Gwangjang Market (광장시장) is a well-known Korean avenue meals market positioned pretty near the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. This conventional meals market presents 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. In case you are new to Korea or simply touring you need to add Gwangjang market to your locations to go to not 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 avenue meals, and extra. Gwangjang Evening Market is when many of the motion occurs, however there are some staff that are available to eat meals through the lunch rush. Gwangjang Market is often known as Gwangjang sijang and Kwang jang Market. Kwangjang is the outdated spelling and sijang simply means market in Korean.
Why is Gwangjang Market In style?
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 avenue meals, however you can even get loads of nice clothes objects on this space. It’s thought-about to be one among Korea’s largest markets and is positioned within the coronary heart of Seoul. Right here you could find quite a lot 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 counsel visiting Dongdaemun market.
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What to eat at Gwangjang Market | In style 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 well-liked amongst vacationers visiting South Korea. Nonetheless, it has just lately change into much more well-liked as a result of 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 you should 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.
Undecided 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 understood for these well-known and well-liked mung bean pancakes and all for good cause as effectively. 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 somewhat 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. Nonetheless, as a substitute of uncooked fish, this dish is normally 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 known 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 protecting you heat through the chilly winter months and filled with consolation and taste. There are various kinds of Kalguksu you will get from seafood to beef.
This soup is delicate in taste that means it isn’t spicy nonetheless like most Korean dishes is usually served with a aspect of kimchi. If you happen to plan to go go to the Gwangjang Market Netflix woman, that is one among her hottest dishes and one of the vital well-liked knife-cut noodles att Gwangjang market – she is named the Netflix kalguksu woman.
Mandu
There are two typical sorts of mandu or dumplings which can 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 simply widespread in Korea and it’s one among my favorites to eat in Korea. They’re so scrumptious and you may’t go away this market with out consuming them.
Most Koreans eat it steamed or in a soup, nonetheless, there are locations that pan-fry them. I normally like them panfried, nonetheless, it actually is determined by 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 fabricated from cylinder-shaped rice truffles and lined in a candy and spicy sauce. You possibly can see this sort of avenue meals throughout South Korea and it’s one of the vital well-liked avenue meals to get pleasure from. If you happen to haven’t had it or discovered different distributors in different areas, make sure you have some right here.
육회 – Yuk-hoe or Steak Tartare
This market could be very well-liked for the steak tartare. They normally 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 the whole lot else, it seemed 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 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 normally stuffed pig intestines. They’re fairly scrumptious however might be considerably bland as effectively. I feel the feel is what most individuals dislike about it.
Sannakji
Though you will get dwell octopus right here, I might counsel you wait and get it at one of many fish markets in Seoul or Jagalchi market in Busan. If you happen to don’t have an opportunity to go to these locations, then you would strive it right here. It’s one among my favourite dishes to eat in South Korea. It’s a freshly lower octopus lined in sesame oil, sesame seeds and somewhat 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 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 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 – Rooster ft
Desserts at Gwangjang Market
Hotteok
This well-liked avenue meals in Korea and normally served through the winter months. I solely discovered a couple of stalls on the Gwangjang market that had them, however in case you discover them it’s completely value trying out. It’s my favourite dessert avenue meals choice in South Korea. A hotteok is a candy rice flour pancake that’s normally 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 extremely popular donut that’s fabricated from rice flour so it’s somewhat stickier than common donuts. They’re normally sizzling and contemporary in an effort to be good and lined in sugar and generally cinnamon sugar. In case you are a donut lover like myself, you will need to strive one among these donuts.
붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang
Now, it is a well-liked snack amongst many Asian children. It was my favourite rising up and in case you aren’t an enormous fan of candy pink beans then I don’t counsel you order this. This can be a fish-shaped pastry full of sweetened pink bean paste. This well-liked 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 created from a tender, cake-like batter that’s poured right into a walnut-shaped mould. Inside, you’ll usually discover a filling of candy pink bean paste, and generally even a bit of walnut for that additional crunch. The mould is then closed and baked till the skin turns a golden brown. The end result? 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 on your style buds—comforting, candy, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, they’re normally bought in little paper baggage, making them the right 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 usually on the primary ground. If you wish to search for materials, clothes, and extra, they’re totally on the second ground. There are a couple of distributors on the primary ground down some alleyways as effectively. I might say that the extra prestigious ones are upstairs with increased high quality, nonetheless, I discover all of them to be fairly nice in design. I extremely counsel taking one among Gwangjang Market’s day excursions in Seoul to get extra out of it.
How you can get to Gwangjang Market and Opening Hours
- Gwangjang Market Opening hours: Usually 8:30 am – 6 pm day by day however the eating places are normally 8:30 am to 11:00 pm, however I counsel 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.
- Deal with: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 88 (예지동)
- How you can 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: Okayorean avenue meals costs fluctuate, 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 actually, it is determined by 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 loads of issues to do close to Gwangjang Market. Moreover 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 costume characterised by its vibrant colours and easy strains. The ladies’s model normally 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, usually worn on particular events and holidays.
Now, why must you purchase it at Gwangjang Market? Properly, my pal, this market is sort of a treasure trove for genuine, high-quality Hanboks. In contrast to 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 many years. You possibly can 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 way more affordable in comparison with specialty boutiques.
Purchase Conventional Souviners
Gwangjang Market is sort of a treasure chest with regards to conventional Korean souvenirs. Let’s go on somewhat digital buying 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 items or house decor.
- Korean Followers: Hand-painted with intricate designs, these followers should not simply useful but additionally extremely lovely. They’re straightforward to pack and make for an enthralling present.
- Conventional Masks: Referred to as “Hahoe,” these masks are sometimes utilized in conventional Korean performs and dances. They make for distinctive wall decorations and are a terrific dialog starter.
- Korean Tea Units: If you happen to’re a tea lover, you’ll adore the standard Korean tea units. They usually 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 might be remembered!
- Calligraphy Units: If you happen to’re into artwork or writing, a standard Korean calligraphy set could possibly be a significant memento. It normally consists of brushes, ink, and paper—all you should strive your hand at this historic artwork type.
- Jewellery: You will discover lovely items fabricated from jade, a stone that holds particular significance in Korean tradition. It’s stated to deliver 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, they usually add a contact of magnificence to any outfit.
- Korean Ginseng: Recognized for its well being advantages, Korean ginseng is a well-liked present. You will discover it in varied varieties, from roots to extracts and teas.
Gwangjang Market FAQs
Is Gwangjang market indoors?
It’s not positioned indoors, nonetheless, it’s underneath a lined 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 positioned?
It’s positioned 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 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 most effective 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 here are some halal choices you may contemplate: Gohyang Kalguksu, hotteok, 꽈배기 – Twisted Korean doughnut, 붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang, 떡볶이 – Tteokbokki, some mayak kimbap, and 물냉면 – Mul-naengmyeon – Chilly noodle soup.
How you can 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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