Buzz
If you're a lover of traditional Korean dishes, don't miss the chance to visit Gwangjang Market when you travel to South Korea. Known for being one of the few remaining traditional markets, Gwangjang is nestled in the heart of the bustling city of Seoul. It offers a wide range of products and is famous for its variety of mouthwatering street food that attracts tourists from all over.
Amazing Street Food at Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang Market is considered one of the oldest traditional markets in Korea, first established in 1905. The market is divided into several sections and has managed to preserve the cultural traditions and trading practices throughout its long history. The food section stands out the most, offering delicious dishes for visitors to enjoy. Here are four must-try foods you should sample when visiting the historic Gwangjang Market during your overseas trip.
Sundae - Delicious Grilled Sausage
Sundae is a dish with a shape and taste similar to Vietnamese sausages, but with a unique twist. Inside, it is not only filled with blood but also packed with noodles or glutinous rice, making it quite different from what you might expect from its appearance.
Sundae Grilled Sausage - A Tasty Korean Dish
At first, you may hesitate to try this dish, but once you taste it, the distinctive flavor will leave a lasting impression. Sundae is sliced into small pieces and served with a few slices of pig's liver, perilla leaves, and a sprinkle of salt and chili.
Mayak Gimbap - Irresistible Rice Rolls
Mayak Gimbap is a simple yet incredibly popular dish in South Korea. It consists of rice, various pickled vegetables, all wrapped in seaweed, and then sliced into small pieces. The term 'Mayak' literally translates to 'narcotic', not because it contains any drugs, but because the dish is so delicious and addictive that it creates a craving among its eaters.
Mayak Gimbap - A Must-Try Dish for Tourists
At Gwangjang Market, visitors will find numerous shops selling Mayak Gimbap, with trays filled with long rows of small rice rolls.
Rice Cakes
Tteokbokki, also known as rice cakes, is a popular street food in South Korea. Travelers on a South Korea tour can easily find this dish at many places in Gwangjang Market.
Tteokbokki - A Beloved Rice Cake Dish in South Korea
These soft and chewy rice cakes are simmered in a vibrant red chili sauce, making them a favorite among both tourists and young locals in South Korea. The best time to enjoy this dish is right after it's cooked, when the rice cakes are still piping hot on the plate.
Korean Pancake (Bindaetteok)
Bindaetteok is a type of savory Korean pancake filled with mung beans, a popular snack in the country. The mung beans are mashed and mixed with bean sprouts, green onions, and garlic, then lightly fried in a pan. Afterward, the pancake is sun-dried until crisp, and seafood or minced meat is added before being fried a second time. The result is a golden-brown pancake that's crispy on both sides and aromatic.
Korean Pancake with a Unique Cooking Method - Illustration
Gwangjang Market is typically open from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM daily, although some restaurants may stay open later, while others close on Sundays. Visitors can easily reach the market via subway by alighting at Jongno 5 Station and taking exits 8 or 9. However, it's important to note that Seoul is not a budget-friendly city for tourists, and meals at Gwangjang Market are similarly priced, ranging from 2 to 5 USD per dish.
