Gwangjang Market Seoul Guide: What to Eat and What to Expect

When we landed in Korea, hungry, excited, and slightly overwhelmed, Gwangjang Market became our very first adventure. We went straight from the airport to our hotel, checked in, dropped our bags as fast as humanly possible, and made a straightforward decision: let’s eat.

And honestly, it was the best decision we could have made. This market is everything at once: loud, warm, chaotic, delicious, and incredibly welcoming. We tried so many amazing dishes that it instantly became one of our favourite places in Seoul.

If you want to know what to eat, what to expect, and why this market is worth putting at the top of your Seoul itinerary, read on because this is where our Korean food journey truly began.

How To Get To Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang Market is super easy to reach, no matter where you are in Seoul. The closest subway station is Jongno 5 ga Station on Line 1, and you can take Exit 8 to waddle straight into the market area.

Another nearby option is Euljiro 4-ga Station (Lines 2 and 5), which is also a short waddle away.

Since we stayed at LeMong Hotel in Jongno, once we checked in and left our bags, we decided to walk there right away, and it turned out to be the best way to stretch our legs after the long flight. The waddle from LeMong Hotel to Gwangjang Market is around 10 to 12 minutes, depending on your pace, and the route takes you through calm side streets that slowly build up into the energy of the market. For us, it felt like the perfect welcome to Seoul: a little stroll, a little chaos, and a lot of delicious food waiting at the end.

Review of Lemong Hotel in Seoul, South Korea

What Is Gwangjang Market Famous For

Gwangjang Market is basically the spot in Seoul for real Korean street food without overthinking it. It is famous for its endless lines of sizzling stalls, from crispy bindaetteok to those dangerously addictive mayak gimbap that everyone talks about. You’ll also find soondae, tteokbokki, kimchi pancakes, bibimbap, honestly, the list never ends.

We mainly explored the food section (no surprise there) and waddled from one delicious smell to another, but the market is known for much more than just eating. There are entire areas filled with hanboks, fabrics, silk shops, and even a big vintage clothing arcade that younger locals love digging through.

There’s always something happening in every corner. It’s messy, fun, loud, and absolutely worth experiencing, especially if you want a first taste of Seoul that hits all your senses at once.

Most people (including us) visit Gwangjang Market for the food, but a fun fact is that the market was originally built on land reclaimed from the Cheonggyecheon stream. When the stream area was being developed in the early 1900s, this newly reclaimed space became the perfect spot for a modern, privately run market, which was very unusual at the time.

Because of this, Gwangjang became one of the first permanent markets in Korea, and it played a big role in helping local merchants transition from outdoor pop-up stalls to proper brick-and-mortar shops.

Is Gwangjang Market Cash Only

Gwangjang Market isn’t cash-only anymore, but cash is still the safest and easiest option, especially in the food section. We decided to stick to cash only during our visit because we didn’t want to risk any awkward “card not working” moments while everyone behind us was hungry and waiting. We noticed a few stalls outside the food alley accepting card payments, but inside the busy food rows, most vendors were clearly cash-based. If you want a smooth visit with zero stress, bring enough cash and enjoy eating your way through the market without worrying about payment issues.

Food Cost at Gwangjang Market

Prices at Gwangjang Market are very fair, and it’s one of the best places in Seoul to eat well without spending much. Most dishes cost between 4,000 and 8,000 won, with bigger portions like bindaetteok or full meals usually around 10,000 to 12,000 won. Snacks, small bites, and drinks are even cheaper. It’s a great spot to try a wide range of foods without worrying about your budget. Delicious, filling, and definitely worth the waddle.

Best Time to Visit Gwangjang Market

The best time to visit Gwangjang Market is late morning to early afternoon, around 10:00 to 13:00. The food stalls are fully open, everything is freshly cooked, and the crowds are still manageable. You get all the energy of the market without needing to squeeze between too many people.

