For A Taste Of Korea's Simple Lifestyle, Head To Gwangjang Market 광장시장, Seoul
One of my top must visits when in Seoul was to head for the traditional markets. This time round, I had the chance to visit 2-3 markets, truly spent my time there, observed the locals' daily lives and immersed myself in the Korean culture.
When I was there with my friends last year, none of them were interested in cultural stuff and so I missed many chances to explore, this time round I really did what I wanted to! Anyways....
Today let's tour around the well known Gwangjang Market
As you walk along, you can spot the Jeon 전 Alley....
Jeon refers to pancakes made with ingredients such as seafood, meat ,vegetables mixed with flour/egg batter and pan-fired with oil. Really delicious! Try it if you haven't done so before. Made fresh daily in the market.
Jeon refers to pancakes made with ingredients such as seafood, meat ,vegetables mixed with flour/egg batter and pan-fired with oil. Really delicious! Try it if you haven't done so before. Made fresh daily in the market.
I was there early in the morning at about 10am, looking for breakfast and the place was already very lively and filled with people. Not just for breakfast though, it's a convenient and cheap way to settle lunch and dinner as well, since they are opened til 8/9pm daily.
Along the main food street, you will spot many stalls with benches. Just sit down at any, order or simply point to the friendly ahjumas what you want, pay and eat. Simple!
Basically the stalls are very similar and they sell almost the same stuff., but maybe slightly different prices, so look out for them.
I saw some tourists as well... And I spotted the Mayak Gimbap! The one I was looking forward to trying.
Mayak Gimbap 마약김밥, literally means 'narcotic' Gimbap. But don't worry there are no drugs in the Gimbap Instead the rice rolls are filled with pickles radishes, cucumbers, carrots seasoned with fragrant sesame oil and tasted very much like ordinary Gimbap.
They are so good and addictive you won't stop at one, so hence the name.
And I spotted my favourite side dish- Japchae 잡채! Must order.
The Gimbap was simply the best I have had in Korea so far. Simple but SUPER delicious. In addition, they gave 2 rolls' worth per portion, quite a lot actually. Happy~~~ the sesame oil goes really well with the Gimbap.
Japchae is springy and tasty.
Of course after so much carbo, I was quite full... don't estimate these seemingly small portions, it's actually very filling. For girls maybe. haha
Vendors preparing...
Kimchi Mandu 만두 if you wish.... Steamed and wrapped with meat,chives and kimchi fillings.
Ahjumas preparing the Mandu.
Around the market, you can also find Odeng 오뎅- fish cake on a stick.
Toppokki- fried chili rice cake.
Jokbal 족발 pigs’ feet .
Moving on to another side of the market is where the preserved food are sold.
You will see preserved leaves, lotus roots in chili paste, pickles seaweeds...
Peanuts, anchovies...
On another lane is the textile area, where clothing in particular, Korean traditional costumes- Hanboks 한복 are sold. Depending on your needs- custom tailoring or ready-made ones, the choices are endless. I think the prices are quite reasonable as well.
Pretty Hanboks!!
Children's Hanboks are so adorable!
CUTE!!!! So tiny with such exquisite crafting and designs.
Shoes to match.
Moving onto another lane, raw fresh fishes are on sales.
Boribap is another dining highlight and makes a healthy meal. Barley rice mixed with different vegetables and mixed with sauce. I have eaten it elsewhere in Korea before but it would be much cheaper in the market.
To get to Gwangjang Market 광장시장
Subway line 3 to Dongguk Univ. Station, exit 3. On the left after exiting you will spot this huge sign across the street. Just cross over and you will reach the market.
Opens from morning till around 9pm.
Bye for now, stay tuned for more!
9 comments
Going for the first time to Korea, or dreaming about the trip? To make your trip to Korea hassle-free and memorable, you should take some time in planning and having a little knowledge how to conduct yourself.
ReplyDeleteTravel Tips
I'm so happy that your trip to Korea seems memorable.
ReplyDeleteBUT in your post, there is wrong word
It is '광장시장' NOT '관장시장'
'관장' means enema.
thanks I have since made the changes!
DeletePeople say to take Jongno 5-ga station (subway line 1), exit 8 to get to the market,
ReplyDeleteyou said Subway line 3 to Dongguk Univ. Station, exit 3.
Which is correct?
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