Intro – 광장시장
- Gwangjang Market Hours: Around 9:00 AM – 22:00 PM
- Gwangjang Market Food Stalls: Usually 10:00 AM – Late Evening
Best Time to Visit Gwangjang Market: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM for the freshest street food
Gwangjang Market was opened in 1905 and is one of the oldest traditional markets in Korea. Located in the historic district of Jongno, the market is especially famous for its lively street food alley where visitors can experience authentic Korean food culture.
Walking through the narrow food lanes, travelers can watch vendors frying pancakes on large iron pans, stirring spicy rice cakes, and preparing fresh dishes right in front of them. The smell of sizzling food, the sound of busy vendors, and the lively crowd create one of the most exciting food experiences in Seoul.
Many travelers visit Gwangjang Market after exploring nearby attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Insadong. In the evening, the market becomes even more vibrant as locals and tourists gather to enjoy classic Korean street foods.
For visitors who want to experience real Korean market culture and authentic street food, Gwangjang Market is one of the best places to visit in Seoul.
Must-Try Foods at Gwangjang Market
1. Bindaetteok – Sunhui Ne Bindaetteok
Bindaetteok is one of the most famous dishes at Gwangjang Market, and Sunhui Ne Bindaetteok is the most well-known place to try it.
This crispy Korean pancake is made from ground mung beans mixed with vegetables and fried on a large iron pan right in front of customers.
Recommended Menu
Assorted Bindaetteok Set
(Green Bean Pancake ×2 + Meatball Pancake ×1)
₩13,000 (≈ $9.8)
Many visitors enjoy ordering the assorted pancake set with a bottle of makgeolli (Korean rice wine).
Popular brands such as Jipyeong Makgeolli or Jangsu Saeng Makgeolli are slightly sparkling and refreshing, which pairs perfectly with the crispy bindaetteok.
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2. Mayak Kimbap – Mo-nyeo Kimbap
One of the most famous street foods in Gwangjang Market is Mayak Kimbap, and the most popular stall is Mo-nyeo Kimbap (Mother and Daughter Kimbap).
These small bite-sized rolls are filled with simple ingredients such as carrots and pickled radish.
Recommended Menu
Mayak Kimbap
₩4,000 (≈ $3)
They are usually dipped in mustard soy sauce, and many visitors enjoy dipping them generously for a stronger flavor.
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3. Yukhoe – Buchon Yukhoe
One of the most famous restaurants in Gwangjang Market is Buchon Yukhoe, a place featured in the Michelin Guide.
Recommended Menu
Classic Yukhoe (200g)
₩23,000 (≈ $17)
Fresh raw beef mixed with sesame oil and topped with a raw egg yolk. When you break the egg yolk and mix it with sliced Korean pear, the flavor becomes richer and more delicious.
The restaurant also serves a complimentary beef radish soup, which is deep and comforting.
Many locals enjoy eating yukhoe together with soju, which pairs well with the rich flavor of the beef.
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4. Tteokbokki – Kangga Ne Tteokbokki
For visitors who want to try classic Korean street food, Kangga Ne Tteokbokki is a popular stall inside Gwangjang Market.
One unique feature of this tteokbokki is that it includes julienned radish (mu-chae) in the sauce, giving the dish a deeper and slightly refreshing flavor.
Recommended Menu
Tteokbokki + Fried Snacks Set
₩6,000 (≈ $4.5)
This set includes spicy tteokbokki served with assorted handmade fried snacks.
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5. Chapssal Kkwabaegi – Korean Twisted Donut
After enjoying the savory street foods at Gwangjang Market, many visitors like to finish their food tour with a Chapssal Kkwabaegi, a Korean twisted donut.
These donuts are sweet and chewy, with a crispy outside and a soft, moist inside.
Popular Menu
Chapssal Kkwabaegi
₩1,000
Red Bean Donut
₩1,500
Black Rice Chapssal Donut
₩1,000
Black Rice Donut
₩1,000
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Travel Tip – How to Order Food at Gwangjang Market
Ordering food at Gwangjang Market can be a fun part of the travel experience.
