Kwangjang Market
Kwangjang Market
4
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Though known as a market for clothes, for those in-the-know, this market is actually a foodie’s dream. Gwangjang offers a cornucopia of cheap, traditional Korean snacks and “street foods.” Try the giant mung-bean pancakes for an authentic, affordable treat.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Jongno-gu
How to get there
- Jongno 5-ga • 2 min walk
- Euljiro 4-ga • 7 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,019 within 3 miles
Attractions
837 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- tek_m_lMelbourne, Australia225 contributionsTourist trapGwanjang market was a traditional bustling market in the centre of Seoul however it has now turned into a tourist trap. Most of the stores are repeats of each other and the prices are more expensive compared to other markets. We tried tteobokki and bindaetok there and was not impressed. Do not recommend and would not revisit.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten January 18, 2024
- NICHOLAS TDubai, United Arab Emirates10,440 contributionsHive of lifeThis covered market was absolutely thronging with life and action when we visited on a Sunday afternoon. There are a vast number of food stalls down the centre and edges cooking up all sorts of Korean treats, including fresh fish taken from tanks in front of the shops. Everywhere is noisy, colourful and full of sights. A great place to visit to grab a quick bite.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 7, 2024
- ManngaDuaSingapore, Singapore542 contributionsMarket for foodiesI went to this famous market for food. I saw stalls selling snacks and meal, but decided to go to the small restaurant instead as I do not speak Korean at all. The restaurant has the proper menu with pics that is helpful enough. The food was good enough. As for shops, there are varieties of items from fresh ingredients to textile. There are some shops selling souvenirs, too. I think tourists come here more for the food.Visited August 2024Traveled soloWritten August 10, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
2,348 reviews
Excellent
893
Very good
1,056
Average
325
Poor
51
Terrible
23
Gordonchef
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada1,102 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
Not going to same the same as other reviewers but!!!
When you seat and eat they expect you to order per person. Can’t really share and order small amount.
For example this is for the sit in small table
We are 3 in the group we wanted to just sample the food so we can try other food.
Give you 3 order gimbap rice roll 3$ per order
3 fish cake 3$ each other
2 dumpling 5$ each order
But other she allowed 1 order like chicken feet
When you seat and eat they expect you to order per person. Can’t really share and order small amount.
For example this is for the sit in small table
We are 3 in the group we wanted to just sample the food so we can try other food.
Give you 3 order gimbap rice roll 3$ per order
3 fish cake 3$ each other
2 dumpling 5$ each order
But other she allowed 1 order like chicken feet
Written November 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tek_m_l
Melbourne, Australia225 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Gwanjang market was a traditional bustling market in the centre of Seoul however it has now turned into a tourist trap. Most of the stores are repeats of each other and the prices are more expensive compared to other markets. We tried tteobokki and bindaetok there and was not impressed. Do not recommend and would not revisit.
Written January 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joshua A
36 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
Definitely a must visit for tourists in Seoul and the combination with cheap and delicious food is hard to beat. Loved the Hotteok (near the twisted donut place) with honey and cheese. Tried a mung bean pancake. And had a great dinner at one of the places for about 25,000 won for 2 people, including soju. Really nice to see prices and names of dishes before you sit down, and the food is served right in front of you. Later in the evening on weekdays it's not as crowded and definitely a nice place to meet up with friends and talk the night away over food and drinks.
Written March 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex H
Port St. Mary, UK2,592 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
We came here one evening and enjoyed some very cheap food. We loved the fried omelettes and the twizzled donuts (1,000 WON!) and this filled our stomachs for a very cheap price. The market itself is very pretty inside and is very popular with the locals. Definitely worth visiting if nearby.
