Gwangjang Market is one of Seoul’s oldest traditional markets, a covered maze of food stalls, textile shops and clothing vendors in Jongno-gu, near Cheonggyecheon stream. Established in 1905, it has grown from a hub for everyday shopping into a place where Seoul’s commercial history and contemporary street-food culture meet.
The food alleys are the main draw for many visitors. Watch vendors grind mung beans for crisp bindaetteok pancakes, roll bite-sized mayak gimbap or prepare bowls of knife-cut noodles. Beyond the busy counters, merchants sell hanbok fabrics, bedding and vintage clothing, offering a glimpse of a market that is still useful to local shoppers as well as visitors.
Come hungry and share a few dishes so you can try more than one stall. The market is close to Jongno 5-ga Station; arrive outside peak lunch and weekend hours for a little more room to navigate. Bring some cash, as payment options vary, and check individual stall hours if there’s something specific you want to try.