Seoul ~ Incheon ~ Suwon ~ Gangwon ~ Danyang ~ Andong ~ Pohang ~ Daegu ~ Busan ~ Gwangju ~ Jeonju ~ Jeju
Gwangjang Market
in SeoulThis is Korea 1st permanent traditional market that dates back to more than 100 years. The renowned food alley offers an array of delectable treats, including mini Gimbap, Bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and Yukhoe (beef tartare).
Gyeongdong Market
in SeoulThis traditional market is best known for selling medicinal herbs, as well as agricultural and marine products. The addition of a youth mall in 2019, revitalized it into a trendy retro destination. Starbucks Gyeongdong 1960 was transformed from an old theater and is popular for its vintage interior and tiered seating. The retro-themed space operated by LG Electronics offers activities like crafting, planting flower pots, and an escape room, all free of charge.
Hangang Moonlight Market
in SeoulThis night market against the backdrop of the flittering Hangang River offers a culinary haven with food trucks serving up delectable treats, and a great selection of things to do and see. Visitors can embrace the lively atmosphere at Banpo Hangang Park in spring and Yeouido Hangang Park in fall.
Mangwon Market
in SeoulLocated near Hongdae, Mangwon Market is renowned for its delectable food options, such as dak gangjeong (deep-fried and braised chicken), croquettes, and kalguksu (noodle soup). You can get your food to go and enjoy a picnic at the nearby Mangwon Hangang Park. The street across from the market is the charming Mangnidan-gil Street, host to quirky shops, unique eateries, and cozy cafes.
Namdaemun Market
in SeoulThis traditional market in Seoul dates back over 6 centuries. It houses some 10,000 stores selling pretty much everything. There is a famous saying that goes “if you can’t find it in Namdaemun Market, you won’t find it anywhere else in Seoul”. The food alleys, including Galchi Alley, which serves various galchi (cutlassfish) dishes, and Kalguksu Alley, serving kalguksu (noodle soup), bibimbap, and naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles), are also popular.
Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market
in SeoulThis is the largest seafood market in Seoul, accounting for approximately 50% of the fisheries traded in the metropolitan area. It carries a diverse array of seafood sourced from ports across the nation and imported. Visitors can buy fresh seafood at the market and take it to the restaurant section on the 2nd floor to have it prepared to eat for an additional table setting fee.
Tongin Market
in SeoulAt this traditional market, visitors can buy old coins of the Joseon era called “Yeopjeon”. These coins can be used to buy various foods and snacks. Oil Tteokbokki is the most popular dish at Tongin Market available in 2 variations, spicy gochujang and savory soy sauce.
Sinpo International Market
in IncheonThis market traces its roots back to the opening of Incheon Port in the late 19th century, when it used to sell to foreigners from Japan, China, and the West. It is renowned for dak ganjeong (deep-fried and braised chicken), and it also boasts an array of other foods like sundae (blood sausage), dumplings, and jjolmyeon (spicy chewy noodles).
Suwon Nammun Market
in SuwonThis is a coalition of 9 distinct markets located around Paldalmun Gate. It is the largest traditional market in Gyeonggi-do Province, with each market offering a unique array of merchandise and delectable delights, such as hotteok (griddlecakes with sugar filling), kkwabaegi (twisted donuts), tteokbokki, and sundae (blood sausage). At the nearby Suwon Fried Chicken Street, visitors can try the galbi-flavored fried chicken introduced in the movie Extreme Job.
Chuncheon Jungang Market
in GangwonSituated in Chuncheon, this vibrant market is renowned for its dak galbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) and makguksu (buckwheat noodles). Besides its famous delicacies, Chuncheon Jungang Market features clothing shops, fresh produce stalls, and bustling food alleys, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
Jeongseon Arirang Market
in GangwonThis traditional market still retains the nostalgic ambiance of an old countryside market of Korea. It is largely divided into 3 parts – the regular everyday market, the 5-day market held on dates ending in 2 and 7, and the tourist market that stages traditional performances like the “Jeongseon Arirang” a folk song unique to the region. It mostly locally grown and caught agricultural and fishery products, and visitors can savor local delicacies like thistle rice, buckwheat crepes, and potato rice cakes.
Danyang Gugyeong Market
in DanyangThis is the largest traditional market in Danyang comprised of a permanent market and a 5-day market opening on days ending in 1 and 6. Visitors can taste a diverse range of dishes made with garlic, which is a local specialty of Danyang. Such dishes include garlic mandu (dumpling), garlic sundae (blood sausage), black garlic bread, and deep-fried and braised chicken with black garlic.
