Gwangjang Market (광장시장) is a well-known Korean avenue meals market positioned pretty near the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. This conventional meals market provides quite a lot 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. If you’re new to Korea or simply touring you need to add Gwangjang market to your locations to go to a minimum of 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 employees that are available to eat meals through the lunch rush. Gwangjang Market is also called Gwangjang sijang and Kwang jang Market. Kwangjang is the previous spelling and sijang simply means market in Korean.
Why is Gwangjang Market Standard?
Gwangjang market is a well-liked Seoul meals market as a result of it’s the oldest market in Seoul. It’s not solely recognized for its Gwangjang market avenue meals, however you may also get quite a lot of nice clothes gadgets on this space. It’s thought of to be one in all Korea’s largest markets and is positioned within the coronary heart of Seoul. Right here yow will discover quite a lot of issues from silk, custom-made hanboks, classic clothes, and conventional Korean avenue meals. If you’re wanting extra for garments, then I extremely counsel visiting Dongdaemun market.
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What to eat at Gwangjang Market | Standard Korean Road Meals in Gwangjang market
There are such a lot of nice meals stalls at Gwangjang Market and it has all the time been well-liked amongst vacationers visiting South Korea. Nevertheless, it has just lately change into much more well-liked because of the well-known Gwangjang Netflix collection on Korean Road Meals. If you’re planning to go to Gwangjang Market, then these are the Korean avenue meals it’s essential strive there. I’ve listed Gwangjang market well-known meals choices beneath.
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? E book this Gwangjang Market meals tour!
Bindaetteok – Mungbean Pancakes – finest meals at gwangjang market
Gwangjang market Meals is thought for these well-known and well-liked mung bean pancakes and all for good purpose as properly. You’ll go right here and have one and I’m certain 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 skin. 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. Nevertheless, as a substitute 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 quite a lot of various kinds of kimbap, though the smaller or mini ones referred to as Mayak kimbap additionally spelled Mayak gimbap are thought of 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 through the chilly winter months and full of consolation and taste. There are various kinds of Kalguksu you will get from seafood to beef.
This soup is gentle in taste which means it isn’t spicy nonetheless like most Korean dishes is commonly served with a aspect of kimchi. In the event you plan to go go to the Gwangjang Market Netflix woman, that is one in all her hottest dishes and probably the most well-liked knife-cut noodles att Gwangjang market – she is called the Netflix kalguksu woman.
Mandu
There are two typical forms of mandu or dumplings which might be typical in Korea. There’s the standard 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 in all my favorites to eat in Korea. They’re so scrumptious and you may’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 actually depends upon how they’re made and what they’re full of. The girl 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
This can be a well-liked Korean avenue meals at Gwangjang market that’s product of cylinder-shaped rice truffles and coated in a candy and spicy sauce. You’ll be able to see this kind of avenue meals throughout South Korea and it’s probably the most well-liked avenue meals to take pleasure in. In the event you haven’t had it or discovered different distributors in different areas, remember to have some right here.
육회 – Yuk-hoe or Steak Tartare
This market could be very well-liked for the steak tartare. They often prime it off with a uncooked yellow yolk that you just 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 all the things 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 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 may be considerably bland as properly. I feel the feel is what most individuals dislike about it.
Sannakji
Though you will get stay octopus right here, I’d counsel 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 would strive it right here. It’s one in all 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 continues to be shifting on the plate and you might want to make use of your chopsticks to pry the shifting tentacles, however actually, 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 provides a wealthy, oceanic taste. It’s a hands-on consuming expertise that captures the essence of Korean avenue 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 toes
- 닭발 – Dalkbal – Rooster toes
Desserts at Gwangjang Market
Hotteok
This well-liked avenue meals in Korea and often served through 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 price 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 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. This can be a very talked-about donut that’s product of rice flour so it’s a bit of stickier than common donuts. They’re often scorching and contemporary with the intention to be good and coated in sugar and generally cinnamon sugar. If you’re a donut lover like myself, it’s essential to strive one in all 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 a giant fan of candy purple beans then I don’t counsel you order this. This can be a fish-shaped pastry full of sweetened purple bean paste. This well-liked dish originated in Japan and was introduced over and change into a well-liked staple in Korean avenue meals delicacies.
호두과자 – Hodo Kwaja
These pleasant treats are comprised of a delicate, cake-like batter that’s poured right into a walnut-shaped mould. Inside, you’ll sometimes discover a filling of candy purple bean paste, and generally even a piece of walnut for that additional 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 middle.
Hodo Kwaja is a well-liked snack not only for vacationers but in addition for locals. It’s like a hug to your style buds—comforting, candy, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, they’re often offered 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 all the 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 properly. I’d say that the extra prestigious ones are upstairs with larger high quality, nonetheless, I discover all of them to be fairly nice in design.
get to Gwangjang Market and Opening Hours
- Gwangjang Market Opening hours: Usually 8:30 am – 6 pm each day however the eating places are often 8:30 am to 11:00 pm, however I counsel 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)
- get there: Take the subway to Jongno-5 station and exit quantity 7. Head straight and you will notice the doorway to the market in your right-hand aspect.
- Costs: Okorean avenue meals costs range, on the Netflix stall we paid 10,000 received (~$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 received (~$2.50). So actually, it depends upon the place you go and what you get. Most locations are 1,500 received 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. Apart from consuming foot at Gwangjang market, right here are some things I counsel you do whereas right here.
Buy a Hanbok
The Hanbok is a standard Korean gown characterised by its vibrant colours and easy traces. The ladies’s model often consists of a jeogori (shirt) and a chima (skirt), whereas the lads’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 buddy, this market is sort of a treasure trove for genuine, high-quality Hanboks. Not like 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 a long time. 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 neglect, the costs are sometimes rather more affordable in comparison with specialty boutiques.
Purchase Conventional Souviners
Gwangjang Market is sort of a treasure chest in relation to conventional Korean souvenirs. Let’s go on a bit of digital buying spree, lets?
- 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 will not be simply useful but in addition extremely lovely. They’re simple to pack and make for a captivating present.
- Conventional Masks: Often known as “Hahoe,” these masks are sometimes utilized in conventional Korean performs and dances. They make for distinctive wall decorations and are an ideal 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 received’t final lengthy however will probably be remembered!
- Calligraphy Units: In the event you’re into artwork or writing, a standard Korean calligraphy set could possibly be a significant souvenir. It often contains brushes, ink, and paper—all it’s essential strive your hand at this historical artwork type.
- Jewellery: You’ll find lovely items product of jade, a stone that holds particular significance in Korean tradition. It’s stated to carry 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 magnificence to any outfit.
- Korean Ginseng: Identified for its well being advantages, Korean ginseng is a well-liked present. You’ll find it in varied types, from roots to extracts and teas.
Gwangjang Market FAQs
Is Gwangjang market indoors?
It’s not positioned indoors, nonetheless, it’s underneath a coated construction. It’s a big open area with roofing which prevents rain and different climate from ruining your probabilities of consuming at this classic market in Seoul.
The place is Gwangjang market positioned?
It’s positioned in Seoul, South Korea. The tackle 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 properly.
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 toes, 닭발 – Dalkbal – Rooster toes, 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’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 notice the doorway to the market in your right-hand aspect.
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