Gwangjang Market is one of Seoul’s oldest and most bustling traditional markets, drawing locals and tourists alike for its incredible street food and dry goods selection. This vibrant market offers an authentic taste of Korean cuisine, featuring stalls that serve everything from savory snacks to hearty meals. Gwangjang Market is a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Seoul’s culinary culture!
A Brief History of Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang Market, originally called Dongdaemun Market, was established in 1905, making it one of Korea's first permanent markets. During that era, most marketplaces in Seoul were temporary or open-air, limited to specific days or locations. Gwangjang Market was unique because it was the first to operate daily, aiming to provide a stable, reliable source of goods to locals.
Located near the Dongdaemun Gate, the market’s name was later changed to Gwangjang Market in 1960. The name “Gwangjang” symbolizes vastness and durability, reflecting the market's ambition to be a central hub for trade and commerce in Seoul. Over the years, Gwangjang Market became renowned for its textile and fabric sales, and it remains one of Korea’s largest textile markets even today.
Why is it Called “Kwang Jang Market” on the Main Board?
When you arrive at Gwangjang Market, you’ll notice the sign reads “Kwang Jang Market.” This is due to an alternate romanization of Korean sounds, where the letter "G" can be interchangeable with "K" in certain dialects or older transliterations. While modern signage often uses “Gwangjang” for easier consistency in English, older signs and historical contexts might still use “Kwangjang.” Rest assured, whether it’s spelled with a “K” or a “G,” it’s the same market filled with incredible flavors and experiences!
A Culinary Journey at Gwangjang Market
The heart of Gwangjang Market is its food alley, where the aromas of sizzling dishes, freshly prepared ingredients, and unique spices create an unforgettable atmosphere. Popular dishes include:
- Sundae (Korean Blood Sausage): A staple in Korean cuisine, Gwangjang's sundae is served hot, fresh, and packed with flavor.
- Fish Cake (Odeng): A comforting street food favorite, each bite of fish cake is both savory and satisfying.
- Gimbap: Made with rice, vegetables, and sometimes seafood or meat, Gimbap rolls are an ideal grab-and-go snack.
- Mandu (Dumplings): These Korean dumplings are often steamed or fried, stuffed generously, and served hot.
- Pork Leg (Jokbal): Rich and tender, Gwangjang Market’s pork leg is a delicious treat that draws plenty of attention.
A Unique Seating Experience
Seats are limited, with diners arranged around each cooking station, forming a kind of ‘queue seating’ system. This setup allows new customers to rotate in as others leave, making it an excellent way to meet locals and experience Korea’s communal dining culture. Watching the cooks work in such a compact space is truly impressive. Despite limited space, they manage to prepare, cook, serve, and even wash dishes efficiently!
Discover the Dry Market
Beyond the food stalls, Gwangjang Market is also famous for its dry market section, where you can find high-quality dried fruits, seaweed, and other popular Korean ingredients. I picked up some delicious dried fruits and seaweed here, perfect for souvenirs or as travel snacks.
A Traveler’s Perspective
Though some blogs and reviews may suggest skipping market dining, I would highly recommend trying a meal at Gwangjang Market. The food here is surprisingly delicious, served hot, and very reasonably priced for such an iconic spot. As a tourist, eating at the market is a memorable experience that lets you taste genuine flavors and experience the warmth of Seoul’s local food scene.
Navigating to Gwangjang Market with Naver Map
Using Naver Map can sometimes be tricky, as it might re-route to the current location instead of guiding precisely to the destination. If you find this happening, try refreshing your location in the app or use the nearby landmarks feature to select a well-known location near Gwangjang Market for a more accurate route. Alternatively, double-check the market’s location on Google Maps or ask locals nearby, as many people in the area are familiar with the market and can help guide you there.
Review Details
RATING | PERNILAIAN | 评分
CUISINES | MAKANAN | 餐
🧡 5/5
Korean
PRICE | HARGA | 价格范围
MEALS | MAKAN PADA | 進餐
SGD10-15
Breakfast, Lunch
RATING | PERNILAIAN | 评分 | CUISINES | MAKANAN | 餐 |
🧡 5/5 | Korean |
|
|
PRICE | HARGA | 价格范围 | MEALS | MAKAN PADA | 進餐 |
SGD10-15 | Breakfast, Lunch |
When and Where
The reviews of Gwangjang Market (광장시장) reflect my personal experience and observations during my visit. I genuinely hope that sharing these reviews can be of help to you.
Ulasan tentang Gwangjang Market (광장시장) mencerminkan pengalaman dan pemerhatian peribadi saya semasa lawatan saya. Saya ikhlas berharap dengan perkongsian ulasan ini dapat membantu anda.
Gwangjang Market (광장시장) 的评论是基于我个人在访问当天的感受和情景。我真心希望这些评论能对您有所帮助。
