Korean Markets
If you’re on a trip to Seoul, here’s your to-do list: see the palaces like Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung, shop in Gangnam, party in Itaewon, hike and enjoy city views at Namsan Tower.
But to experience traditional Korean street food and eating culture, you must visit traditional markets! Seoul has many wonderful markets where you can try delicious street food, buy clothes, and souvenirs.
What are traditional Korean markets?
They are streets lined with hundreds of stalls selling everything from fresh vegetables and live fish to tasty street food, clothes, and souvenirs. The markets are run by Korean ajummas and ajusshis (aunties and uncles) who loudly advertise their goods.
Traditional Markets in Seoul.
¤ Namdaemun Market (남대문 시장)
Seoul’s oldest market, known for cheap clothes and kitchenware, and more recently souvenirs. You’ll find fake designer items at wholesale prices and tasty street food like Tteokbokki, juices, banana bread, and churros.
¤ Gwangjang Market (광장 시장)
One of the largest markets, famous for Korean street food like Tteokbokki, Sundae (Korean blood sausage), and Jeon (Korean pancakes). The second floor specializes in textiles, custom-made dresses, and Hanbok.
¤ Tongin Market (통인 시장)
A smaller market known for its Tteokbokki, originally serving Japanese residents during occupation but now popular for Korean street food.
¤ Noryangjin Fish Market (노량진 수산시장)
A unique seafood market where you can buy live fish and eat them upstairs in small restaurants—sushi, fish salad, or fish head soup.
¤ Majang Meat Market (마장 축산물시장)
A wholesale meat market supplying fresh meat to restaurants, popular for Korean BBQ fans, made famous by Mukbang videos.
¤ Mangwon Market (망원 시장)
Located in the trendy Mangwon-dong area, offers modernized street food such as rose or carbonara Tteokbokki, fried chicken, and traditional Korean alcohol.
Must-try street food
¤ Tteokbokki (떡볶이): spicy stir-fried rice cakes with cheese, eggs, and fish cakes.
¤ Eomuk (어묵): fish cake soup, warm and cheap.
¤ Hotteok(호떡): An addictively sweet wheat flour pancake filled with sweet brown sugar.
¤ Bungeoppang (붕어빵): fish-shaped pancake filled with sweet red bean paste.