Written January 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joseatstheworld
Beijing, China601 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We went on New Year’s Day so only the food stalls and a few snack and clothing stalls were open. The oil stench was strong from all the mug bean pancakes and there are dozens of stalls selling pretty much the same thing but we were too I adventurous to sit down especially when we have just had lunch an hour before that. The last thing you want is to horde a couple of seats and not consume enough.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelove58
15,618 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Have been to countless markets in different cities in Korea but this one stands out differently. Main concentration here is food . Rows & rows of cooked food stalls selling delicious no frills homecook food, complimented by many others selling tasty looking snacks. Of course one still find the usual offerings found in other markets. Place is always very crowded with tourists. If you love to bring back delicious & authentic Korean side dishes, there are 2 big & long established shops ( next to each other) selling identical stuff - large varieties ( see photos). We have tried both over previous visits, both are good. They will vacuum packed your purchases for you to take back safely. Packed all into your luggage except Kimchi ( must be handcarried ). Caution: Some customs may ban bringing kimchi in though . We had ours confiscated last time. A must go market in Seoul
Written December 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KodoDrummer
Buenos Aires, Argentina70,600 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
I walked the area, bought a few souvenirs, and then tried some of the foods offered by two of eateries. The foodies were inexpensive, of reasonable quality, and tasty. I good area to walk for sightseeing, souvenir shopping, and food tasting.
Written September 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cat fong
Singapore, Singapore19 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
Be prepared for the crowd. Lots of food options not just to dine in but also to buy back souvenirs. If buying banchan they will vacum pack them for you. Prices are Similar most stalls. No hard selling. When eating there do take note they will require each person to order a dish at least. Food comes quick and you just pass them your dishes when done.
Written November 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ManngaDua
Singapore, Singapore542 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
I went to this famous market for food. I saw stalls selling snacks and meal, but decided to go to the small restaurant instead as I do not speak Korean at all. The restaurant has the proper menu with pics that is helpful enough. The food was good enough.
As for shops, there are varieties of items from fresh ingredients to textile. There are some shops selling souvenirs, too. I think tourists come here more for the food.
As for shops, there are varieties of items from fresh ingredients to textile. There are some shops selling souvenirs, too. I think tourists come here more for the food.
Written August 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TRAVLINCOP
Henderson, NV294 contributions
Aug 2023
Kwangjang / Gwangjang Market is a great place to try some really unusual food items. Literally over 100 vendors selling their specialty foods, There are many shops have home wares also. I tried 5 different dishes there over a few visits that I have never had before and quite enjoyed them all.
Written August 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pontafuku1025
Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
日本のフードコートのように、いろんなお店からテイクアウトして、市場内で食べられるようなテーブルは設置されてますか?
Written March 2, 2024
Can we order 1 serving and share it among 2 people in this market?
(especially Yukhoe and Live Octopus)
Written April 23, 2023
They have one size only. They don’t make it smaller or have a sampler plate. The octopus vendor will sell 1 for 5$ or 3 for 10$ for example
Written April 24, 2023
Is Gwangjang or Namdaemun better if you want to get a Hanbok custom made?
Written June 22, 2022
Hi, does anyone know if we can take out or do take aways at this market? If yes, how shld we tell the store owner? Thankss
Written August 18, 2019
Indeed, it is possible. You just have to ask for it while ordering.
Written August 19, 2019
AKDReya
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Hello, does anyone know if the market is open during chuseok? Thank you!
Written July 25, 2019
Chuseok is one of the largest and most widely celebrated holidays in South Korea. A time of happiness and reconnecting as families gather, chat, and have great feasts.
Meaning not all stalls will be opened even though the website says it’s open all year round except Sundays.
Written July 25, 2019
What time are the food stalls (not restaurants) closed, please? The hours stated on TripAdvisor are 8:30 am until 6 pm.
We are planning to get there for dinner around 7 pm to try the street food. Thanks!
Written June 9, 2019
Hi, Gwangja market opens as early as 9am, closing time varies, retail shops close at about 6pm except for food shops close about 11pm. Retail shop close on Sunday except for food stalls. Since it is a market, it will be always busy.
Written July 18, 2019
Hi, would like to if it's better to visit during weekdays or weekend? Will it be less crowded during the weekdays?
Written October 4, 2018
Hi. Sorry for replying you so late. But as it's a market famous for shopping.. all days of the week. It's crowded. But lesser on weekdays compared to weekends.
Written October 17, 2018
hi, I would like find a place where to buy Korean ceramic at normal price, no touristic place.
There is ceramic area in that market? Any suggestions? Thanks
Written June 22, 2018
Hi,
Strangely, I’ve found beautiful and cheap Korean ceramic at Insadong in the tourist and commercial street where is situed Ossuloc (170 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu)
In the same side of the street but by the end, I’ve bought beautiful ceramic in a small shop where the owners are the artists built the ceramic.
Or else, in shops of the National Museum of Korea it’s possible to found also beautiful small potery pieces.
Written June 27, 2018
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