Gwangjang Market (광장시장) is a well-known Korean road meals market positioned 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 must 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 Evening Market is when many of the motion occurs, however there are some employees that are available to eat meals throughout 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 In style?
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 road meals, however you too can get lots 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’ll find a wide range of issues from silk, custom-made hanboks, classic clothes, and conventional Korean road meals. If you’re trying extra for garments, then I extremely recommend 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 at all times been standard amongst vacationers visiting South Korea. Nevertheless, it has lately grow to be much more standard because of the well-known Gwangjang Netflix collection on Korean Avenue Meals. If you’re planning to go to Gwangjang Market, then these are the Korean road meals it is advisable to attempt 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 as compared. Listed below are a number 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 thought for these well-known and standard mung bean pancakes and all for good cause 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 standard Korean dish is finest described as a Korean model of sushi. Nevertheless, as a substitute of uncooked fish, this dish is normally filled with 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 full of consolation and taste. There are various kinds of Kalguksu you may get from seafood to beef.
This soup is gentle in taste which means it isn’t spicy nevertheless like most Korean dishes is usually served with a aspect of kimchi. Should you plan to go go to the Gwangjang Market Netflix woman, that is one among her hottest dishes and one of the vital standard knife-cut noodles att Gwangjang market – she is called the Netflix kalguksu woman.
Mandu
There are two typical kinds of mandu or dumplings which might be typical in Korea. There may be the normal taste crammed with minced meat and veggies and the kimchi mandu which is crammed with imply and kimchi. Kimchi mandu is barely widespread in Korea and it’s one among 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, nevertheless, there are locations that pan-fry them. I normally like them panfried, nevertheless, it truthfully depends upon how they’re made and what they’re filled with. The girl from the Netflix stand has each the normal 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 standard Korean road meals at Gwangjang market that’s manufactured from cylinder-shaped rice desserts and coated in a candy and spicy sauce. You may see the sort of road meals throughout South Korea and it’s one of the vital standard road meals to get pleasure from. Should you haven’t had it or discovered different distributors in different areas, be sure you have some right here.
육회 – Yuk-hoe or Steak Tartare
This market could be very standard for the steak tartare. They normally 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 attempt it right here as a result of I used to be so full off of every thing else, it regarded 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 frivolously seasoned.
Soondae
Greatest often 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 normally stuffed pig intestines. They’re fairly scrumptious however may be considerably bland as effectively. I believe the feel is what most individuals dislike about it.
Sannakji
Though you may get dwell octopus right here, I’d recommend you wait and get it at one of many fish markets in Seoul or Jagalchi market in Busan. Should you don’t have an opportunity to go to these locations, then you might attempt it right here. It’s one among my favourite dishes to eat in South Korea. It’s a freshly minimize 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 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 toes
- 닭발 – Dalkbal – Rooster toes
Desserts at Gwangjang Market
Hotteok
This standard road meals in Korea and normally served throughout 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 value trying out. It’s my favourite dessert road meals possibility in South Korea. A hotteok is a candy rice flour pancake that’s normally filled with 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. It is a highly regarded donut that’s manufactured from rice flour so it’s a bit of stickier than common donuts. They’re normally scorching and recent as a way to be good and coated in sugar and typically cinnamon sugar. If you’re a donut lover like myself, you have to attempt one among these donuts.
붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang
Now, this can be a standard snack amongst many Asian youngsters. It was my favourite rising up and if you happen to aren’t a giant fan of candy crimson beans then I don’t recommend you order this. It is a fish-shaped pastry filled with sweetened crimson bean paste. This standard 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 created from a delicate, cake-like batter that’s poured right into a walnut-shaped mould. Inside, you’ll sometimes discover a filling of candy crimson bean paste, and typically even a bit of walnut for that additional crunch. The mould is then closed and baked till the surface 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 in addition for locals. It’s like a hug on your style buds—comforting, candy, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, they’re normally offered in little paper luggage, 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 road meals distributors are sometimes on the primary flooring. If you wish to search for materials, clothes, and extra, they’re totally on the second flooring. There are just a few distributors on the primary flooring down some alleyways as effectively. I’d say that the extra prestigious ones are upstairs with increased high quality, nevertheless, 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.
How you can get to Gwangjang Market and Opening Hours
- Gwangjang Market Opening hours: Sometimes 8:30 am – 6 pm day by day however the eating places are normally 8:30 am to 11:00 pm, however I recommend you go within the afternoon or night although locations are opening within the morning, most of them are prepping the meals for the day. Some locations are closed on Sunday.
- Handle: 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 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 individuals. 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 lots 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 standard Korean gown characterised by its vibrant colours and easy strains. The ladies’s model normally consists of a jeogori (shirt) and a chima (skirt), whereas the boys’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 must you purchase it at Gwangjang Market? Nicely, 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 a long time. You may 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 overlook, 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 a bit of 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 dwelling decor.
- Korean Followers: Hand-painted with intricate designs, these followers should not simply purposeful but in addition extremely lovely. They’re straightforward to pack and make for an enthralling reward.
- Conventional Masks: Often called “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: Should you’re a tea lover, you’ll adore the normal 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: Should you’re into artwork or writing, a standard Korean calligraphy set could possibly be a significant souvenir. It normally consists of brushes, ink, and paper—all it is advisable to attempt your hand at this historic artwork type.
- Jewellery: You’ll find lovely items manufactured 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, and so they add a contact of class to any outfit.
- Korean Ginseng: Identified 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 positioned indoors, nevertheless, it’s underneath 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 positioned?
It’s positioned in Seoul, South Korea. The handle 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 effectively.
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 brief 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.
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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