Are you looking for the best Seoul markets to visit? Then continue reading this article, because we’re going to introduce the top ten famous Seoul street markets so that you can enjoy trying our local Korean food right away! You’ll also find some must-eat restaurants in Seoul on this list!
1. 서울 광장시장 (Seoul Gwangjang Market) — (map)
When Koreans think of the famous Korean street market in Seoul, 광장시장 (Gwangjang market) is the first thing that comes to mind. This place is well-known by locals, and of course by tourists. The market has been open for more than 100 years, and you’ll instantly love the place because of the atmosphere and the vibe from the people in the market. Further, this place gives off a very vintage feeling.
Just go around the market and feel free to take a seat if you find a spot for dining. The price is affordable as well and only cash is accepted, so prepare some cash before heading to this market.
Popular Food at Gwangjang Market
※ Click the links below for more information about the food.
- 빈대떡 (Bindae-tteok) — Korean-style pancake from Pyongan province [Image]
- 마약김밥 (mayakgimbap) — bite-size Gimbap [Image]
- 곱창 (gopchang) — grilled intestines of cattle [Image]
- 수수부꾸미 (susubukkumi) — pan-fried tteok made with glutinous rice flour [Image]
Touristic Areas Near Gwangjang Market:
※ Click the names below to check the locations.
- 인사동 (Insa-dong) — Location
- 창덕궁 (Changdeokgung) — Location
- 창경궁 (Changgyeonggung) — Location
- 청계천 (Cheonggyecheon) — Location
2. 서울 망원시장 (seoul mangwonsijang) — (map)
This place was introduced in a very famous TV show called “I Live Alone” and since then this market has become a lot more popular. This is a very local place (perhaps not known to tourists) so if you want to blend in with the locals, this place is a must-go.
Popular Food:
- 칼국수 (kalguksu) — “seafood noodle soup” [Image]
- 곰탕 (gomtang) — “oxtail soup” [Image]
- 김밥 (gimbap) — “rice and different ingredients wrapped in dried seaweed” [Image]
- 오징어튀김 (ojingeotwigim) — “fried squid” [Image]
- 족발 (jokbal) — “pig’s trotters cooked with soy sauce and spice” [Image]
- 크로켓 (keuroket) — “croquette” [Image]
- 닭강정 (dalgangjeong) — “sweet crispy fried chicken” [Image]
Touristic Areas:
3. 서울 구로시장 (seoul gurosijang) — (map)
If you’re into vintage style, then 서울 구로시장 (seoul gurosijang) is a must-go spot in Seoul. It has a mixture of past and modern style and is famous for selling clothes, foods, tools, and ingredients that you can hardly find in any other supermarkets in Seoul. Want to go treasure hunting? Then you must go to 서울 구로시장 (seoul gurosijang)!
Popular Food:
- 떡볶이 (tteokbokki) — “rice cake with gochujang sauce and vegetables” [Image]
- 크레페 (keurepe) — “Korean-style crepe” [Image]
- 못난이 찹쌀 꽈배기 (monnani chapssal kkwabaegi) — “twisted donuts covered in sugar” [Image]
- 순댓국 (sundaetguk) — “black pudding soup served in ttukbaegi” [Image]
Touristic Areas:
4. 서울 세종마을음식문화거리 (seoul sejongmaeureumsingmunhwageori) — (map)
This place isn’t listed on Google Maps, but it’s very easy to find. The place is located between exit 3 and 4 from 경복궁역 (gyeongbokgungyeok) or “Gyeongbok station.” In addition, there are signs in different languages explaining where to go so you won’t get lost. This place is great for trying different kinds of traditional Korean foods and drinks at an affordable price.
Do you want to experience a glimpse of what young local people have for dinner with their colleagues or friends? Then try this place.
