Gwangjang Market (광장시장) is a well-known Korean road meals market situated pretty near the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. This conventional meals market gives a wide range of conventional Korean road 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. If you’re new to Korea or simply touring you need to add Gwangjang market to your locations to go to no less than 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 road meals, and extra. Gwangjang Night time Market is when many of the motion occurs, however there are some employees that are available to eat meals in the course of the lunch rush. Gwangjang Market is also referred to as Gwangjang sijang and Kwang jang Market. Kwangjang is the outdated spelling and sijang simply means market in Korean.
Why is Gwangjang Market Widespread?
Gwangjang market is a well-liked Seoul meals market as a result of it’s the oldest market in Seoul. It’s not solely identified for its Gwangjang market road meals, however you may as well get a variety 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 yow will discover a wide range of issues from silk, custom-made hanboks, classic clothes, and conventional Korean road meals. If you’re wanting extra for garments, then I extremely recommend visiting Dongdaemun market.
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What to eat at Gwangjang Market | Widespread Korean Road Meals in Gwangjang market
There are such a lot of nice meals stalls at Gwangjang Market and it has at all times been well-liked amongst vacationers visiting South Korea. Nonetheless, it has lately grow to be much more well-liked because of the well-known Gwangjang Netflix sequence on Korean Road Meals. If you’re planning to go to Gwangjang Market, then these are the Korean road meals you could attempt there. I’ve listed Gwangjang market well-known meals choices under.
Not like the meals market Myeongdong, the meals at Gwangjang market is extra conventional as compared. Listed here are among the hottest issues to eat at Gwangjang market.
Unsure what to eat or really feel intimidated? Guide this Gwangjang Market meals tour!
Bindaetteok – Mungbean Pancakes – finest meals at gwangjang market
Gwangjang market Meals is understood for these well-known and well-liked mung bean pancakes and all for good purpose as effectively. You’ll go right here and have one and I’m positive you’ll crave one other and wish to return. This Gwangjang market pancake jogs my memory of potato pancakes and are heat and a bit of crispy on the surface. It’s completely scrumptious and a should eat at Gwangjang market.
Kimbap or Gimbap
This well-liked Korean dish is finest 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 stuffed with knife-cut Korean-style noodles. This soup is nice for maintaining you heat in the course of the chilly winter months and filled with consolation and taste. There are several types of Kalguksu you may get from seafood to beef.
This soup is delicate in taste which means it isn’t spicy nonetheless like most Korean dishes is usually served with a aspect of kimchi. In the event you plan to go go to the Gwangjang Market Netflix girl, that is one among her hottest dishes and one of the well-liked knife-cut noodles att Gwangjang market – she is called the Netflix kalguksu girl.
Mandu
There are two typical sorts of mandu or dumplings which are typical in Korea. There may be the standard taste stuffed with minced meat and veggies and the kimchi mandu which is stuffed with imply and kimchi. Kimchi mandu is just widespread in Korea and it’s one among my favorites to eat in Korea. They’re so scrumptious and you’ll’t depart this market with out consuming them.
Most Koreans eat it steamed or in a soup, nonetheless, there are locations that pan-fry them. I often like them panfried, nonetheless, it truthfully depends upon how they’re made and what they’re full of. The lady from the Netflix stand has each the standard and kimchi mandu and let me let you know, that kimchi mandu is one thing I wish to return for.
떡볶이 – Tteokbokki
It is a well-liked Korean road meals at Gwangjang market that’s product of cylinder-shaped rice desserts and coated in a candy and spicy sauce. You possibly can see this sort of road meals throughout South Korea and it’s one of the well-liked road meals to take pleasure in. In the event you haven’t had it or discovered different distributors in different places, be sure you have some right here.
육회 – Yuk-hoe or Steak Tartare
This market may be very well-liked 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 attempt it right here as a result of I used to be so full off of every thing else, it seemed completely scrumptious and I plan to return and have some. I actually take pleasure in beef tartare in South Korea as a result of it’s so flavorful and frivolously seasoned.
Soondae
Greatest often called 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 effectively. I believe the feel is what most individuals dislike about it.
Sannakji
Though you may get reside 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 the event you don’t have an opportunity to go to these locations, then you may attempt 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 a bit of little bit of salt. The octopus remains to be shifting on the plate and you might want to make use of your chopsticks to pry the shifting 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 gives a wealthy, oceanic taste. It’s a hands-on consuming expertise that captures the essence of Korean road meals.
