đź“Ť Address: 88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
đź’˛ Entrance Fee: Free
đź•’ Opening Hours:
- General Stores: 08:30 – 18:00
- Restaurants: 08:30 – 23:00
- Clothing Stores: 21:00 – 10:00
🚇 Nearest Subway Station:
- Jongno 5-ga Station (Line 1, Exit 7/8) – 3 minutes walk
- Euljiro 4-ga Station (Line 2/5, Exit 4) – 5 minutes walk
Is the Gwangjang Market worth going? Yes, Gwangjang Market is definitely worth visiting!
It’s one of Seoul’s oldest and largest traditional markets, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a wide variety of street food, from bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) to tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).
If you’re a K-pop fan, Gwangjang Market is definitely worth a visit!
It’s not just a place to dive into Korean street food and fashion, it’s also a spot where you can get a taste of traditional Korean culture.
You can dig into some amazing street food, browse through unique fashion and crafts, and even pick up some K-pop merchandise.
Plus, there’s always a chance you might spot a celebrity, which is super exciting!
It’s a must-visit spot in Seoul that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy. Let me tell you all about my amazing experience at this historic market.
Getting to Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang Market is super easy to reach by subway. Just hop on the Metro to Jongno-5 station and take Exit 8 or 9.
You’ll be at the market entrance in no time! It’s located at 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
Trust me, you can’t miss it – the smell of delicious food will guide you!
Tip: Avoid rush hour if you can. The subway can get pretty packed!
Gwangjang Market Map
Insider advice: Grab a map at the information desk near the entrance. It’ll help you navigate the market like a pro!
Gwangjang Market at Night
Now, let me tell you a secret – Gwangjang Market at night is a whole different experience.
The place comes alive with bright lights and bustling crowds. Most food stalls stay open until 11 PM, so it’s perfect for a late-night snack run.
Also read: 5 Best Night Market in Seoul: Food, shopping, and K-pop
Must-Eats at Gwangjang Market Food Alley
Alright, let’s dive into the star attraction – the food!
Here are some dishes you absolutely must try at Gwangjang Market:
- Bindaetteok: Crispy mung bean pancakes. They’re a market specialty!
- Mayak Gimbap: Addictive mini seaweed rice rolls. You won’t stop at one!
- Tteokbokki: Spicy rice cakes that’ll give your taste buds a kick.
- Soondae: Korean blood sausage. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!
- Bibimbap: A classic Korean dish with rice, veggies, and meat.
- Kalguksu: Hand-cut noodle soup. Perfect for chilly days!
- Yukhoe: Korean-style raw beef tartare. For the adventurous eaters!
- Eomukguk: Fish cake soup. Light and tasty.
- Boribap: Barley rice with veggies. A healthy option.
Foodie tip: Bring cash! Most vendors don’t accept cards.
What to Buy at Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang Market isn’t just about stuffing your face (though that’s a big part of it!). There’s some serious shopping to be done too. Here’s what you should look out for:
- Silk and Fabrics: The second floor is famous for its high-quality textiles. Great for souvenirs!
- Hanbok: Traditional Korean clothing. You can find both ready-made and custom options.
- Bedding: The market is known for its silk, satin, and linen bed sheets.
- Wedding Gifts: Many Korean couples shop here for wedding presents.
- Traditional Crafts: Look for lacquerware inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
- Dried Fish: A staple in Korean cuisine.
- Vintage Clothing: Check out the clothing stores that open from 9 PM to 10 AM.
- Spices and Seasonings: Stock up on Korean cooking essentials.
Gwangjang Market Nearby Attractions
After you’ve stuffed yourself silly and shopped till you drop, why not explore the area? Gwangjang Market is close to some cool spots:
- Cheonggyecheon Stream: A beautiful urban stream perfect for a post-meal stroll.
- Dongdaemun Design Plaza: A futuristic landmark that’s great for photos.
- Jongmyo Shrine: A UNESCO World Heritage site just a short walk away.
- Bukchon Hanok Village: Traditional Korean houses that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
- Insadong: A nearby street famous for traditional Korean crafts and tea houses.
Hotels Near Gwangjang Market
If you want to stay close to all the action, there are plenty of hotels near Gwangjang Market. Here are a few options:
- Makers Hotel: A stylish boutique hotel just a few minutes walk from the market.
- Aventree Hotel Jongno: Offers comfortable rooms and is super close to the market.
- Grid Inn: A budget-friendly option with a great location.
- Acube Hotel: Modern rooms with easy access to the subway.
- Hostel Korea Original: Perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.
Want to discover more? Check out our full article on fun things to do in Seoul!
FAQ About Gwangjang Market
- Gwangjang Market closing time? The market typically closes around 11 PM.
- What time does Gwangjang Market open? It opens at 9 AM daily.
- Where is Gwangjang Market? Located at 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
- Is Gwangjang Market open on Sundays? Yes, Gwangjang Market is open every day of the week.
- What is the best time to go to Gwangjang Market? Late morning to early afternoon is ideal for exploring and tasting various foods.
- On what day is the Gwangjang Market closed? Gwangjang Market is open daily, with no specific closing days.
- Which market is the best in Seoul? Popular markets include Gwangjang Market for traditional foods, Namdaemun Market for a variety of goods, and Dongdaemun Market for fashion.
- How to go to Gwangjang Market from Myeongdong? Take Subway Line 4 from Myeongdong Station to Dongdaemun Station, transfer to Line 1, and get off at Jongno 5-ga Station. It’s a short walk from there.
- Gwangjang Market nearest Station? Jongno 5-ga Station on Line 1 is the closest station.
