Gwangjang Market (광장시장) is a well-known Korean avenue meals market situated pretty near the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. This conventional meals market gives 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. In case you are new to Korea or simply touring you need to add Gwangjang market to your locations to go to not 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 Evening Market is when a lot of the motion occurs, however there are some staff 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 isn’t solely recognized for its Gwangjang market avenue meals, however you can even get plenty of nice clothes gadgets on this space. It’s thought-about to be one in all Korea’s largest markets and is situated within the coronary heart of Seoul. Right here you will discover quite a lot of issues from silk, custom-made hanboks, classic clothes, and conventional Korean avenue 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 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. Nevertheless, it has just lately turn out to be much more widespread as a result of well-known Gwangjang Netflix collection on Korean Avenue Meals. In case you are planning to go to Gwangjang Market, then these are the Korean avenue meals it’s essential strive there. I’ve listed Gwangjang market well-known meals choices under.
Not like 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 understood for these well-known and widespread mung bean pancakes and all for good purpose as effectively. You’ll go right here and have one and I’m certain 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 crispy on the surface. It’s completely scrumptious and a should eat at Gwangjang market.
Kimbap or Gimbap
This widespread Korean dish is greatest described as a Korean model of sushi. Nevertheless, as an alternative 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 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 maintaining you heat throughout the chilly winter months and full of consolation and taste. There are various kinds of Kalguksu you will get from seafood to beef.
This soup is delicate in taste which means it isn’t spicy nevertheless like most Korean dishes is commonly served with a aspect of kimchi. In case you plan to go go to the Gwangjang Market Netflix woman, that is one in all her hottest dishes and some of the 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 may be the standard 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, nevertheless, there are locations that pan-fry them. I often 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 standard and kimchi mandu and let me inform you, that kimchi mandu is one thing I wish to return for.
떡볶이 – Tteokbokki
This can be a widespread Korean avenue meals at Gwangjang market that’s product of cylinder-shaped rice desserts and lined in a candy and spicy sauce. You possibly can see this sort of avenue meals throughout South Korea and it’s some of the widespread avenue meals to take pleasure in. In case you haven’t had it or discovered different distributors in different areas, remember to have some right here.
육회 – Yuk-hoe or Steak Tartare
This market may be very widespread for the steak tartare. They often 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 strive it right here as a result of I used to be so full off of every part 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 flippantly seasoned.
Soondae
Greatest referred to 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 could be considerably bland as effectively. I believe the feel is what most individuals dislike about it.
Sannakji
Though you will get stay octopus right here, I’d recommend you wait and get it at one of many fish markets in Seoul or Jagalchi market in Busan. In case you don’t have an opportunity to go to these locations, then you may 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 a bit little bit of salt. The octopus remains 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 gives a wealthy, oceanic taste. It’s a hands-on consuming expertise that captures the essence of Korean avenue 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 widespread avenue meals in Korea and often served throughout the winter months. I solely discovered a number of stalls on the Gwangjang market that had them, however if you happen to discover them it’s completely price trying out. It’s my favourite dessert avenue 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 product of rice flour so it’s a bit stickier than common donuts. They’re often scorching and contemporary with the intention to be good and lined in sugar and typically cinnamon sugar. In case you are a donut lover like myself, you have to strive one in all these donuts.
붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang
Now, it is a widespread snack amongst many Asian children. It was my favourite rising up and if you happen to aren’t a giant fan of candy pink beans then I don’t recommend you order this. This can be a fish-shaped pastry filled with sweetened pink bean paste. This widespread dish originated in Japan and was introduced over and turn out to be a well-liked staple in Korean avenue meals delicacies.
호두과자 – Hodo Kwaja
These pleasant treats are created from a delicate, cake-like batter that’s poured right into a walnut-shaped mildew. Inside, you’ll usually discover a filling of candy pink bean paste, and typically even a bit of walnut for that additional crunch. The mildew is then closed and baked till the surface turns a golden brown. The outcome? A heat, fluffy pastry with a gooey, candy middle.
Hodo Kwaja is a well-liked snack not only for vacationers but additionally 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 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 avenue 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 a number of distributors on the primary flooring down some alleyways as effectively. I’d say that the extra prestigious ones are upstairs with greater high quality, nevertheless, I discover all of them to be fairly nice in design. I extremely recommend taking one in all Gwangjang Market’s day excursions in Seoul to get extra out of it.
Tips on how to get to Gwangjang Market and Opening Hours
- Gwangjang Market Opening hours: Usually 8:30 am – 6 pm day by day however the eating places are often 8:30 am to 11:00 pm, however I recommend you go within the afternoon or night regardless 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)
- Tips on how 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 avenue 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 folks. The Bindaetteok was about 2 for 3,000 received (~$2.50). So truthfully, it depends upon 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 recommend you do whereas right here.
Buy a Hanbok
The Hanbok is a conventional Korean gown characterised by its vibrant colours and easy strains. The ladies’s model often consists of a jeogori (shirt) and a chima (skirt), whereas the boys’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? Effectively, 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 possibly can 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 with regards to conventional Korean souvenirs. Let’s go on a bit 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 residence decor.
- Korean Followers: Hand-painted with intricate designs, these followers will not be simply purposeful but additionally extremely stunning. They’re simple to pack and make for a captivating present.
- 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 awesome dialog starter.
- Korean Tea Units: In case 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 probably be remembered!
- Calligraphy Units: In case you’re into artwork or writing, a conventional Korean calligraphy set might be a significant memento. It often consists of brushes, ink, and paper—all it’s essential strive your hand at this historical artwork type.
- Jewellery: You’ll find stunning items product of jade, a stone that holds particular significance in Korean tradition. It’s mentioned to deliver 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 magnificence to any outfit.
- Korean Ginseng: Identified for its well being advantages, Korean ginseng is a well-liked present. You’ll find it in varied kinds, 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 tackle 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 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 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’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.
Tips on how 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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