A Weekend Visit to Gwangjang Market in Seoul
When you think of Seoul's markets, Gwangjang Market is likely the first place that comes to mind.
This past weekend, I had a chance to visit Gwangjang Market again after a long time, as I had plans in Jongno.
To summarize my experience: it was crowded, the food was decent, and it was overall a fun experience!
Today, I’ll share my honest impressions of the weekend atmosphere, food options, pricing, and pros and cons of Gwangjang Market.
Basic Information & Location:
Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Entry Fee: Free
Location Tip: You can walk from Jongno 5-ga Station.
Its central location makes it easily accessible, which is why it attracts many foreign tourists and locals alike.
When searching for “Gwangjang Market” on Naver Maps, you’ll find it right away.
When you think of Gwangjang Market, the first dishes that come to mind are raw beef (yukhoe) and fried doughnuts (kwabaegi).
There are many famous yukhoe spots, and I plan to write a separate post about my visit to 'Jinju Yukhoe' later.
As for the kwabaegi, I attempted to try it for two consecutive days, but the lines were too long, and I eventually gave up.
On my second attempt, I noticed the line was even longer, clearly showing the popularity of Gwangjang Market's kwabaegi.
Once inside the market, most of the menu items are quite similar: noodle soup, tteokbokki, fish cakes, mung bean pancakes, and more.
I chose to sit at 'Gichul's Place' simply because it was the busiest spot.
In markets, this is a common rule, right?
Food Review from Gichul's Place:
✔️ Noodle Soup: 5,000 won
✔️ Fish Cake: 3,000 won
✔️ Tteokbokki: 3,000 won
The taste can be summed up as: “A familiar and predictable flavor.”
It wasn't a mind-blowing experience, but it was satisfactory enough as a “must-try when visiting Gwangjang Market.”
The lively atmosphere combined with the market vibe added to the experience.
On a cold day, hotteok (sweet pancakes) are a must. I visited Hotteok Jjang, which offers a surprising variety of flavors from classic to nutty, chocolate, and more.
Everyone was holding one and enjoying it, making it hard to resist the temptation.
However, I always seem to spill while eating these!
The syrup was more than I expected, and with the first bite, it dripped everywhere.
It might have looked funny to others, but it was a testament to how warm and filling it was.
Since hotteok is usually eaten standing, I recommend bringing some napkins or taking your time when enjoying it.
Even in the cold, taking a bite of hotteok made me feel, “Ah, I’m really at Gwangjang Market.”
✔️ The taste was decent and quite enjoyable!
✔️ But… I ended up spilling again.
✔️ Interestingly, the dough felt a bit more like bread than regular hotteok.
— This could be a matter of personal preference.
Gwangjang Market also has options like waffles and fresh fruit juices.
The prices were reasonable, around 4,000 to 5,000 won, making it a nice dessert option.
One place I particularly liked was the fresh fruit juice stand, where they prepare juices right in front of you.
It’s these little things that make a market visit even more appealing.
Important Bathroom Information:
This is crucial to note: the restrooms inside Gwangjang Market are closed on weekends and holidays.
They are open Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 7 PM.
On weekends and holidays, you’ll need to use the restrooms at the Gwangjang Traditional Market Customer Support Center or at Jongno 5-ga Station.
Lastly, I noticed that Gwangjang Market is evolving, with taco and hamburger options available.
All meat options are priced at 7,000 won.
This shift from a traditional market to a tourist-oriented one is noticeable.
Overall, Gwangjang Market offers a unique experience in the heart of Seoul with a diverse range of food options.
While it can be crowded on weekends, the experience is still worthwhile.
It’s definitely a place to visit at least once when in Seoul!
Here are some photos from my visit:
Source :https://blog.naver.com/gydms4122/224154832827
No comments yet.
