Gwangjang Market - Korean Street Food in Seoul

Gwangjang Market is one of the oldest traditional markets in South Korea with over 100 years of history. It’s also one of the largest, covering 10 acres with approximately 5000 shops and food stalls.

Here, the traditional Korean culture and authentic street foods are experienced. Gwangjang Market is a daily market where the locals come not only for food (prepared foods, fresh produce, seafood, condiments like kimchee) but for necessities such as kitchenware, textiles, bed lines, and clothing.

For Food lovers, there’s no shortage of street foods. There are so many food vendors selling delicious staples like kimbap (Korean sushi roll), pajeon (Korean pancake), kalguksu (hand-made knife-cut noodles), sundae (blood sausage), tteokbokki (rice cakes in spicy-sweet sauce), mandu (Korean dumplings), bibimbap and more…..

Cheonggyecheon Stream is right by the market - It’s one of the must-visit places in Seoul! Take a stroll along the stream and work up an appetite before heading over to the market.

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Here are some of the foods to try:

- Kimbap

Kimbap is similar to sushi, though the rice is not flavored with rice vinegar and sugar. Rice, cucumbers, carrots and pickled vegetables are rolled in a sheet of seaweed and brushed with sesame oil. Sesame seed is sprinkled on top for added texture.

-Pajeon

These are savory pancakes made with vegetables, seafood and meats. This market is known for mung bean pancakes.

-Kalguksu

Kalguksu is a hand-made knife cut noodle dish in clear soup broth. There is a stall which is known for being featured on Netflix’s “Street Food” episode.

-Sundae

Sundae is a blood sausage made with pork blood, rice and cellophane noodles. It’s one of the popular street foods in Korea.

-Tteokbokki

Tteokbboki is another popular street food seen all over the market. Various shapes of rice cakes are served in hot, spicy and slightly sweet red sauce.

-Mandu

Mandu are Korean dumplings. They are steamed, deep-fried or pan-fried. Fillings are made with ground pork, beef, shrimp, kimchee and vegetables. Steamed version is the most popular here at the market.

-bibimbap

Bibimbap is a rice dish often served in a hot stone bowl. “Bibim” means to mix and “bap” means rice. Rice is topped with marinated or sautéed vegetables, kimchee and sometimes small amounts of beef and an egg. The way to eat this dish is by mixing everything and adding gochujang (chill pepper paste).