Gwangjang Market (광장시장) is a well-known Korean road meals market situated pretty near the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. This conventional meals market affords quite a lot 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 need 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 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 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 Kwangjang is the outdated spelling and sijang simply means market in Korean.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 road meals, however it’s also possible to get a variety of nice clothes objects on this space. It’s thought of to be one among Korea’s largest markets and is situated within the coronary heart of Seoul. Right here you’ll find quite a lot of issues from silk, custom-made hanboks, classic clothes, and conventional Korean road 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 | In style Korean Road 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 just lately turn into much more standard 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 road meals you’ll want 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 here are a number of the hottest issues to eat at Gwangjang market.
Undecided what to eat or really feel intimidated? Ebook 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 need to return. This Gwangjang market pancake jogs my memory of potato pancakes and are heat and slightly 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 often filled with greens and meat together with carrots, cucumbers, pickled radishes, and meats like bulgogi (marinated beef), tuna, and extra. You will get quite a lot of several types of kimbap, though the smaller or mini ones known 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 full of knife-cut Korean-style noodles. This soup is nice for conserving you heat throughout the chilly winter months and full of consolation and taste. There are several types 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. For those who plan to go go to the Gwangjang Market Netflix girl, that is one among her hottest dishes and probably the most standard knife-cut noodles att Gwangjang market – she is named the Netflix kalguksu girl.
Mandu
There are two typical forms of mandu or dumplings which are typical in Korea. There’s the standard taste full of minced meat and veggies and the kimchi mandu which is full of imply and kimchi. Kimchi mandu is just 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 often like them panfried, nonetheless, it truthfully relies on how they’re made and what they’re filled with. The girl from the Netflix stand has each the standard and kimchi mandu and let me inform you, that kimchi mandu is one thing I need to return for.
떡볶이 – Tteokbokki
This can be a standard Korean road meals at Gwangjang market that’s fabricated from cylinder-shaped rice desserts and lined in a candy and spicy sauce. You’ll be able to see this kind of road meals throughout South Korea and it’s probably the most standard road meals to take pleasure in. For those who haven’t had it or discovered different distributors in different places, remember to have some right here.
육회 – Yuk-hoe or Steak Tartare
This market could be very standard for the steak tartare. They often prime 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 regarded 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 evenly 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 often 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 will get reside octopus right here, I might recommend you wait and get it at one of many fish markets in Seoul or Jagalchi market in Busan. For those who don’t have an opportunity to go to these locations, then you can attempt 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 slightly little bit of salt. The octopus continues to be shifting on the plate and it’s possible you’ll 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 affords 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 ft
- 닭발 – Dalkbal – Rooster ft
Desserts at Gwangjang Market
Hotteok
This standard road meals in Korea and often served throughout the winter months. I solely discovered just a few stalls on the Gwangjang market that had them, however when you discover them it’s completely price testing. It’s my favourite dessert road meals possibility in South Korea. A hotteok is a candy rice flour pancake that’s often 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. This can be a very fashionable donut that’s fabricated from rice flour so it’s slightly stickier than common donuts. They’re often scorching and recent with a view to be good and lined 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, it is a standard snack amongst many Asian youngsters. It was my favourite rising up and when you aren’t a giant fan of candy crimson beans then I don’t recommend you order this. This can be a fish-shaped pastry filled with sweetened crimson bean paste. This standard dish originated in Japan and was introduced over and turn into a preferred staple in Korean road meals delicacies.
호두과자 – Hodo Kwaja
These pleasant treats are constituted of a tender, cake-like batter that’s poured right into a walnut-shaped mildew. Inside, you’ll sometimes discover a filling of candy crimson bean paste, and typically even a piece of walnut for that additional crunch. The mildew is then closed and baked till the surface turns a golden brown. The end result? 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 often bought 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 all the road 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 just a few distributors on the primary ground down some alleyways as effectively. I might say that the extra prestigious ones are upstairs with larger high quality, nonetheless, 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.
The right way 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 though 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 right 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 aspect.
- 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 folks. The Bindaetteok was about 2 for 3,000 received (~$2.50). So truthfully, 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 a variety 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 strains. 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, usually worn on particular events and holidays.
Now, why do you have to purchase it at Gwangjang Market? Properly, my buddy, 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 on the subject of 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 dwelling decor.
- Korean Followers: Hand-painted with intricate designs, these followers should not simply useful but in addition extremely stunning. They’re simple to pack and make for an enthralling reward.
- 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 amazing dialog starter.
- Korean Tea Units: For those who’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 received’t final lengthy however will probably be remembered!
- Calligraphy Units: For those who’re into artwork or writing, a conventional Korean calligraphy set might be a significant memento. It often contains brushes, ink, and paper—all you’ll want to attempt your hand at this historical artwork type.
- Jewellery: You could find stunning items fabricated from jade, a stone that holds particular significance in Korean tradition. It’s mentioned 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 reward. You could find it in varied varieties, from roots to extracts and teas.
Gwangjang Market FAQs
Is Gwangjang market indoors?
It’s not situated indoors, nonetheless, it’s underneath a lined 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 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 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 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 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’ll be able to contemplate: Gohyang Kalguksu, hotteok, 꽈배기 – Twisted Korean doughnut, 붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang, 떡볶이 – Tteokbokki, some mayak kimbap, and 물냉면 – Mul-naengmyeon – Chilly noodle soup.
The right 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 aspect.
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