Gwangjang Market (광장시장) is a well-known Korean avenue meals market positioned pretty near the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. This conventional meals market presents a wide range 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 it’s important to add Gwangjang market to your locations to go to a minimum of 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 many of the motion occurs, however there are some employees that are available to eat meals in the course of the lunch rush. Gwangjang Market is also referred to as Gwangjang sijang and Kwang jang Market. Kwangjang is the outdated spelling and sijang simply means market in Korean.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 recognized for its Gwangjang market avenue meals, however you may as well get a whole lot of nice clothes gadgets on this space. It’s thought-about to be one among Korea’s largest markets and is positioned within the coronary heart of Seoul. Right here you will discover a wide range of issues from silk, custom-made hanboks, classic clothes, and conventional Korean avenue 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 | 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 widespread amongst vacationers visiting South Korea. Nevertheless, it has lately turn out to be much more widespread because of the well-known Gwangjang Netflix collection on Korean Road Meals. If you’re planning to go to Gwangjang Market, then these are the Korean avenue meals you must strive 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 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 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 positive 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 finest described as a Korean model of sushi. Nevertheless, as an alternative 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 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 full of knife-cut Korean-style noodles. This soup is nice for maintaining you heat in the course of 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 that means it isn’t spicy nonetheless like most Korean dishes is usually served with a aspect of kimchi. In case you plan to go go to the Gwangjang Market Netflix girl, that is one among her hottest dishes and probably the most widespread knife-cut noodles att Gwangjang market – she is named the Netflix kalguksu girl.
Mandu
There are two typical forms of mandu or dumplings which can 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 just frequent in Korea and it’s one among 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, nonetheless, there are locations that pan-fry them. I normally like them panfried, nonetheless, it truthfully 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 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 made from cylinder-shaped rice truffles and coated in a candy and spicy sauce. You may see the sort of avenue meals throughout South Korea and it’s probably the most widespread avenue meals to take pleasure in. In case you haven’t had it or discovered different distributors in different areas, you should definitely have some right here.
육회 – Yuk-hoe or Steak Tartare
This market may be very widespread 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 strive it right here as a result of I used to be so full off of every little thing 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
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 will be considerably bland as properly. I believe the feel is what most individuals dislike about it.
Sannakji
Though you will get dwell 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 might strive it right here. It’s one among my favourite dishes to eat in South Korea. It’s a freshly minimize octopus coated in sesame oil, sesame seeds and a bit little bit of salt. The octopus remains to be transferring on the plate and you might 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 presents 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 ft
- 닭발 – Dalkbal – Hen ft
Desserts at Gwangjang Market
Hotteok
This widespread avenue meals in Korea and normally served in the course of the winter months. I solely discovered a number of stalls on the Gwangjang market that had them, however in the event you discover them it’s completely value trying out. It’s my favourite dessert avenue meals possibility in South Korea. A hotteok is a candy rice flour pancake that’s normally full of 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 extremely popular donut that’s made from rice flour so it’s a bit stickier than common donuts. They’re normally sizzling and contemporary with a view to be good and coated in sugar and typically cinnamon sugar. If you’re a donut lover like myself, you could strive one among these donuts.
붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang
Now, this can be a widespread snack amongst many Asian children. It was my favourite rising up and in the event you aren’t an enormous fan of candy purple beans then I don’t recommend you order this. This can be a fish-shaped pastry full of sweetened purple 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 constituted of a comfortable, 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 typically even a piece of walnut for that further crunch. The mould is then closed and baked till the surface 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 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 luggage, 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 avenue 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 properly. I’d say that the extra prestigious ones are upstairs with greater 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.
Easy methods 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.
- Tackle: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 88 (예지동)
- Easy methods 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 range, on the Netflix stall we paid 10,000 gained (~$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 gained (~$2.50). So truthfully, it relies on the place you go and what you get. Most locations are 1,500 gained and up.
- Web site: www.kwangjangmarket.co.kr
Issues to do close to Gwangjang Market
There are a whole lot 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 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 a logo of Korean tradition and heritage, usually worn on particular events and holidays.
Now, why must you purchase it at Gwangjang Market? Effectively, 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 many years. 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 way more cheap 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 a bit digital procuring 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 presents or dwelling decor.
- Korean Followers: Hand-painted with intricate designs, these followers aren’t simply useful but in addition extremely lovely. They’re simple to pack and make for a captivating present.
- Conventional Masks: Referred to as “Hahoe,” these masks are sometimes utilized in conventional Korean performs and dances. They make for distinctive wall decorations and are an excellent dialog starter.
- Korean Tea Units: In case you’re a tea lover, you’ll adore the normal 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 gained’t final lengthy however shall be remembered!
- Calligraphy Units: In case you’re into artwork or writing, a standard Korean calligraphy set could possibly be a significant souvenir. It normally contains brushes, ink, and paper—all you must strive your hand at this historical artwork type.
- Jewellery: Yow will discover lovely items made 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 class to any outfit.
- Korean Ginseng: Identified for its well being advantages, Korean ginseng is a well-liked present. Yow will discover it in numerous types, from roots to extracts and teas.
Gwangjang Market FAQs
Is Gwangjang market indoors?
It’s not positioned indoors, nonetheless, it’s underneath 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 positioned?
It’s positioned 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 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 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 – Hen 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 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.
Easy methods 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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