Gwangjang Market (광장시장) is a well-known Korean road meals market situated pretty near the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. This conventional meals market provides 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 you must add Gwangjang market to your locations to go to at the 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 road meals, and extra. Gwangjang Night time Market is when a lot 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 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’s not solely identified for its Gwangjang market road meals, however you can too get plenty of nice clothes objects on this space. It’s thought of to be one in all Korea’s largest markets and is situated 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. 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 | 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 fashionable amongst vacationers visiting South Korea. Nevertheless, it has not too long ago develop into much more fashionable 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 you’ll want to strive there. I’ve listed Gwangjang market well-known meals choices beneath.
Not like the meals market Myeongdong, the meals at Gwangjang market is extra conventional compared. Listed below are among the hottest issues to eat at Gwangjang market.
Unsure what to eat or really feel intimidated? Guide this Gwangjang Market meals tour!
Bindaetteok – Mungbean Pancakes – finest meals at gwangjang market
Gwangjang market Meals is understood for these well-known and fashionable mung bean pancakes and all for good purpose 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 somewhat crispy on the surface. It’s completely scrumptious and a should eat at Gwangjang market.
Kimbap or Gimbap
This fashionable Korean dish is finest 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 will 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 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 various kinds of Kalguksu you may get from seafood to beef.
This soup is delicate in taste that means it isn’t spicy nevertheless like most Korean dishes is commonly served with a facet of kimchi. When you plan to go go to the Gwangjang Market Netflix girl, that is one in all her hottest dishes and one of the vital fashionable knife-cut noodles att Gwangjang market – she is called the Netflix kalguksu girl.
Mandu
There are two typical sorts of mandu or dumplings which might be typical in Korea. There may be the standard taste full of minced meat and veggies and the kimchi mandu which is full of imply and kimchi. Kimchi mandu is just frequent in Korea and it’s one in all my favorites to eat in Korea. They’re so scrumptious and you’ll’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 truthfully will depend on 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 inform you, that kimchi mandu is one thing I wish to return for.
떡볶이 – Tteokbokki
It is a fashionable Korean road meals at Gwangjang market that’s fabricated from cylinder-shaped rice muffins and lined in a candy and spicy sauce. You may see this sort of road meals throughout South Korea and it’s one of the vital fashionable road meals to get pleasure from. When you haven’t had it or discovered different distributors in different places, you should definitely have some right here.
육회 – Yuk-hoe or Steak Tartare
This market could be very fashionable for the steak tartare. They normally 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 strive 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 get pleasure from beef tartare in South Korea as a result of it’s so flavorful and frivolously seasoned.
Soondae
Finest 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 might be considerably bland as effectively. I feel the feel is what most individuals dislike about it.
Sannakji
Though you may get stay octopus right here, I’d counsel you wait and get it at one of many fish markets in Seoul or Jagalchi market in Busan. When you don’t have an opportunity to go to these locations, then you could possibly strive it right here. It’s one in all my favourite dishes to eat in South Korea. It’s a freshly reduce octopus lined in sesame oil, sesame seeds and somewhat little bit of salt. The octopus continues to be transferring on the plate and chances are you’ll want to make use of your chopsticks to pry the transferring 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 provides a wealthy, oceanic taste. It’s a hands-on consuming expertise that captures the essence of Korean road 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 fashionable 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 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 extremely popular donut that’s fabricated from rice flour so it’s somewhat stickier than common donuts. They’re normally scorching and contemporary to be able to be good and lined in sugar and generally cinnamon sugar. In case you are a donut lover like myself, you have to strive one in all these donuts.
붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang
Now, this can be a fashionable snack amongst many Asian youngsters. It was my favourite rising up and for those who aren’t a giant fan of candy purple beans then I don’t counsel you order this. It is a fish-shaped pastry full of sweetened purple bean paste. This fashionable dish originated in Japan and was introduced over and develop into a preferred staple in Korean road meals delicacies.
호두과자 – Hodo Kwaja
These pleasant treats are comprised of a mushy, cake-like batter that’s poured right into a walnut-shaped mould. Inside, you’ll usually discover a filling of candy purple bean paste, and generally even a bit of walnut for that further 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 baggage, 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 the entire road meals distributors are usually 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 counsel taking one in all Gwangjang Market’s day excursions in Seoul to get extra out of it.
Find out how to get to Gwangjang Market and Opening Hours
- Gwangjang Market Opening hours: Usually 8:30 am – 6 pm every day however the eating places are normally 8:30 am to 11:00 pm, however I counsel 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.
- Deal with: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 88 (예지동)
- Find out how to get there: Take the subway to Jongno-5 station and exit quantity 7. Head straight and you will note the doorway to the market in your right-hand facet.
- Costs: Okorean road meals costs differ, 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 truthfully, it will depend 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 plenty of issues to do close to Gwangjang Market. Apart from 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, typically 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. Not like 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 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 neglect, the costs are sometimes far more cheap in comparison with specialty boutiques.
Purchase Conventional Souviners
Gwangjang Market is sort of a treasure chest in the case of conventional Korean souvenirs. Let’s go on somewhat digital buying 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 items or residence decor.
- Korean Followers: Hand-painted with intricate designs, these followers aren’t simply purposeful but in addition extremely stunning. They’re simple to pack and make for a captivating present.
- Conventional Masks: Generally known as “Hahoe,” these masks are sometimes utilized in conventional Korean performs and dances. They make for distinctive wall decorations and are a fantastic dialog starter.
- Korean Tea Units: When you’re a tea lover, you’ll adore the standard 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 likely be remembered!
- Calligraphy Units: When you’re into artwork or writing, a standard Korean calligraphy set may very well be a significant memento. It normally consists of brushes, ink, and paper—all you’ll want to strive your hand at this historic artwork kind.
- Jewellery: You will discover stunning items fabricated from jade, a stone that holds particular significance in Korean tradition. It’s mentioned to convey 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, and so they add a contact of class to any outfit.
- Korean Ginseng: Recognized for its well being advantages, Korean ginseng is a well-liked present. You will discover it in varied kinds, from roots to extracts and teas.
Gwangjang Market FAQs
Is Gwangjang market indoors?
It’s not situated indoors, nevertheless, it’s underneath a lined construction. It’s a big open house 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 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 one of the best meals in Gwangjang Market?
I’ve listed them above, however to be quick 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 may think about: Gohyang Kalguksu, hotteok, 꽈배기 – Twisted Korean doughnut, 붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang, 떡볶이 – Tteokbokki, some mayak kimbap, and 물냉면 – Mul-naengmyeon – Chilly noodle soup.
Find out how to go to Gwangjang market by subway
Take the subway to Jongno-5 station and exit quantity 7. Head straight and you will note the doorway to the market in your right-hand facet.
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