Seoul Neighborhood Guide
Gwangjang Market (광장시장)
Jongno-gu, Seoul
Seoul's oldest traditional market, since 1905 — Netflix's Street Food Asia put it on the global map.
Gwangjang Market opened in 1905 and is Seoul's most-loved street food destination. 200+ vendors making bindae-tteok (mung bean pancake), mayak gimbap (mini seaweed rolls), yukhoe (Korean beef tartare), and tteokbokki. Netflix's 'Street Food Asia' (S1E2) features Gwangjang Granny's bindae-tteok — now globally famous. Best food market in Korea, period.
Best for
Highlights
- Bindae-tteok Alley (Food)The famous Netflix grandma + 10 other stalls
- Yukhoe Street (Food)5+ stalls of Korean beef tartare, KRW 12-20k
- Mayak Gimbap Stalls (Food)'Drug' mini gimbap — addictively good, KRW 3k for 8 pieces
- Vintage Hanbok Alley (Shopping)Used hanbok at fraction of new-rental prices
Food picks
- 1.Gwangjang Granny Bindae-tteok (Netflix-famous)
- 2.Mayak Gimbap (mini drug rolls, KRW 3k)
- 3.Yukhoe (raw beef tartare with egg yolk + sesame oil)
- 4.Sundae (Korean blood sausage, KRW 8k)
- 5.Hand-cut kalguksu (Granny Kim's stall)
Getting there
Jongno 5-ga (종로5가) — Line 1 / Euljiro 4-ga — Line 2/5
Tips
- •Cash preferred (some stalls now accept card but slow).
- •Order modu-jul (full set) for sampling at yukhoe stalls.
- •Avoid noon if you hate crowds — go 3-5pm for breathing room.
- •Try makgeolli (rice wine) with bindae-tteok — the classic combo.
Frequently asked
Is Gwangjang Market open daily?
Yes 9am-10pm daily, though Sunday some stalls close. Peak 6-9pm.
Best food at Gwangjang Market?
Bindae-tteok (mung bean pancake) + mayak gimbap + yukhoe (beef tartare). The Korean street food trinity.
Is Gwangjang Market safe for foreigners?
Very — Netflix coverage made it 30%+ foreign visitors. English menus + Google Translate works fine.