If you want an even calmer experience, come right after opening , around 8:30–9:30. It feels more local at that time, with vendors just setting up and fewer tourists around.

Evenings are the busiest time, lively, loud, fun, but very packed. It is still a good time to visit if you don’t mind the crowds, but be ready for slower walking and longer waits for seats.

Weekends are the most crowded, especially from 12:00 to 18:00, so if you prefer a smoother, more relaxed visit (and better chances at quick seating), try to come on a weekday.

We visited on a Monday evening, and the market was lively and full of energy, but not so crowded that it was hard to move around. We could easily find seats, wander the aisles, and enjoy the atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed.

Tips for Visiting Gwangjang Market

• • Come hungry. Everything looks good, and you’ll want to try more than one dish.
  • Bring cash. Most food stalls prefer cash, even if some areas outside the food alley accept cards.
  • Go early if you can. Mornings and early afternoons are less crowded than evenings.
  • Share dishes. Portions can be big, and sharing lets you taste more things.
  • Follow the locals. If a stall is full of Korean customers, it is almost always a good choice.
  • Don’t be shy. Vendors will often call you over, so pick a seat and enjoy the experience.
  • Avoid weekends if possible. It gets packed, and waddling through the aisles becomes slow.
  • Take your time. Wander into the textile and vintage sections too, even if you came for food.
  • Carry tissues or wet wipes. Some stalls can be a bit messy, and seating is tight.
  • Mind your bags. Keep your backpack in front of you because walkways can be narrow, so you don’t bump into someone or something.

Must-Try Foods in South Korea

Meet the Netflix Lady: Chef Cho Yonsoon

If you have seen the Netflix series Street Food, then you already know Chef Cho Yonsoon, the beloved “Netflix Lady” of Gwangjang Market. She became famous for her warm personality, incredible story, and comforting knife-cut noodles, which she still prepares fresh every day at her stall. You can usually spot her by the steady line of people waiting to taste her food and by the familiar face you might suddenly recognise from the show.

Even with all the attention, Chef Cho Yonsoon keeps her stall exactly as it has always been, simple, cosy, and full of heart. Stopping by feels like stepping into the documentary for a moment, and if you want to try one of the most heartfelt dishes in the market, her noodles are absolutely worth it.

How to Order Food at Gwangjang Market

Ordering here looks chaotic, but it is actually super easy once you get the vibe.

Sit where an ahjumma waves you. Vendors will call you over or point to an empty seat, smile, and sit. That’s the normalway.

Pointing works best. Most food is right in front of you. Point at what you want and say, “One please.” They will understand.

Tiny Korean cheat sheet (optional):

• Igeo hana juseyo: one of these, please
• Gamsahamnida: thank you

Sharing is totally normal. Portions are big, and everyone shares here. It helps you try more dishes.

Pay when you finish. Cash is easiest, especially in the food alleys. Some stalls outside accept cards, but not most food counters.

That’s really all you need: be relaxed, follow the flow, and let the market guide you.

What We Ate at Gwangjang Market (And What You Should Try Too)

There is so much to try at Gwangjang Market that we decided to eat our way through it. We arrived hungry on purpose, ready for everything, but honestly, after tasting dish after dish and waddling out of the market full, we realised we still didn’t come hungry enough.

Gyeranppang (Egg Bread)

Egg bread, or gyeranppang, is one of Korea’s most beloved street snacks. A soft, slightly sweet mini loaf baked with a whole egg sitting right on top. It became popular in the 1980s as a quick, warm snack sold near schools and subway stations, and it has stayed a classic ever since. The mix of fluffy batter, gentle sweetness, and the creamy egg makes it the perfect comfort bite, especially on cooler days. It is simple, delicious, and a must-try if you want to taste a street food that feels very “Seoul” from the first bite.

Tteokbokki (Spicy Korean Rice Cakes)

Tteokbokki is one of Korea’s most iconic comfort foods, soft, chewy rice cakes simmered in a warm, slightly spicy gochujang sauce. It originally came from Korean royal court cuisine, where it was made without spices, but over time, it evolved into the bright red street food everyone knows today. Gwangjang Market is a great place to try it because it is fresh, flavourful, and cooked right in front of you.

