Gwangjang Market (광장시장) is a well-known Korean road meals market situated pretty near the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. This conventional meals market presents 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. In case you are new to Korea or simply touring it’s a must to 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 Night time Market is when many of the motion occurs, however there are some employees that are available to eat meals through 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 Fashionable?
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 may also get lots 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 you could find a wide range of issues from silk, custom-made hanboks, classic clothes, and conventional Korean road meals. In case you are trying extra for garments, then I extremely recommend visiting Dongdaemun market.
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What to eat at Gwangjang Market | Fashionable 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 not too long ago change into much more well-liked because of the well-known Gwangjang Netflix sequence on Korean Road Meals. In case you are planning to go to Gwangjang Market, then these are the Korean road meals it’s worthwhile to 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 as 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 – greatest meals at gwangjang market
Gwangjang market Meals is thought for these well-known and well-liked mung bean pancakes and all for good motive as effectively. You’ll go right here and have one and I’m certain you’ll crave one other and need to return. This Gwangjang market pancake jogs my memory of potato pancakes and are heat and slightly crispy on the skin. It’s completely scrumptious and a should eat at Gwangjang market.
Kimbap or Gimbap
This well-liked Korean dish is greatest described as a Korean model of sushi. Nevertheless, 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 a wide range of various kinds of kimbap, though the smaller or mini ones referred to 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 full of knife-cut Korean-style noodles. This soup is nice for preserving you heat through 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 nevertheless like most Korean dishes is commonly served with a facet of kimchi. Should you plan to go go to the Gwangjang Market Netflix woman, that is certainly one of her hottest dishes and one of the crucial well-liked knife-cut noodles att Gwangjang market – she is named 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 full of minced meat and veggies and the kimchi mandu which is full of imply and kimchi. Kimchi mandu is barely widespread 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, nevertheless, there are locations that pan-fry them. I normally like them panfried, nevertheless, it actually relies on how they’re made and what they’re full of. The lady from the Netflix stand has each the normal and kimchi mandu and let me let you know, that kimchi mandu is one thing I need to return for.
떡볶이 – Tteokbokki
It is a well-liked Korean road meals at Gwangjang market that’s made from cylinder-shaped rice muffins and lined in a candy and spicy sauce. You’ll be able to see this sort of road meals throughout South Korea and it’s one of the crucial well-liked road meals to get pleasure from. Should you 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 may 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 attempt 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 get pleasure from beef tartare in South Korea as a result of it’s so flavorful and evenly 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 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 may get reside 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 possibly can attempt it right here. It’s certainly one of my favourite dishes to eat in South Korea. It’s a freshly lower octopus lined in sesame oil, sesame seeds and slightly little bit of salt. The octopus continues 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 presents a wealthy, oceanic taste. It’s a hands-on consuming expertise that captures the essence of Korean road meals.
Different choices you possibly can 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 road meals in Korea and normally served through the winter months. I solely discovered a number of stalls on the Gwangjang market that had them, however for those who discover them it’s completely price trying out. It’s my favourite dessert road meals possibility 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. It is a very talked-about donut that’s made from rice flour so it’s slightly stickier than common donuts. They’re normally scorching and contemporary with the intention to be good and lined in sugar and generally cinnamon sugar. In case you are a donut lover like myself, it’s essential to attempt certainly one of these donuts.
붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang
Now, this can be a well-liked snack amongst many Asian children. It was my favourite rising up and for those who aren’t an enormous fan of candy purple beans then I don’t recommend you order this. It is 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 road meals delicacies.
호두과자 – Hodo Kwaja
These pleasant treats are created from a gentle, cake-like batter that’s poured right into a walnut-shaped mildew. Inside, you’ll usually discover a filling of candy purple bean paste, and generally even a bit of walnut for that further crunch. The mildew 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 in your style buds—comforting, candy, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, they’re normally offered 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 all the road 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 number of distributors on the primary ground down some alleyways as effectively. I’d say that the extra prestigious ones are upstairs with larger high quality, nevertheless, 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.
The way to 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 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.
- Handle: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 88 (예지동)
- The way 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: Okorean road 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 relies on 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 lots of issues to do close to Gwangjang Market. Moreover 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 gown characterised by its vibrant colours and easy traces. 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 a logo of Korean tradition and heritage, typically worn on particular events and holidays.
Now, why must you purchase it at Gwangjang Market? Nicely, my good friend, this market is sort of a treasure trove for genuine, high-quality Hanboks. In contrast to 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 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 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 slightly digital purchasing 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 house decor.
- Korean Followers: Hand-painted with intricate designs, these followers will not be simply purposeful but in addition extremely stunning. They’re simple to pack and make for a captivating present.
- 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 ideal dialog starter.
- Korean Tea Units: Should you’re a tea lover, you’ll adore the normal 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: Should you’re into artwork or writing, a conventional Korean calligraphy set might be a significant souvenir. It normally consists of brushes, ink, and paper—all it’s worthwhile to attempt your hand at this historic artwork kind.
- Jewellery: You could find stunning items made from 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: Recognized for its well being advantages, Korean ginseng is a well-liked present. You could find it in varied types, from roots to extracts and teas.
Gwangjang Market FAQs
Is Gwangjang market indoors?
It isn’t situated indoors, nevertheless, it’s underneath a lined construction. It’s a big open area 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 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 very best meals in Gwangjang Market?
I’ve listed them above, however to be quick 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 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 below are some halal choices you possibly can take into account: Gohyang Kalguksu, hotteok, 꽈배기 – Twisted Korean doughnut, 붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang, 떡볶이 – Tteokbokki, some mayak kimbap, and 물냉면 – Mul-naengmyeon – Chilly noodle soup.
The way 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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