throughout the chilly winter months and filled with consolation and taste. There are several types of Kalguksu you will get from seafood to beef.
This soup is delicate in taste which means it isn’t spicy nevertheless like most Korean dishes is commonly served with a facet of kimchi. In case you plan to go go to the Gwangjang Market Netflix girl, that is one among her hottest dishes and one of the crucial fashionable knife-cut noodles att Gwangjang market – she is named the Netflix kalguksu girl.
Mandu
There are two typical sorts of mandu or dumplings which might be typical in Korea. There may be the normal taste crammed with minced meat and veggies and the kimchi mandu which is crammed with imply and kimchi. Kimchi mandu is barely frequent in Korea and it’s one among my favorites to eat in Korea. They’re so scrumptious and you’ll’t go away this market with out consuming them.
Most Koreans eat it steamed or in a soup, nevertheless, there are locations that pan-fry them. I often like them panfried, nevertheless, it truthfully is dependent upon how they’re made and what they’re full of. The lady from the Netflix stand has each the normal and kimchi mandu and let me inform you, that kimchi mandu is one thing I need to return for.
떡볶이 – Tteokbokki
It is a fashionable Korean avenue meals at Gwangjang market that’s product of cylinder-shaped rice desserts and coated in a candy and spicy sauce. You’ll be able to see any such avenue meals throughout South Korea and it’s one of the crucial fashionable avenue meals to get pleasure from. In case you haven’t had it or discovered different distributors in different places, you’ll want to have some right here.
육회 – Yuk-hoe or Steak Tartare
This market could be very fashionable for the steak tartare. They often high it off with a uncooked yellow yolk that you simply combine in with the steak tartare. Though I didn’t get an opportunity to strive it right here as a result of I used to be so full off of every little thing else, it regarded completely scrumptious and I plan to return and have some. I actually get pleasure from beef tartare in South Korea as a result of it’s so flavorful and calmly seasoned.
Soondae
Finest generally known as blood sausages. This dish is for the adventurous as a result of it’s a bit chewy in texture and blood sausages are often stuffed pig intestines. They’re fairly scrumptious however might be considerably bland as nicely. I believe the feel is what most individuals dislike about it.
Sannakji
Though you will get dwell octopus right here, I’d recommend you wait and get it at one of many fish markets in Seoul or Jagalchi market in Busan. In case you don’t have an opportunity to go to these locations, then you might strive it right here. It’s one among my favourite dishes to eat in South Korea. It’s a freshly reduce octopus coated in sesame oil, sesame seeds and just a little little bit of salt. The octopus continues to be transferring on the plate and you might want to make use of your chopsticks to pry the transferring tentacles, however truthfully, don’t let that scare you away.
Soy Marinated Crab
Soy Marinated Crab at Gwangjang Market in Seoul is a must-try delicacy. This dish options crab marinated in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sweetness. The meat is tender, and the roe presents a wealthy, oceanic taste. It’s a hands-on consuming expertise that captures the essence of Korean avenue meals.
Different choices you may eat at Gwangjang Market
- 비빔밥 – Bimbimbap – A spicy rice dish with veggies and meat
- 물냉면 – Mul-naengmyeon – Chilly noodle soup
- 족발 – Jokbal – Pigs ft
- 닭발 – Dalkbal – Hen ft
Desserts at Gwangjang Market
Hotteok
This fashionable avenue meals in Korea and often served throughout the winter months. I solely discovered a number of stalls on the Gwangjang market that had them, however if you happen to discover them it’s completely value testing. It’s my favourite dessert avenue meals possibility in South Korea. A hotteok is a candy rice flour pancake that’s often full of brown sugar and typically sunflower seeds and nuts relying on the seller.
꽈배기 – Twisted Korean doughnut
Proper subsequent to the hotteok stand I noticed contained in the Gwangjang market was a stall promoting Gwabaegi which is a well-liked Korean doughnut. It is a highly regarded donut that’s product of rice flour so it’s just a little stickier than common donuts. They’re often scorching and recent with a view to be good and coated in sugar and typically cinnamon sugar. In case you are a donut lover like myself, you need to strive one among these donuts.
붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang
Now, it is a fashionable snack amongst many Asian children. It was my favourite rising up and if you happen to aren’t an enormous fan of candy crimson beans then I don’t recommend you order this. It is a fish-shaped pastry full of sweetened crimson bean paste. This fashionable dish originated in Japan and was introduced over and change into a preferred staple in Korean avenue meals delicacies.
호두과자 – Hodo Kwaja
These pleasant treats are produced from a gentle, cake-like batter that’s poured right into a walnut-shaped mould. Inside, you’ll sometimes discover a filling of candy crimson bean paste, and typically even a bit of walnut for that further crunch. The mould is then closed and baked till the skin turns a golden brown. The consequence? A heat, fluffy pastry with a gooey, candy heart.
Hodo Kwaja is a well-liked snack not only for vacationers but additionally for locals. It’s like a hug to your style buds—comforting, candy, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, they’re often bought in little paper luggage, making them the proper on-the-go snack as you proceed to discover the wonders of Gwangjang Market.
The place to buy at Gwangjang Market
So the entire avenue meals distributors are sometimes on the primary ground. If you wish to search for materials, clothes, and extra, they’re totally on the second ground. There are a number of distributors on the primary ground down some alleyways as nicely. I’d say that the extra prestigious ones are upstairs with greater high quality, nevertheless, I discover all of them to be fairly nice in design. I extremely recommend taking one among Gwangjang Market’s day excursions in Seoul to get extra out of it.