Different choices you’ll be able to 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 – Rooster ft
Desserts at Gwangjang Market
Hotteok
This well-liked road meals in Korea and often served in the course of the winter months. I solely discovered just a few stalls on the Gwangjang market that had them, however if you happen to discover them it’s completely price trying out. It’s my favourite dessert road meals possibility in South Korea. A hotteok is a candy rice flour pancake that’s often full of brown sugar and generally 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 very talked-about donut that’s product of rice flour so it’s a bit of stickier than common donuts. They’re often sizzling and contemporary so as to be good and coated in sugar and generally cinnamon sugar. If you’re a donut lover like myself, you should attempt one among these donuts.
붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang
Now, this can be a well-liked snack amongst many Asian children. It was my favourite rising up and if you happen to aren’t an enormous fan of candy pink beans then I don’t recommend you order this. It is a fish-shaped pastry full of sweetened pink bean paste. This well-liked dish originated in Japan and was introduced over and grow to be a preferred staple in Korean road meals delicacies.
호두과자 – Hodo Kwaja
These pleasant treats are made out of a delicate, cake-like batter that’s poured right into a walnut-shaped mildew. Inside, you’ll usually discover a filling of candy pink bean paste, and generally even a bit of walnut for that additional crunch. The mildew is then closed and baked till the surface turns a golden brown. The end result? A heat, fluffy pastry with a gooey, candy middle.
Hodo Kwaja is a well-liked snack not only for vacationers but in addition for locals. It’s like a hug on your style buds—comforting, candy, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, they’re often bought in little paper baggage, 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 all the road meals distributors are usually on the primary ground. If you wish to search for materials, clothes, and extra, they’re totally on the second ground. There are just a few distributors on the primary ground down some alleyways as effectively. I’d say that the extra prestigious ones are upstairs with greater high quality, nonetheless, 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.
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 though 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)
- 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 aspect.
- Costs: Okayorean road meals costs range, 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 folks. The Bindaetteok was about 2 for 3,000 gained (~$2.50). So truthfully, it depends 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 a variety 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 traces. 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 an emblem of Korean tradition and heritage, typically worn on particular events and holidays.
Now, why must you purchase it at Gwangjang Market? Nicely, my good friend, this market is sort of a treasure trove for genuine, high-quality Hanboks. Not like the mass-produced variations you would possibly discover elsewhere, the Hanboks right here are sometimes handmade, stitched collectively by artisans who’ve honed their craft over a long time. You possibly can really feel the love and custom in each thread. Plus, the variability is astounding—whether or not you need one thing conventional or a contemporary twist, you’ll discover it right here. And let’s not neglect, the costs are sometimes rather more affordable in comparison with specialty boutiques.
Purchase Conventional Souviners
Gwangjang Market is sort of a treasure chest relating to conventional Korean souvenirs. Let’s go on a bit of digital purchasing 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 dwelling decor.
- Korean Followers: Hand-painted with intricate designs, these followers should not simply purposeful but in addition extremely stunning. They’re straightforward to pack and make for an enthralling reward.
- 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 awesome dialog starter.
- Korean Tea Units: In the event you’re a tea lover, you’ll adore the standard 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 can be remembered!
- Calligraphy Units: In the event you’re into artwork or writing, a conventional Korean calligraphy set could possibly be a significant souvenir. It often contains brushes, ink, and paper—all you could attempt your hand at this historic artwork kind.
- Jewellery: You could find stunning items product of jade, a stone that holds particular significance in Korean tradition. It’s mentioned to carry good luck and prosperity.
- Silk Scarves: These are sometimes hand-painted and have conventional Korean patterns. They’re light-weight, making them straightforward to pack, and so they add a contact of magnificence to any outfit.
- Korean Ginseng: Recognized for its well being advantages, Korean ginseng is a well-liked reward. You could find it in varied varieties, from roots to extracts and teas.
Gwangjang Market FAQs
Is Gwangjang market indoors?
It’s not situated indoors, nonetheless, 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 handle is 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 88 (예지동).
Does Gwangjang market take card?
Not usually. 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 effectively.
What’s the kimbap Korean spelling?
김밥 is the Korean spelling for Gimbap or Kimbap.
What are the perfect meals in Gwangjang Market?
I’ve listed them above, however to be brief and concise, the highest selections 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 – Rooster 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 below are some halal choices you’ll be able to think about: Gohyang Kalguksu, hotteok, 꽈배기 – Twisted Korean doughnut, 붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang, 떡볶이 – Tteokbokki, some mayak kimbap, and 물냉면 – Mul-naengmyeon – Chilly noodle soup.
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 aspect.
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