Do you want a unique shopping experience in Korea? Then you should visit Korean traditional markets where you can find fresh meat and vegetables, delicious food, affordable clothes and variety of household items.
Must-Visit Traditional Markets in Korea
These are some of the traditional markets in Korea (Seoul, Busan, Daejeon) that you must visit.
Mangwon Market (Seoul)
Mangwon market is a traditional market in Seoul that is near the Han River Park. It is also a walking distance from two entertainment agencies in Korea โ YG Entertainment and WM Entertainment. To learn more about Mangwon market, click here.
How to get there
- Take a subway and get off at Mangwon station, Exit 2.
- From Mangwon station exit 2, Mangwon traditional market is just a walking distance.
Bupyeong Kkangtong Market (Busan)
Bupyeong Kkangtong Market was formed in 1910s by a voluntary gathering of the market merchants. This market has over a hundred years of history and it continues to serve the local people of Busan. Its name Kkangtong literally means โtin canโ. It is because the market had a variety of imported canned goods from the United States. These goods were primarily for the US forces stationed in Korea during the war. It was used to be the main source of all foreign products in the country such as imported liquor, clothes, ornaments, accessories, fashion items and electronic goods. To learn more about Bupyeong Kkangtong market, click here.
How to get there
- Take a subway and get off at Jagalchi Station (Busan Subway Line 1). Then find your way out to Exit 7.
- Form Exit 7, walk straight then turn on your first left. Walk straight for approximately 340 meters.
- Turn left and walk for about 115 meters and you will find it on your right.
Gukje Market (Busan)
Gukje Market is one of Koreaโs largest markets and quite similar to Namdaemun Market in Seoul. It is dubbed as โall-in-one-marketโ for it sells a wide variety of products such as food, clothing and even appliances and electronic items. Gukje Market is also close to Bupyeong Kkangtong Market. To learn more about Gukje market, click here.
How to get there
- Take a subway and get off at Jagalchi Station (line 1) Exit 7.
- Walk 225 meters toward Daecheong-dong for about 5 minutes.
Jungang Market (Daejeon)
If you are in Daejeon, make sure to drop by Jungang Market. It is close to Daejeon Sky Road which is one of the most famous shopping center in the city. You can find fresh meat and vegetables, affordable clothes and a lot more when you visit this market!
How to get there
- Take Daejeon subway and get off at Daejeon Station, Exit 1.
- Walk for about 5 minutes (280 meters) and go to the other side of the road.
Mode of Payment in Traditional Markets
Even though cards are widely used in Korea, cash is still king especially when you go to Korean traditional markets. Not all stores and vendors accept cards so make sure to have readily available cash with you when you visit a traditional market. In the event that you forget to bring, you can just withdraw cash from nearby ATMs.
Moreover, you can also use Onnuri Gift certificate in some stores. The Korean government is actually promoting traditional market tourism through the usage of Onnuri certificate. They even give discounts to companies who buy this certificate in bulk. In addition, they usually give this certificate as a prize for some of the contests that they are holding in Korea.
Traditional Markets versus Supermarkets
In general, I can say that the meat and vegetables from traditional markets are fresher than those that are available at big supermarkets. It is because most of the supplies from these markets are directly from the farmers and meat producers. Especially when you visit traditional markets in the provinces, you can see the difference from the items that they sell in big supermarkets.
For the price, there are some items that are cheaper in the traditional markets than supermarkets like the fruits and vegetables. Some of these markets also have mini supermarkets which sell merchandise similar to the big supermarkets. But as an observation, the price of items from these mini supermarkets are a little bit more expensive than those from big supermarkets.
Other Important Reminders
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
- Bring your own shopping (eco) bags.
- Bring cash as much as possible.
- You can ask for discount in some stores.
- Be respectful to the local market vendors.
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