It is one of those dishes that looks simple but tastes amazing, with a perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and a tiny kick of spice that even spice-sensitive eaters can handle. Portions are very filling and quite big, so sharing is a smart idea unless you are extremely hungry. It is comforting, delicious, and the perfect introduction to Korean street food.

Haemul Jeon (Shrimp Steak Pancake)

To balance out the spicy, saucy tteokbokki, we also grabbed a shrimp pancake, and it ended up being one of our favourite bites at the market. It was crispy on the outside, freshly made, and packed with shrimp that tasted clean and not fishy. Every piece had a nice crunch, and the flavour was simple but so satisfying. If you need something to calm down the heat from the tteokbokki or want a comforting, crunchy snack, this is a great one to share, and trust us, you will want more than one bite.

Other Food We Recommend (Even Though We Were Too Full to Try Everything)

We also had a few more foods on our list that we really wanted to try, but after the tteokbokki, the shrimp pancake, and the little egg bread, we were already way too full to keep going. If you come hungrier than we did, here are a few more things you should try. The market is full of amazing options, and these are definitely worth a spot on your list.

• • Bindaetteok. A crispy mung bean pancake fried right in front of you. It is golden, savoury, and a signature dish of Gwangjang Market. Perfect to share and amazing with a bit of dipping sauce.
  • Mayak Gimbap. Tiny, addictive rice rolls that are slightly sweet, savoury, and incredibly easy to snack on. They are famous for a reason and pair perfectly with almost anything else you order.
  • Soondae. Korean blood sausage with glass noodles inside. It tastes much milder than it sounds and is a classic market dish. If you want a true local experience, this is the one to try.
  • Kimchi Jeon. A kimchi pancake that is crispy on the edges and soft inside. It is flavourful, filling, and full of that signature kimchi tang. Great for sharing.
  • Japchae. Stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables. It is light, slightly sweet, and a nice balance if you are eating a lot of fried food.
  • Hotteok. A warm, sweet pancake filled with brown sugar and nuts. It is the perfect dessert after all the savoury dishes and one of the most comforting Korean street snacks.
  • Bibimbap. A colourful bowl of mixed rice, vegetables, and gochujang. It is a full meal on its own and a great option if you want something more balanced than fried snacks.
  • Seafood Jeon. A mixed seafood pancake that is crispy and packed with flavour. Ideal if you love seafood and want something different from the basic pancakes.

Accessibility and Other Practical Info

Gwangjang Market is a little chaotic, so knowing what to expect helps a lot. The market is partially wheelchair accessible, especially along the main aisles, but some inner food rows are narrow and crowded, making moving throughthem a bit challenging. Seating is tight, bench-style stools at long counters, so don’t expect much space around you. Toilets are available inside the market, but they can be busy during peak hours. For washing your hands, most vendors have small sinks nearby, and there are a few shared washbasins around the market. It’s a good idea to carry a small hand sanitiser. Trash is not left on tables; vendors usually collect it for you, or you hand it directly to them when you finish eating. It’s simple, practical, and part of the fast-paced charm of eating here.

If you can only choose one market to visit in Seoul, make it this one. We tried food at other markets too, but Gwangjang Market truly stands out as the place to go for real, honest, unforgettable Korean food. It has everything, the sizzling pans, the iconic dishes, even the famous vendors you might recognise from Netflix food shows. But what really makes it special is the atmosphere. It feels authentic, welcoming, and full of life, with vendors who are kind, patient, and speak enough English to help you order without stress.

If you want your first big food experience in Seoul to be delicious, chaotic in the best way, and full of stories you will remember long after the trip, then Gwangjang Market is the place to waddle to.

Pack your bag, get your taste buds ready, and eat your way through Gwangjang Market!

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