When you think about your trip to Seoul, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Well for me it is Korean food. Korea is known for its famous dishes such as Tteokbokki, Bibimbap, Kalguksu as well as many other delicious food. Hence, today I am taking you to the best three markets to visit for the best Korean street food: Tongin market, Gwangjang market and Namdaemoon Market.
Tongin Market
Tongin Market is a traditional market in Tongin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.The market was first built in 1941, the market originally catered for local needs. However, today it is home to around 80 stalls and shops such as sit-in restaurants, take-away street food and vendors of every-day goods. If you are looking for Korean traditional food then this market is the best place to go. The fun and unique fact about Tongin Market is that you can buy old coins and you will be given a disposable lunch box. Then while you are walking in the market you use those coins to buy food and fill up your dosirak or disposable lunch box. Then you can go to the Dosirak cafe and enjoy your food.
More info
Operating Hours
07:00 -21:00 (varies by store)
Closed
Third Sunday of each month (Dosirak Cafe is closed Mondays)
Opening Date
June, 1941
Convenient Facilities
Restroom, customer resting area, Dosirak (lunchbox) Cafe, office, etc
Restrooms
Available
Credit Cards
Varies by store
Directions
[Subway] Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 2. Walk for approx. 700m.
Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang market was previously known as Dongdaemun Market. It is a traditional street market in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The market is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in South Korea, with more than 5000 shops. If you want to explore more about Korean street food, Gwangjang market won’t disappoint you! When you visit Gwangjang market make sure to try these popular dishes: Bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), Boribap (rice and barley with vegetables), Eomukguk (fish cake soup), Kalguksu (korean knife-cut noodle soup) and finally Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). What is a food tour without Tteokbokki!
More info
Operating Hours
09:00-18:00
Charity stores 10:00-19:00
Food street 09:00-23:00
Closed
Sundays (Food Street open all year round)
Parking Facilities
Available (Jongno 4(sa)-ga Jongmyo Parking Lot)
Restrooms
Available
Directions
[Subway]
Jongno 5-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Exit 8.
Euljiro 4-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 2 & 5), Exit 4.
[Bus]
Jongno 5(o)-ga Station Bus Stop.
Green Bus: 111, 2014, 2112, 7212
Blue Bus: 101, 103, 106, 140, 143, 150, 160, 201, 260, 262, 270, 271, 273, 370, 720, 721, N15, N26, N62
Red Bus: 9301
Maeul Bus: Jongno08
Namdaemun Market
Namdaemun Market is a large traditional market in Seoul. The market is located next to Namdaemun, the “Great South Gate,” which was the main southern gate to the old city. It is the oldest and largest market in Korea. You can find an almost every type of fashion item, jewelry, clothing, luggage, stationery, hiking gear, flowers, electronics, and street foods. Namdaemun Market offers a large collection of Korean souvenirs for those tourists who want to take something unique and fun home. Besides this market is also known for its street food. The market has also one of the oldest restaurants you can find in town.
More info
Operating Hours
Varies by stores
Closed
Sundays
Parking Facilities
Available
Assistance for Foreigners
Community lounge available
Credit Cards
Accepted
Directions
[Subway]
Hoehyeon Station (Seoul Subway Line 4), Exit 5.
[Bus]
Namdaemun Market & Hoehyeon Station Bus Stop
Green Bus: 0013, 0014, 0015, 7011, 7013, 7017, 7022
Blue Bus: 130, 104, 152, 162, 163, 201, 202, 261, 406, 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 701, 708
Red Bus: 2300, 2500, 9411
Airport Bus: 605-1
Addresses:
- Tongin Market: 18 Jahamun-ro 15-gil, Tongin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Gwangjang Market: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno 4(sa)-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Namdaemoon Market: 21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Hoehyeon-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