Popular Food:
- 곱창 (gopchang) — “grilled intestines of cattle” [Image]
- 칼국수 (kalguksu) — “seafood noodle soup” [Image]
- 수제비 (sujebi) — “hand-pulled dough soup” [Image]
- 쪽갈비 (jjokgalbi) — “Korean grilled ribs” [Image]
- 쭈꾸미 (jjukkumi) — Amphioctopus fangsiao [Image]
- 막걸리 (makgeolli) — a Korean alcoholic beverage [Image]
Touristic Areas:
- 광화문 (gwanghwamun) — Location
- 사직공원 (sajikgongwon) — Location
- 세종로공원 (sejongnogongwon) — Location
- 경희궁 (gyeonghuigung) — Location
- 창덕궁 (changdeokgung) — Location
5. 서울 수유재래시장 (seoul suyujaeraesijang) — (map)
Three different markets are congregated in this market, so you can buy souvenirs for your friends, buy clothing for yourself and others, and most importantly, eat traditional Korean foods. Also, since this place is well-known by many tourists, information is available in four different languages so you won’t have any problem getting around this market.
Popular Food:
- 꽈배기 (kkwabaegi) — “twisted donuts covered in sugar” [Image]
- 찹쌀도넛 (chapssal doughnut) — “Korean doughnuts made with glutinous rice flour” [Image]
- 족발 (jokbal) — “pig’s trotters cooked with soy sauce and spice” [Image]
- 김 (gim) — “dried seaweed” [Image]
Touristic Areas:
- 북한산 둘레길 (bukansan dullegil) — Location
- 성북예술창작센터 (seongbungnyesulchangjaksenteo) — Location
- 화계사 템플스테이 (hwagyesa tempeulseutei) — Location
6. 서울 동대문시장 (seoul dongdaemunsijang) — (map)
동대문시장 (dongdaemunsijang) is the must-go place if you love going shopping. You can negotiate prices and even enjoy shopping in the late evening. There are many street foods around the shopping mall and many shops are located in this area. In addition, you’ll see many free events such as dance competitions for entertainment, so don’t miss out on this.
Popular Food:
- 생선구이 (saengseongui) — “grilled fish” [Image]
- 엘에이 김밥 (LA Gimbap) — “LA Gimbap” [Image]
- 떡볶이 (tteokbokki) — “rice cake with gochujang sauce and vegetables” [Image]
- 불닭 (buldal) — “spicy barbecued chicken dish” [Image]
Touristic Areas:
- 남산타워 (namsantawo) — Location
- 청계천 (cheonggyecheon) — Location
- 덕수궁 (deoksugung) — Location
- 창경궁 (changgyeonggung) — Location
- 종묘 (jongmyo) — Location
7. 서울 경동시장 (seoul gyeongdongsijang) — (map)
If you’re into health, then this place is a must-go. It was built in 1960 and is specialized in selling all sorts of ingredients for oriental medicine. It’s the biggest ginseng market in South Korea. If you’re interested in oriental medicines, then you can try to visit 한의약박물관 (hanuiyakbangmulgwan) or the “Herb Medicine Museum” to learn about herbs in detail. Also keep in mind that 오미요리연구소 (omiyoriyeongu) or “OME Korean Cooking Class” organizes cooking classes, using different herbs.
Popular Food:
- 울금 (ulgeum) — “Turmeric” [Image]
- 산수유 (sansuyu) — “Cornus officinalis” [Image]
- 구기자 (gugija) — “goji” [Image]
Touristic Areas:
- 한의약박물관 (hanuiyakbangmulgwan) — “Herb Medicine Museum” [Location]
- 오미요리연구소 (omiyoriyeongu) — “OME Korean Cooking Class” [Location]
8. 방산시장 (bangsansijang) — (map)
At 방산시장 (bangsansijang), you can buy many DIY materials such as wrapping paper, baking tools, and candles. If you’re into buying tools or any ingredients to make candles or soaps with, this place is the best market to go to, since the price is more affordable than other places.
There’s a very famous restaurant here which has been open for more than sixty years that makes ox bone soup. Also, there’s another famous restaurant which has been open for more than fifty years and this restaurant makes noodles in cold soybean soup. So try them out too.
