There’s a market where people line up for 30 minutes just for a ₩3,000 roll of kimbap. Welcome to Gwangjang Market — Seoul’s ultimate street food paradise with over a century of history, even featured on Netflix! Step out of Jongno 5-ga Station Exit 8, and the aroma of sesame oil and the sizzle of frying pancakes greet you before anything else. Come discover the real taste of Korea at the nation’s very first permanent market, established in 1905.
Gwangjang Market: 120 Years of Flavor
Gwangjang Market was established in 1905 during the 42nd year of King Gojong’s reign, making it Korea’s very first permanent market. It was founded to achieve economic independence after the Japanese took control of Namdaemun Market’s operations. Today, approximately 5,000 shops operate here — the first floor is known for hanbok (traditional clothing), fabrics, and crafts, while the second floor houses the famous food alley.
After being featured on the 2019 Netflix documentary “Street Food: Asia,” the market was designated as an international tourist destination, drawing approximately 10 million visitors annually. Admission is free, and an hour and a half is plenty of time to explore.
Gwangjang Market main entrance — 2 min walk from Jongno 5-ga Station Exit 8
The Atmosphere and Sights
The true charm of Gwangjang Market lies in its energy. Stalls packed along narrow aisles, pancakes sizzling on hot griddles, grandmothers calling out to customers — the vibrant atmosphere here is something you simply cannot find at any fine-dining restaurant.
The market is divided into the first-floor fabric and hanbok section and the second-floor food alley. It’s easiest to start the food alley from the east entrance (near Jongno 5-ga Station), and the deeper you go, the more hidden gems frequented by locals you’ll find.
“Gwangjang Market is where the everyday life and flavors of Korean people are most vividly alive. Sit down with a bindaetteok and a glass of makgeolli, and you’ll see the true face of Seoul.”
— Netflix Street Food, Seoul Episode
The 4 Must-Try Dishes
From ₩3,000 mayak gimbap to premium Korean beef tartare — here are the four dishes you absolutely must try at this market.
1. Mayak Gimbap — One Bite and You’re Hooked
🍙 Mayak Gimbap
Mayak Gimbap (Addictive Mini Kimbap)
Bite-sized mini kimbap rolls dipped in a special mustard soy sauce. Glistening with sesame oil, the sweet-and-sharp mustard paired with savory soy sauce creates an addictive dance of flavors on your palate.
Price range: ₩3,000 – ₩4,000
Mayak gimbap with the signature mustard soy dipping sauce
The real secret behind mayak gimbap is the sauce. It’s remarkable how such simple ingredients — carrots and pickled radish — can produce such incredible flavor. And at just ₩3,000, it’s the best value dish in the market.
2. Bindaetteok — Gwangjang Market’s Signature Dish
🥞 Bindaetteok
Bindaetteok (Mung Bean Pancake)
Ground mung beans mixed with pork, bean sprouts, and kimchi, then pan-fried to golden perfection. Bite through the crispy exterior and discover layers of savory mung bean flavor and spicy kimchi that deepen with every chew.
Price range: ₩6,000 – ₩10,000
Bindaetteok sizzling on the griddle right before your eyes
At ₩6,000 to ₩10,000 per pancake, they’re enormous — easily enough for two people to share. Add a glass of makgeolli, and you’ve got the classic Gwangjang Market combo that regulars swear by!
3. Yukhoe — The Ultimate in Freshness
🥩 Yukhoe
Yukhoe (Korean Beef Tartare)
Fresh Korean beef, thinly sliced and seasoned with sesame oil, garlic, and pear — a Korean-style tartare. The glistening ruby-red strips melt on your tongue as the sweet juice of Asian pear and the nutty richness of pine nuts unfold together.
Price range: ₩15,000 – ₩25,000
What makes Gwangjang Market’s yukhoe special is that fresh Korean beef is sourced every morning and hand-prepared the same day. Starting at ₩15,000, or you can order the yukhoe bibimbap for a slightly more affordable option.