The way to get to Gwangjang Market and Opening Hours
- Gwangjang Market Opening hours: Usually 8:30 am – 6 pm every day however the eating places are often 8:30 am to 11:00 pm, however I recommend you go within the afternoon or night despite the fact that locations are opening within the morning, most of them are prepping the meals for the day. Some locations are closed on Sunday.
- Tackle: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 88 (예지동)
- The way to get there: Take the subway to Jongno-5 station and exit quantity 7. Head straight and you will note the doorway to the market in your right-hand facet.
- Costs: Okorean avenue meals costs differ, on the Netflix stall we paid 10,000 gained (~$9USD) for a bowl of Kalguksu and Mandu. We shared the dish and it was fairly filling for two individuals. The Bindaetteok was about 2 for 3,000 gained (~$2.50). So truthfully, it is dependent upon the place you go and what you get. Most locations are 1,500 gained and up.
- Web site: www.kwangjangmarket.co.kr
Issues to do close to Gwangjang Market
There are quite a lot of issues to do close to Gwangjang Market. In addition to consuming foot at Gwangjang market, right here are some things I recommend you do whereas right here.
Buy a Hanbok
The Hanbok is a conventional Korean costume characterised by its vibrant colours and easy strains. The ladies’s model often consists of a jeogori (shirt) and a chima (skirt), whereas the boys’s model has a jeogori and baji (pants). It’s a logo of Korean tradition and heritage, typically worn on particular events and holidays.
Now, why must you purchase it at Gwangjang Market? Effectively, my buddy, this market is sort of a treasure trove for genuine, high-quality Hanboks. In contrast to the mass-produced variations you may discover elsewhere, the Hanboks right here are sometimes handmade, stitched collectively by artisans who’ve honed their craft over many years. You’ll be able to really feel the love and custom in each thread. Plus, the range is astounding—whether or not you need one thing conventional or a contemporary twist, you’ll discover it right here. And let’s not overlook, the costs are sometimes way more cheap in comparison with specialty boutiques.
Purchase Conventional Souviners
Gwangjang Market is sort of a treasure chest in terms of conventional Korean souvenirs. Let’s go on just a little digital procuring spree, we could?
- Korean Pottery: Whether or not it’s a celadon vase or a cute kimchi pot, Korean pottery is famend for its craftsmanship. These make for elegant presents or residence decor.
- Korean Followers: Hand-painted with intricate designs, these followers aren’t simply practical but additionally extremely lovely. They’re simple to pack and make for an enthralling present.
- Conventional Masks: Generally known as “Hahoe,” these masks are sometimes utilized in conventional Korean performs and dances. They make for distinctive wall decorations and are an excellent dialog starter.
- Korean Tea Units: In case you’re a tea lover, you’ll adore the normal Korean tea units. They typically include a teapot, cups, and a serving tray, all exquisitely designed.
- Korean Snacks: From dried seaweed to honey-filled “Yakgwa” cookies, Korean snacks are a tasty memento that gained’t final lengthy however shall be remembered!
- Calligraphy Units: In case you’re into artwork or writing, a conventional Korean calligraphy set could possibly be a significant souvenir. It often consists of brushes, ink, and paper—all it’s worthwhile to strive your hand at this historic artwork kind.
- Jewellery: You will discover lovely items product of jade, a stone that holds particular significance in Korean tradition. It’s mentioned to deliver good luck and prosperity.
- Silk Scarves: These are sometimes hand-painted and have conventional Korean patterns. They’re light-weight, making them simple to pack, they usually add a contact of class to any outfit.
- Korean Ginseng: Identified for its well being advantages, Korean ginseng is a well-liked present. You will discover it in numerous types, from roots to extracts and teas.
Gwangjang Market FAQs
Is Gwangjang market indoors?
It isn’t situated indoors, nevertheless, it’s beneath a coated construction. It’s a big open house with roofing which prevents rain and different climate from ruining your possibilities of consuming at this classic market in Seoul.
The place is Gwangjang market situated?
It’s situated in Seoul, South Korea. The deal with is 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 88 (예지동).
Does Gwangjang market take card?
Not sometimes. This Korean meals market in Seoul is just about a cash-heavy space to seize low cost and scrumptious meals. Myeongdong meals market is just about the identical as nicely.
What’s the kimbap Korean spelling?
김밥 is the Korean spelling for Gimbap or Kimbap.
What are the very best meals in Gwangjang Market?
I’ve listed them above, however to be quick and concise, the highest decisions are binddatteok, kimbap particularly mayak kimbap, Kalguksu, mandu, 떡볶이 – Tteokbokki, 육회 – Yuk-hoe or Steak Tartare, Soondae, Sannakji, 비빔밥 – Bimbimbap – A spicy rice dish with veggies and meat, 물냉면 – Mul-naengmyeon – Chilly noodle soup, 족발 – Jokbal – Pigs ft, 닭발 – Dalkbal – Hen ft, Hotteok, 꽈배기 – Twisted Korean doughnut, and 붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang.
What are some halal meals at Gwangjang market?
Whereas I can’t assure any of the meat is halal, listed here are some halal choices you may take into account: Gohyang Kalguksu, hotteok, 꽈배기 – Twisted Korean doughnut, 붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang, 떡볶이 – Tteokbokki, some mayak kimbap, and 물냉면 – Mul-naengmyeon – Chilly noodle soup.
The way to go to Gwangjang market by subway
Take the subway to Jongno-5 station and exit quantity 7. Head straight and you will note the doorway to the market in your right-hand facet.
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