Gwangjang Market (광장시장) is a well-known Korean avenue meals market situated pretty near the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. This conventional meals market provides quite a lot 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 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 avenue meals, and extra. Gwangjang Night time Market is when a lot of the motion occurs, however there are some staff that are available in to eat meals through the lunch rush. Gwangjang Market is also called Gwangjang sijang and Kwang jang Market. Kwangjang is the outdated spelling and sijang simply means market in Korean.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’s not solely identified for its Gwangjang market avenue meals, however you can too get numerous 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 yow will discover quite a lot of issues from silk, custom-made hanboks, classic clothes, and conventional Korean avenue meals. If you’re trying extra for garments, then I extremely counsel visiting Dongdaemun market.
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What to eat at Gwangjang Market | Common Korean Avenue Meals in Gwangjang market
There are such a lot of nice meals stalls at Gwangjang Market and it has all the time been widespread amongst vacationers visiting South Korea. Nonetheless, it has not too long ago grow to be much more widespread as a result of well-known Gwangjang Netflix collection on Korean Avenue Meals. If you’re planning to go to Gwangjang Market, then these are the Korean avenue meals it is advisable attempt 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 as compared. Listed below are among the hottest issues to eat at Gwangjang market.
Unsure 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 understood for these well-known and widespread mung bean pancakes and all for good purpose as properly. 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 just a little crispy on the skin. It’s completely scrumptious and a should eat at Gwangjang market.
Kimbap or Gimbap
This widespread Korean dish is finest described as a Korean model of sushi. Nonetheless, as an alternative 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 will get quite a lot 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 crammed with 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 will get from seafood to beef.
This soup is gentle in taste that means it isn’t spicy nonetheless 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 one in all her hottest dishes and probably the most widespread knife-cut noodles att Gwangjang market – she is called the Netflix kalguksu woman.
Mandu
There are two typical varieties of mandu or dumplings which might be typical in Korea. There’s 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 in all 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 normally like them panfried, nonetheless, it truthfully will depend on how they’re made and what they’re filled with. 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 widespread Korean avenue meals at Gwangjang market that’s product of cylinder-shaped rice desserts and coated in a candy and spicy sauce. You may see one of these avenue meals throughout South Korea and it’s probably the most widespread avenue meals to take pleasure in. Should 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 widespread 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 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 evenly seasoned.
Soondae
Finest generally 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 properly. I feel the feel is what most individuals dislike about it.
Sannakji
Though you will get stay octopus right here, I might counsel 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 can attempt it right here. It’s one in all my favourite dishes to eat in South Korea. It’s a freshly lower octopus coated in sesame oil, sesame seeds and just a little little bit of salt. The octopus remains to be transferring on the plate and you could 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 avenue 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 – Hen toes
Desserts at Gwangjang Market
Hotteok
This widespread avenue meals in Korea and normally served through 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 price testing. It’s my favourite dessert avenue meals choice in South Korea. A hotteok is a candy rice flour pancake that’s normally filled with 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 product of rice flour so it’s just a little stickier than common donuts. They’re normally scorching and contemporary with a view to be good and coated in sugar and generally cinnamon sugar. If you’re a donut lover like myself, it’s essential to attempt one in all these donuts.
붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang
Now, it is a widespread snack amongst many Asian youngsters. It was my favourite rising up and if you happen to aren’t an enormous fan of candy pink beans then I don’t counsel you order this. It is a fish-shaped pastry filled with sweetened pink bean paste. This widespread dish originated in Japan and was introduced over and grow to be a preferred staple in Korean avenue meals delicacies.
호두과자 – Hodo Kwaja
These pleasant treats are produced from 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 generally even a piece of walnut for that further crunch. The mildew is then closed and baked till the skin turns a golden brown. The outcome? A heat, fluffy pastry with a gooey, candy heart.
Hodo Kwaja is a well-liked snack not only for vacationers but additionally 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 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 just a few distributors on the primary ground down some alleyways as properly. I might say that the extra prestigious ones are upstairs with increased high quality, nonetheless, 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.
The way to get to Gwangjang Market and Opening Hours
- Gwangjang Market Opening hours: Sometimes 8:30 am – 6 pm each day however the eating places are normally 8:30 am to 11:00 pm, however I counsel 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.
- Tackle: 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: Okayorean avenue 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 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 numerous issues to do close to Gwangjang Market. In addition to consuming foot at Gwangjang market, right here are some things I counsel 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 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 do you have to purchase it at Gwangjang Market? Effectively, my pal, 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 overlook, the costs are sometimes far more cheap 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 just a little digital purchasing 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 are usually not simply practical but additionally extremely stunning. They’re simple to pack and make for an enthralling 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 an incredible 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 can 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 is advisable attempt your hand at this historic artwork type.
- Jewellery: You could find stunning items product of jade, a stone that holds particular significance in Korean tradition. It’s stated 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 could find it in numerous varieties, from roots to extracts and teas.
Gwangjang Market FAQs
Is Gwangjang market indoors?
It’s not situated indoors, nonetheless, it’s beneath 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 tackle 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 properly.
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 toes, 닭발 – Dalkbal – Hen 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 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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