4. Kalguksu — The Perfect Warm Finish
🍜 Kalguksu
Kalguksu (Knife-cut Noodle Soup)
Hand-kneaded, chewy noodles in a rich anchovy broth. Slurp up the springy noodles that offer just the right amount of resistance, while the milky broth — slowly simmered with anchovies and kelp — fills you with deep umami warmth.
Price range: ₩6,000 – ₩8,000
Hand-cut noodle soup made with freshly kneaded dough
Recommended Food Route
Most tourists start with yukhoe, then end up too full to try the kalguksu. Follow this order and you’ll be able to enjoy all four dishes without a problem.
| Order | Dish | Price | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Mayak Gimbap | ₩3,000 | Light appetizer! Don’t skip the mustard sauce |
| 2nd | Bindaetteok + Makgeolli | ₩10,000 | The main course! Freshly fried pancakes |
| 3rd | Yukhoe | ₩15,000 | Pairs perfectly with a shot of soju! |
| 4th | Kalguksu | ₩6,000 | Warm noodle soup to wrap it up! |
| Total Budget | Approx. ₩25,000–34,000 | Including drinks |
Essential Visitor Information
Gwangjang Market Visitor Info
Address
88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Hours
Varies by shop (Food Alley: 09:00–23:00)
Getting There
Jongno 5-ga Stn. Exit 8 (2 min walk)
Euljiro 4-ga Stn. Exit 4 (5 min walk)
Closed
Varies by shop (some closed on Sundays)
Admission
Free
Time Needed
Approximately 1.5 hours
Just a 2-minute walk from Jongno 5-ga Station Exit 8 to Gwangjang Market
Nearby Recommended Hotels
We personally scouted the best places to stay near the market. If you’re looking to spend the whole day exploring and still want to linger, these two hotels are our top picks.
1. Nine Tree by Parnas Insadong — 4-Star Pick
Nine Tree by Parnas Insadong
Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong
5 min by taxi from Gwangjang Market (1.8 km)
- 🏙️ Right next to Insadong-gil, 301 rooms
- 🍳 Complimentary breakfast buffet
- 🍸 Trendy rooftop bar
- 📍 1 min walk to Jogyesa Temple, 5 min taxi to Gwangjang Market
* Booking.com affiliate link
A 4-star hotel located right next to Insadong-gil, offering 301 rooms, a rooftop bar, and a complimentary breakfast buffet. Just a 1-minute walk to Jogyesa Temple and a 5-minute taxi ride to Gwangjang Market. With a Booking.com score of 8.6 and 9,931 reviews, it’s a well-proven choice.
2. Hotel Atrium Jongno — Best Value Pick
Hotel Atrium Jongno
Hotel Atrium Jongno
3 min walk from Gwangjang Market (200 m)
- 📍 Just 3 min walk to Gwangjang Market!
- 💰 Great-value 3-star hotel
- 💆 Spa & wellness center
- 🚇 7 min walk to Jongno 5-ga Station
* Booking.com affiliate link
For the best value, go with Atrium Jongno! At just a 3-minute walk from the market, it’s perfectly positioned for enjoying the night scene. Starting at around ₩80,000 per night with a Booking.com score of 7.8, it’s the ideal base for travelers planning a Gwangjang Market food tour as their main event.
Tips to Enjoy Like a Local
Gwangjang Market Pro Tips
Avoid Mondays — nearly half the shops are closed.
Bring at least ₩30,000 in cash — many stalls don’t accept cards.
Recommended order: Gimbap → Bindaetteok + Makgeolli → Yukhoe → Kalguksu for the perfect finish.
11 AM – 2 PM is the best time to visit.
The food alley operates from 10 AM to 10 PM. Check Naver Map or Google Maps before you go!
Wear comfortable shoes — the market floors can be slippery.
Seoul’s night skyline after a day at Gwangjang Market
So, what did you think of Gwangjang Market’s century-old history and iconic dishes? If you’re visiting Seoul, make sure to stop by and experience the authentic flavors and warmth of Korea for yourself.
Get everything you need for your trip!
Quick delivery to prepare before departure
This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.