Gwangjang Market Seoul: Best Street Food, History & Travel Tips - Korea Travel Diary

Welcome to Korea Travel Diary, your go-to blog for exploring the heart and soul of South Korea! As a local blogger who loves sharing Korea’s vibrant culture, I’m excited to take you on a virtual tour of Gwangjang Market, a historic gem in Seoul’s Jongno-gu district. Founded in 1905, this bustling market has long been a hub of tradition, flavor, and community, offering an authentic slice of Korean life.

From its maze of colorful stalls to world-famous street food, Gwangjang is a must-visit for anyone craving a true Seoul experience—whether you’re a foodie, culture lover, or K-drama fan. Let’s explore its alleys, taste the iconic dishes, and uncover why this market is so special!

Contents

1. Getting to Gwangjang
2. Exploring Gwangjang
3. Must-Try Foods at Gwangjang Market
4. Insider Tips for Visitors
5. Why Gwangjang Captures Seoul’s Spirit

Getting to Gwangjang:
Easy Public Transport Guide

Seoul’s public transportation is affordable, efficient, and foreigner-friendly. With fares starting at just ~1,250 KRW ($1 USD), plus English signage everywhere, navigating is simple. Gwangjang Market is centrally located near several subway stations, so no car is needed.

💡 Tip: Download the Naver Maps app (more reliable than Google Maps in Korea) and grab a T-money card at any convenience store for seamless subway and bus rides.

From Incheon International Airport (ICN)

•   Take the AREX All-Stop Train to Seoul Station (~60 minutes, 4,150 KRW).
•   Transfer to Line 1 toward Dongdaemun and get off at Jongno 5-ga Station (10 minutes).
•  Exit 7 or 8, then walk 5 minutes to the market’s entrance.
•  ⏱ Total: ~1.5 hours / ~5,500 KRW.

From Myeongdong or Insadong

• Option 1: Line 4 from Myeongdong → Euljiro 4-ga Station (1 stop). Exit 4, then 10-minute walk.
• Option 2: From Jonggak Station (Line 1), ride 2 stops south → Jongno 5-ga. Exit 7 or 8.
• ⏱ Total: 15–20 minutes / ~1,250 KRW.

From Hongdae or Itaewon

• Take Line 2 to Euljiro 1-ga, transfer to Line 5 toward Banghwa.
• Get off at Jongno 3-ga Station, Exit 8, then walk 7 minutes east.
• ⏱ Total: 25–30 minutes / ~1,500 KRW.

Subway is the easiest, but buses (7016, 02, 1000, 77) also stop nearby. For the best experience, visit on weekday evenings after 5 PM when the neon alleys glow without overwhelming weekend crowds.

Exploring Gwangjang

Walking into Gwangjang Market feels like stepping onto a K-drama set. The air buzzes with vendors calling out prices, the sound of sizzling pans, and the laughter of locals dining shoulder to shoulder. Covering four city blocks with over 5,000 stalls, the market is divided into zones:

• East side → traditional textiles and hanbok fabrics.
• Center → fresh produce and dried goods.
• Core → the legendary street food paradise.

Hours: Open daily 9 AM–10 PM (food stalls peak 4–9 PM).
Unlike polished shopping streets like Myeongdong, Gwangjang has a raw, authentic charm—a place where Seoul’s past and present meet.

Must-Try Foods at Gwangjang Market

This is where the magic happens—street food heaven! Budget 10,000–20,000 KRW ($7–15 USD) for a feast and dive into these classics

Bindaetteok (Mung Bean Pancakes)

Crispy, golden pancakes made from mung beans, pork, and veggies. Served with soy dipping sauce (~5,000 KRW). A gluten-free legend of Gwangjang!

Mayak Kimbap (Addictive Seaweed Rolls)

Bite-sized kimbap with rice, spinach, carrot, and crab stick, drizzled with sesame oil (~4,000 KRW). Long lines = the best taste.

Kalguksu (Knife-Cut Noodle Soup)

Comfort in a bowl. Hand-cut noodles in chicken or anchovy broth, topped with zucchini and seaweed (~10,000 KRW). Best upstairs eateries.

Hotteok (Sweet Stuffed Pancakes)

Gooey pancakes filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts (~2,000 KRW). A winter favorite.

Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)

Chewy rice cakes in a sweet-spicy sauce with fish cakes (~6,000 KRW). Pair with odeng broth for the full taste.

Kkwabaegi (Twisted Donuts)

Fried, sugar-dusted twisted donuts (~2,000 KRW). Light and perfect while walking the alleys.

Vegetarians can enjoy bibimbap or japchae, and don’t forget to sip makgeolli (traditional rice wine, ~5,000 KRW).

Insider Tips for Visitors

• Best Time: Late afternoon to evening on weekdays for vibrant yet manageable crowds.
• Payment: Many stalls are cash-only—carry small bills.
• Etiquette: Always ask before snapping photos of food or vendors.
• Nearby Attractions: Walk 15 minutes to Bukchon Hanok Village or take the subway to Dongdaemun Design Plaza (10 minutes).
• Accessibility: Mostly flat, with elevators available. English menus limited—smiles and pointing go a long way!

Why Gwangjang Captures Seoul’s Spirit

Gwangjang Market is more than food—it’s where tradition, community, and modern Seoul converge. From ajummas flipping bindaetteok to young locals sharing mayak kimbap under neon lights, it’s a snapshot of everyday Korean life.

This is the Seoul I love to share here on Korea Travel Diary: unfiltered, flavorful, and full of heart. So, what’s first on your Gwangjang foodie list—crispy bindaetteok or sweet hotteok?

Drop your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to tag us with oreaTravelDiary when you visit. Happy exploring!

*Today’s post was a brief introduction to Gwangjang Market. I’ll soon be sharing my own photos and visit review, along with my personal food recommendations—so stay tuned!