Most food stalls are small counter-style restaurants. Visitors usually sit down and order directly from the vendor.
If you want to order easily, you can simply say the food name in Korean.
Example Orders (Korean Phrases)
- Sunhui Ne Bindaetteok
빈대떡 모듬 하나 주세요.
(Assorted bindaetteok set, please.) - Kangga Ne Tteokbokki
떡볶이 튀김 세트 주세요.
(Tteokbokki and fried snacks set, please.) - Buchon Yukhoe
기본 육회 하나 주세요.
(Classic yukhoe, please.) - Mo-nyeo Kimbap
마약김밥 하나 주세요.
(One mayak kimbap, please.) - Chapssal Kkwabaegi
찹쌀 꽈배기 두 개 주세요.
(Two chapssal kkwabaegi, please.)
Pointing at the menu or the food also works well.
Nearby Attractions Near Gwangjang Market
• Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace in Jongno to explore the largest royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty.
Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace – Hanbok Rental, Night Opening & Royal Guard Changing Ceremony
• Visit Seochon Village in Jongno to explore local cafés and traditional alleys.
Hidden Gems in Seochon – Secret Alley Spots and a Must-Visit Restaurant Near Gyeongbokgung
• Visit Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno for historic statues and city views.
Watch Free Public K-Pop Dance Performances at Gwanghwamun Square – Open Street Shows in Seoul
• Visit Bukchon Hanok Village in Jongno to explore traditional Korean houses.
Best Things to See in Bukchon Hanok Village – 8 Must-Visit Scenic Photo Spots in Seoul
• Visit Insadong Cultural Street in Jongno for traditional shops, tea houses, and street food.
8 Best Cultural Experiences in Insadong Seoul – Must-Try Traditional Things to Do
• Visit Jongmyo Shrine in Jongno for a UNESCO World Heritage royal ancestral shrine
Watch the Royal Ancestral Ritual Ceremony at Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul – Traditional Cultural Performance You Can See Live
• Visit Daiso Jongno here to pick up cheap travel essentials before exploring Seoul.
Cheap Things to Buy in Jongno Seoul Travel Supplies & Everyday Items
More Places to Eat in Jongno
If you want to try more Korean food after visiting Gwangjang Market, there are many great restaurants nearby in Jongno offering different Korean dishes.
• Visit a Korean BBQ restaurant for pork galbi and samgyeopsal, a great value place where you can grill meat at the table.
$15 Korean BBQ in Jongno Seoul – Pork Galbi and Samgyeopsal Best Value BBQ
• Visit a traditional bulgogi restaurant to try marinated Korean beef cooked in a savory soy-based sauce.
Best Korean BBQ Lunch Near Gyeongbokgung Palace – 30-Year Local Bulgogi Restaurant in Jongno
• Visit a dakgomtang restaurant to enjoy a warm and comforting Korean chicken soup.
Best Restaurants Near Gyeongbokgung – Healthy Korean Chicken Soup with Ginseng in Seochon Jongno
• Visit a local tteokbokki restaurant to try another version of Korea’s famous spicy rice cake dish.
Must-Try Korean Tteokbokki Set Near Gyeongbokgung Palace – Local Street Food Within Walking Distance in Jongno Seoul
• Visit a Korean fried chicken restaurant to experience the popular Korean pairing of chicken and beer.
• Visit a chicken burger restaurant for a casual and tasty Korean fast-food style meal.
Affordable Chicken Burger Near Gyeongbokgung – 7,900 KRW Korean Fast Food in Seoul
• Visit a traditional Korean hansik restaurant to enjoy a full Korean meal with various side dishes.
Must-Try Korean Traditional Set Meal Near Gyeongbokgung – Local Full Course Restaurant in Jongno
• Visit a local café to relax with coffee and desserts after exploring Jongno.
Budget Americano Near Gyeongbokgung Palace – $1.50 Coffee (2,000 KRW) in Jongno Seoul
Practical Information
📍 Location
Gwangjang Market, Jongno-gu, Seoul
✔ Google Maps
👉 Check the location on Google Maps
⏰ Opening Hours
09:00 – 23:00
💰 Average Price
₩3,000 – ₩23,000