Traditional markets in Seoul are becoming increasingly popular among foreign visitors what want to experience the country’s culinary traditions and culture first hand. These markets are constantly under threat from the expansion of not only discount stores but also online and TV home shopping. Still, some traditional markets maintain their popularity with their unique characteristics unavailable anywhere else. The following three traditional markets are particularly popular among foreigners who want to catch a glimpse of the country’s traditions as well as local couples going on dates to special places.

Seoul Folk Flea Market

The Seoul Folk Flea Market began with citizens selling their used goods to buy food in and around Cheonggyecheon Stream after the Korean War ended. The original market was moved to its current location due to the Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration Project. Most traditional markets are visited by foreign tourists for their traditional food. This market is famous for not only its diverse street food options but also a whole array of second-hand clothes sent by international aid agencies quite some time ago and various antiques.

Address

• 21, 4-gil, Cheonho-daero, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul

Hours

• 10:00 - 19:00 KST (Restaurants 10:00 - 22:00 KST)

Closed

• Tuesdays

 Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang Market is Korea's first traditional market and it is open year-round with over 100 years of history. The market is particularly popular for delicious food, including beef sashimi, bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), and “addictive gimbap,” coined after its tasty flavor and miniature size. If you want to taste traditional Korean food and experience a market atmosphere that only Korea can offer, Gwangjang Market is definitely the place for you.

Address

• 88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours

• Daily 09:00 - 18:00 KST

Food Alley

• 09:00 - 23:00 KST

Second-hand Clothing Shops

• 10:00 - 19:00 KST (Closed Sundays)

 

 Tongin Market

In the wake of the Korean War, the Seochon area had a surging population and an increasing number of shops in the area which had been used as a public market some time earlier. The area has grown into a permanent market called Tongin Market. To add to its attractiveness, the market has introduced a payment system based on ancient coins used during past dynasties. Customers buy the coins to pay for their purchases in the market. After securing a bundle of ancient coins, visitors can buy food at a the stores with a sign reading “Dosirak (Lunch Box) Café Chain Store” where they serve food in Korean-style lunch boxes. Note that you can only use the coins until 4 pm. It's fun to purchase your favorite foods with ancient coins in the market the way your ancestors would have done here, which is well worth trying, particularly for our foreign visitors.

Address

• 18, 15-gil, Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours

• 07:00 - 21:00 KST (Some shops close early / Market closes every third Sunday of each month)

Coin Sales

• Weekdays 11:00 - 15:00 KST / Weekends 11:00 - 16:00 KST

Dosirak Café

• 11:00-17:00 KST (Closed Mondays)