Gwangjang Market

One of the main tourist courses for both locals and foreigners.

‘As one of the most vibrant traditional markets in Seoul, it is conveniently located in the heart of the city, making it easily accessible for travelers. With a long history dating back to the early 20th century, this traditional market offers a variety of items, including clothing and food, with the food market being especially famous. You can enjoy a variety of foods such as kimbap with addictive sauces, savory mung bean pancakes cooked right on the spot, assorted jeon (pancakes), and spicy tteokbokki overflowing with fish cakes(In Korea, it is called ‘eo-muk’). The market offers these delights at reasonable prices and is a great place for a casual visit. Those interested in clothing can also explore stores selling colorful hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) and visit the second-floor shops with old clothes for some fun.’ (Source: Visit Seoul Foundation VISIT SEOUL.NET)

Access by subway

Line 1 Jongno 5(o)-ga station
Line 2 and 5 Euljiro 4(sa)-ga station

Information

In 1905, during the Japanese colonial era, when Japan’s currency reform project shook the foundation of Korean merchants, Korean merchants established the Gwangjang Company in July of the same year to counter this disruption. This company registered the market as Seoul’s official traditional market, making it the first official traditional market in Seoul. Unlike other markets where Japanese managers exercised control, Gwangjang Market, operated by Gwangjang Company, steadfastly preserved the essence of a market based on pure Korean capital.

Boasting a 120-year tradition, this market is unique in that it offers everything needed for Korean traditional ceremonies, such as weddings and rites. It allows visitors to experience the daily lives of ancestors. The market features a hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) section where you can find various traditional outfits, from formal hanbok and children’s hanbok to royal court attire. Unlike other traditional markets attempting modernization, Gwangjang Market strives to preserve the old history and the traditional market’s appearance as it is. In line with efforts to preserve its long history, hanbok shops focus on traditional hanbok rather than modernized versions. Although traditional hanbok can be less comfortable to wear compared to modernized hanbok, it does not hinder activity and can be purchased at about 30% lower prices than on the market. Gwangjang Market also has a Hanbok Cultural Experience Center, which opened on November 6, 2019, located on the second floor of the market and offers hanbok cultural experiences.

With the completion of facility modernization, the market has relatively better accessibility compared to other traditional markets.

The food market, where you can find items such as kimbap, mung bean pancakes, yukhoe (raw beef), and spicy fish stew, is the most bustling area. Young customers and foreign tourists make up more than 80% of the visitors. The food market originally started as a place where textile merchants who worked at night and retail vendors who came early in the morning for goods would solve their meals.

There have been controversies about some vendors overcharging, which led to self-cleaning efforts by the Seoul City and the merchants’ association.

Useful tips for tourist

The food alley can be very crowded on weekends, so it is recommended to visit on weekdays.
Gwangjang Market is located in a tourist district, making it easy to explore nearby attractions such as Jongmyo Shrine, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, and Cheonggyecheon Stream.

Opening hours

Basic operating hours : 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Second-hand clothing shops: 10:00 AM – 07:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Food alley: 09:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Open year-round)

Places around

• Jongmyo Shrine: A place where the spirit tablets of past kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty are enshrined.
• Bangsan Market: A specialized market for printing and packaging, confectionery and bakery items, chocolates, air fresheners, and towels.