Exploring the Vibrant Gungchon Traditional Market
- Original source
- blog.naver.com
A Market Where People Gather with Warm Smiles
Gungchon Traditional Market's 5-Day Market
Have you ever visited a 5-day market?
On September 21, I visited the Gungchon 5-Day Market.
(Market Days: 1st and 6th)
With Chuseok approaching, the market was bustling from early morning,
so crowded that there was hardly any space to step.
In just a few clicks, I could have my goods delivered to my door,
but what draws people to endure the busy market on a specific day?
Everything you need is here.
Under the colorful tents lining both sides of the path,
the stalls seemed endless.
Fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, grains, sundries...
I was able to finish my Chuseok shopping all in one go.
There were also firm, colorful garlic and chili peppers,
as well as fresh salted seafood.
I think I should prepare for kimjang at the traditional market.
“Buy flowers!”
Chrysanthemum buds are in full bloom for autumn.
I bought a few pots for my balcony.
✨ Special event on market day: A water show with long-whiskered catfish!
They swim leisurely, unaware of their fate.
Here, where memories are sold,
I enjoyed wandering among the crowd,
peeking here and there.
In front of a cosmetics store, I found a bright orange cylinder
with cotton candy-like designs.
It reminded me of the subtle fragrance of my mother's coty powder,
which I used to apply as a child, trying to mimic her.
I bought one as a gift for my mom.
The chrysanthemum bread we used to buy in front of school,
bursting with hot red bean paste that surprised us.
Even if it burned the roof of my mouth,
I couldn't give up on that bread.
I found it at the market.
When I stopped to look at a toy car that opens its door automatically,
and a puppy that walks like a real one,
I reminisced about my childhood desires.
The market is filled with warm-hearted people,
and with Chuseok approaching, the chestnuts and jujubes are plump.
I bought some chestnuts for the ritual table.
Even after filling my bag, the vendor added a few extra.
The word 'extra' always brings a smile.
I poured the chestnuts into a peeling machine,
and after some noise, they fell into the basket.
“This way, the flesh doesn’t get damaged, and they stay fresh until Chuseok,”
the vendor kindly explained.
I also bought some taro and fresh bellflower root.
The vendor showed me how to easily peel the bellflower root.
It was much fresher and more abundant than what’s sold in supermarkets.
The elderly lady wanted just a little cut,
while the vendor playfully insisted on keeping it whole.
Such heartwarming scenes are common on market days.
The overflowing basket is filled with generosity.
I bought a bunch of sweet potato shoots and a basket of fern,
handpicked and dried by the vendor next door.
Good food awaits after all this shopping.
Do you like spicy chicken feet?
How about some fish cakes fried on the spot?
I couldn't just pass by without stopping.
The smell of grilled fish led me to a restaurant with a line of people waiting.
The thick, generous grilled fish and hearty soybean paste stew were worth the wait.
It felt just like a scene from a drama.
Delicious and reasonably priced,
I plan to come back on the next market day.
I lost track of time,
immersed in the market's charm all day.
My shopping basket is filled with black bags.
I felt the abundance of Chuseok here.
This is a place full of warmth and humanity,
a market that keeps calling you back.
However, unfortunately, traditional markets are losing ground to large supermarkets and online shopping.
Once a month, let's contribute to our households and support traditional markets with fresh shopping.
Introducing the 5-Day Market in Paju:
Gungchon Market has a long history, established around the Gyeongui Line in 1906.
It has now become the Gungchon Unification Market after the integration of Gungchon Traditional Market, Cultural Road Market, and Myeongdong Road Market.
The Gungchon 5-Day Market is said to be the largest in northern Gyeonggi.
The Bongilcheon Market is a historical site where the largest independence movement in Paju occurred on March 28, 1919.
About 3,000 people gathered, shouting for independence.
Market Days:
Gungchon Market: 1st and 6th
Munsan Market: 4th and 9th
Gwangtan Market: 5th
Jeoksong Market: 5th
Bongilcheon Market: 2nd and 7th
Permanent Markets:
Gungchon Unification Market
Munsan Free Market
Gwangtan Auction Market
Jeoksong Traditional Market
Bongilcheon Traditional Market
A traditional market filled with warmth and humanity!
Enjoy the sights and tastes, and feel the charming atmosphere throughout the market.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/paju_si/224430252957
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