Gwangjang Market — Seoul's culinary soul★★★
The Gwangjang Market (광장시장) is Korea's oldest permanent market (founded in 1905) and the ultimate street food experience in Seoul — made famous by the Netflix series "Street Food" and celebrated by foodies worldwide as one of the best food markets in Asia.
The central food hall is a covered alley full of stalls where market women (Ajumma) have been cooking the same dishes for decades. You sit on a plastic stool at the counter and point to what you want:
- Bindaetteok (녹두전) — Hearty mung bean pancakes, crispy fried, Gwangjang signature dish. ₩4,000–5,000.
- Mayak Gimbap (마약김밥) — Tiny rice rolls with sesame and mustard-soy dip. "Mayak" means "drug" because they are so addictive. ₩3,000.
- Yukhoe (육회) — Raw beef with raw egg yolk, sesame, and pear. Korea's beef tartare, fresh and delicious. ₩10,000–15,000.
- Kalguksu (칼국수) — Hand-cut noodles in hot broth. Pure comfort food. ₩6,000.
- Tteokbokki (떡볶이) — Rice cakes in spicy Gochujang sauce. Korea's most popular snack. ₩4,000.
Upstairs you will find vintage clothing and fabrics — Gwangjang was originally a textile market and is still the best place in Seoul for Hanbok fabrics and bespoke tailoring.
💡 Tipp
Come at lunchtime (11 am–2 pm) or early evening (5–7 pm). Stands No. 77 and 78 in the main aisle are famous for Bindaetteok. Just point at what you want — language is no problem. Budget ₩15,000–20,000 (10–14 €) for a sumptuous feast.