Andong Market
in AndongThis is the oldest traditional market in Andong. It is divided into 4 sections – North, South, East, West – and was modernized in the 2000s. Andong jjimdak (braised chicken) is a very popular specialty of Andong that originated from this market. The Andong Jjimdak Alley within the market is dedicated to the dish.
Jukdo Market
in PohangThis traditional market is located in downtown Pohang. With over 1,500 stores, it is renowned for its wide selections of fresh seafood caught in the East Sea. There are many seafood restaurants that serve specialties of Pohang, such as snow crab, cold raw fish soup, and half-dried saury.
Seomun Market
in DaeguThis market is among the 3 major markets in Korea since the Joseon era. It specializes in fabrics, clothing, and hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), and the food alley is known for serving delicious treats of Daegu, such as kalguksu (noodle soup) and napjak mandu (flat mandu). Every Friday to Sunday, Korea’s largest night market sets up with about 80 vendors selling a wide array of foods and souvenirs. The night market also stages various events and performances.
Busanjin Market
in BusanBupyeong Kkangtong Market
in BusanLocated next to Gukje Market, this was the 1st night market in Korea that sparked a nationwide trend. The night market opens every night at 7:30 offering an enticing array of treats including local delicacies, global street foods, and fusion creations.
Gukje Market
in BusanEstablished in the aftermath of the Korean War, Gukje Market emerged as a hub for the trade of US military relief goods, and imported goods coming in through the port of Busan. It embodies Korea’s dynamic modern history, and even served as a backdrop for the Korean movie Ode to My Father. In front of the market, BIFF Square beckons with a delightful array of street-side food stalls.
Gupo Market
in BusanGupo Market, located near the Nakdong River, is a traditional market celebrated for its fresh seafood and regional delicacies. Visitors can enjoy various Busan specialties such as fish cakes, grilled eel, and savory pancakes. With its bustling alleys and vibrant stalls, Gupo Market is a must-visit destination for foodies exploring Busan.
Gwangan Market
in BusanExuding an antique charm, this old marketplace has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once somber with many shuttered shops, it has flourished into a lively scene with cozy cafes, eateries, bakeries, and shops. Today’s Gwangan Market is emerging as a hip retro-themed destination in Busan.
Haeundae Traditional Market
in BusanOnly a 5-minute walk from Haeundae Beach, this market is known for its variety of enticing dining options. The most popular food of the market is kkomjangeo, or sea eel. It is typically grilled with a little salt, or brushed with a spicy sauce, and goes great with liquor.
Jagalchi Market
in BusanThis is the largest fish market in Busan comprising a 7-story shopping complex and street vendors. The banter of the merchants and bustling crowds keep the atmosphere alive. The market on the 1st floor sells a great assortment of seafood, and if you buy seafood, you can take it to the Raw Fish Restaurant section on the 2nd floor and have it cooked for a small table fee. There is also an observatory on the 7th floor that offers picturesque views.
Millac the Market
in BusanThis warehouse-style cultural complex features an eclectic blend of shopping, entertainment, exhibitions and culinary delights. Overlooking the port through expansive glass windows, Busking Square provides as charmin space where visitors can unwind and enjoy live busking performances.
Seomyeon Market
in BusanThis traditional market is located near the bustling Seomyeon 1beon-ga. In contrast to the rapidly changing surrounding, the market exudes a timeless charm, boasting eateries serving generously portioned kalguksu (noodle soup) and herty dwaeji gukbap (pork and rice soup).
1913 Songjeong Station Market
in GwangjuThis traditional market dating back to 1913 features a charming retro atmosphere inspired by the 70s and 80s of Korea. The market offers plenty of options to indulge in, including famous eateries, dessert shops, black-and-white photo studios, and arcades. In the evening, the brightly lit market offers a lively atmosphere.
Jeonju Nambu Market
in JeonjuThis traditional market is situated near the Jeonju Hanok Village. The 1st floor is dedicated to shops offering a wide range of food ingredients and everyday essentials, and the 2nd floor is lined with eateries and workshops run by young merchants. Every Friday and Saturday evenings a night market offers a great variety of dishes, including local delicacies and unique fusion creations.
Dongmun Market
in JejuThis is the largest and most historic traditional market in Jeju offering a diverse array of products, ranging from local specialties like tangerines, hallabong (citrus fruit native to the island), and hairtail fish. Due to its proximity to the airport, the market is a bustling hub for both tourists and locals, and a night market welcomes visitors near Gate 8 with treats like black pork skewers, abalone gimbap, and hallabong juice.