Popular Food:
- 삼겹살 (samgyeopsal) — “grilled pork belly” [Image]
- 김치찌개 (gimchijjigae) — “Kimchi stew” [Image]
- 설렁탕 (seolleongtang) — “ox bone soup” [Image]
- 콩국수 (kongguksu) — “noodles in cold soybean soup” [Image]
Touristic Areas:
- 종묘정전 (jongmyojeongjeon) — Location
- 훈련원공원 (hullyeonwongongwon) — Location
- 동대문역사문화공원 (dongdaemunyeoksamunhwagongwon) — Location
9. 남대문시장 (namdaemunsijang) — (map)
This market has been open for more than 600 years and therefore many tourists from around the world visit this historical market in Seoul. The great thing about this place is that you can compare different products and prices freely and you’re able to buy stuff at a reasonable price. Since the Seoul Olympics in 1988, 갈치조림 (galchijorim) or “simmered largehead hairtail” has been the most popular dish at this market, so try it out when you can.
Popular Food:
- 갈치조림 (galchijorim) — “simmered largehead hairtail” [Image]
- 칼국수 (kalguksu) — “seafood noodle soup” [Image]
- 꼬리곰탕 (kkorigomtang) — “ox tail soup” [Image]
Touristic Areas:
- 덕수궁 (deoksugung) — Location
- 남산타워 (namsantawo) — Location
- 청계천 (Cheonggyecheon) — Location
- 인사동 (Insa-dong) — Location
10. 돈암시장 (donamsijang) — (map)
돈암시장 (donamsijang) was established in the 1970s and is only five minutes from 성신여대역 (seongsinyeodaeyeok) or “Sungshin Women’s University Station.” Since the market is located very close to the Sungshin Women’s University, you’ll see many students from there as well as tourists in this area. This place is famous for selling 감자탕 (gamjatang) or “pork back-bone stew” and 족발 (jokbal) or “pig’s trotters cooked with soy sauce and spice.”
Popular Food:
- 감자탕 (gamjatang) — “pork back-bone stew” [Image]
- 족발 (jokbal) — “pig’s trotters cooked with soy sauce and spice” [Image]
- 보쌈 (bossam) — “belly pork that is boiled in spices and thinly sliced” [Image]
- 김밥 (gimbap) — “rice and different ingredients wrapped in dried seaweed” [Image]
Touristic Areas:
Korean Phrases to Use in the Market
You’ve also learned about must-have Korean street foods and Seoul market locations. So now, let’s try to learn some useful Korean phrasesyou can use in a market in South Korea. These are basic phrases, so if you want to learn more, feel free to visit KoreanClass101. We have many free lessons on how to order at a restaurant.
- 안녕하세요. (annyeonghaseyo.) — “Hello.”
- 메뉴판 좀 주실래요? (menyupan jom jusillaeyo?) — “Could we have the menu, please?”
- 이거 얼마예요? (igeo eolmayeyo?) — “How much is it?”
- 차가운 물 주세요. (chagaun mul juseyo.) — “Please give me some cold water.”
- 따뜻한 물 주세요. (ttatteuthan mul juseyo.) — “Please give me some warm water.”
- ~ 주세요. (~juseyo) — “Please give me ~.”
- 추천해 주시겠어요? (chucheonhae jusigesseoyo?) — “Do you have any recommendations?”
- 이거 많이 매워요? (igeo mani maewoyo?) — “Is this spicy?”
- 계산할게요. (gyesanseo juseyo.) — “I would like to pay the bill.”
- 안녕히 계세요. (annyeonghi gyeseyo.) — “Goodbye.”
- 감사합니다. (gamsahamnida.) — “Thank you.”
How Can KoreanClass101 Help You with Korean?
We hope you enjoyed reading our Seoul Market Guide and hope you have a great time trying different kinds of traditional Korean food in Seoul.
Do you want to learn more about essential phrases in Korean? KoreanClass101 has many lessons to teach you what to say when you enter a cafeteria or a restaurant in South Korea, so feel free to check out these pages as well:
- Vocabulary list — restaurant
- Vocabulary and phrases for the restaurant
- Ordering at a restaurant — part 1
- Ordering at a restaurant — part 2
Got some questions about grammar or Korean culture? We have a forum page where you can ask a question to Korean natives. We hope you enjoyed reading this article and good luck with your Korean studies! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below.
