Gwangjang Market (광장시장) is a well-known Korean avenue meals market situated pretty near the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. This conventional meals market affords 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. If you’re new to Korea or simply touring you need to 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 many of the motion occurs, however there are some staff that are available to eat meals throughout the lunch rush. Gwangjang Market is also referred to as Gwangjang sijang and Kwang jang Market. Kwangjang is the previous spelling and sijang simply means market in Korean.
Why is Gwangjang Market Common?
Gwangjang market is a well-liked Seoul meals market as a result of it’s the oldest market in Seoul. It isn’t solely identified for its Gwangjang market avenue meals, however you may as well get quite a lot of nice clothes objects on this space. It’s thought-about to be certainly one of 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 avenue 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 | Common 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 in style amongst vacationers visiting South Korea. Nonetheless, it has lately turn into much more in style 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 avenue meals you must attempt there. I’ve listed Gwangjang market well-known meals choices beneath.
In contrast to the meals market Myeongdong, the meals at Gwangjang market is extra conventional compared. Listed here 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 in style 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 a bit crispy on the surface. It’s completely scrumptious and a should eat at Gwangjang market.
Kimbap or Gimbap
This in style 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 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 retaining you heat throughout the chilly winter months and filled with consolation and taste. There are various kinds of Kalguksu you may get from seafood to beef.
This soup is gentle in taste that means it isn’t spicy nonetheless like most Korean dishes is usually served with a facet of kimchi. In the event you plan to go go to the Gwangjang Market Netflix woman, that is certainly one of her hottest dishes and one of the crucial in style knife-cut noodles att Gwangjang market – she is called the Netflix kalguksu woman.
Mandu
There are two typical sorts of mandu or dumplings which might be typical in Korea. There may be the standard taste crammed with minced meat and veggies and the kimchi mandu which is crammed with imply and kimchi. Kimchi mandu is simply frequent in Korea and it’s certainly one of 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 often like them panfried, nonetheless, it actually 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 need to return for.
떡볶이 – Tteokbokki
This can be a in style Korean avenue meals at Gwangjang market that’s product of cylinder-shaped rice truffles and coated in a candy and spicy sauce. You may see one of these avenue meals throughout South Korea and it’s one of the crucial in style avenue meals to take pleasure in. In the event you haven’t had it or discovered different distributors in different areas, make sure to have some right here.
육회 – Yuk-hoe or Steak Tartare
This market could be very in style for the steak tartare. They often high it off with a uncooked yellow yolk that you just 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 all the pieces 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
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 could be considerably bland as nicely. I believe the feel is what most individuals dislike about it.
Sannakji
Though you may get stay octopus right here, I might 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 could possibly attempt it right here. It’s certainly one of my favourite dishes to eat in South Korea. It’s a freshly minimize octopus coated in sesame oil, sesame seeds and a bit little bit of salt. The octopus remains to be shifting on the plate and you could 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 affords 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 ft
- 닭발 – Dalkbal – Hen ft
Desserts at Gwangjang Market
Hotteok
This in style avenue meals in Korea and often served throughout 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 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. This can be a highly regarded donut that’s product of rice flour so it’s a bit stickier than common donuts. They’re often scorching and contemporary in an effort to be good and coated in sugar and typically cinnamon sugar. If you’re a donut lover like myself, you could attempt certainly one of these donuts.
붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang
Now, it is a in style 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 recommend you order this. This can be a fish-shaped pastry full of sweetened pink bean paste. This in style dish originated in Japan and was introduced over and turn into a well-liked staple in Korean avenue meals delicacies.
호두과자 – Hodo Kwaja
These pleasant treats are comprised of a tender, cake-like batter that’s poured right into a walnut-shaped mildew. Inside, you’ll sometimes discover a filling of candy pink bean paste, and typically even a bit of walnut for that further crunch. The mildew is then closed and baked till the surface 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 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 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 couple of distributors on the primary ground down some alleyways as nicely. I might 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 certainly one of Gwangjang Market’s day excursions in Seoul to get extra out of it.
Easy methods to get to Gwangjang Market and Opening Hours
- Gwangjang Market Opening hours: Sometimes 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 regardless 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)
- Easy methods to 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 facet.
- Costs: Okayorean avenue 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 actually, 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 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 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 a logo of Korean tradition and heritage, usually worn on particular events and holidays.
Now, why do you have to 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 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 may 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 overlook, the costs are sometimes far 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 a bit 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 dwelling decor.
- Korean Followers: Hand-painted with intricate designs, these followers will not be simply purposeful but additionally extremely lovely. They’re straightforward to pack and make for an enthralling reward.
- 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 an amazing dialog starter.
- Korean Tea Units: In the event you’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 will probably be remembered!
- Calligraphy Units: In the event you’re into artwork or writing, a conventional Korean calligraphy set may very well be a significant memento. It often consists of brushes, ink, and paper—all you must attempt your hand at this historic artwork type.
- Jewellery: You’ll find 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 straightforward to pack, they usually add a contact of class to any outfit.
- Korean Ginseng: Recognized for its well being advantages, Korean ginseng is a well-liked reward. You’ll find it in varied types, from roots to extracts and teas.
Gwangjang Market FAQs
Is Gwangjang market indoors?
It isn’t situated indoors, nonetheless, it’s below 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 one of the best 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 – 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 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.
Easy methods to 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 facet.
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