Hello! Today, I’d like to introduce you to some of the hidden gems of Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul’s most iconic traditional markets and a recent hotspot for foodies.
While it was once well-known for fabrics and imported goods, it has now transformed into a lively culinary destination packed with delicious street food. It is easily accessible right outside Exit 8 of Jongno 5-ga Station (Subway Line 1), and if you drive, you can conveniently use the nearby Jongmyo Public Parking Lot (4,800 KRW per hour).
Here are the two absolute must-visit food spots you shouldn’t miss at Gwangjang Market
1. Kanggane Tteokbokki: Clean, Refreshing, and Deep Flavor
If you had to pick the ultimate comfort food in Korea, it would undoubtedly be Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)! The harmony of chewy rice cakes and sweet-and-spicy sauce never gets old. If you visit Gwangjang Market, out of all the snack stalls, you must try Kanggane Tteokbokki.
Location & Hours: 2 Jongno 32-gil, Arcade No. 101, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Closed every Monday, Open 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
Highlights: Unlike typical tteokbokki that can leave a heavy aftertaste, their sauce is made with plenty of radishes, giving it an incredibly clean, refreshing, yet deep flavor. When you order, the owner freshly cuts four thick, long thick rice cakes (Garae-tteok) right in front of you, reminiscent of Busan’s famous tteokbokki style. It costs 5,000 KRW per portion, and you can also enjoy menus like fried snack sets, Sotteok-Sotteok (sausage and rice cake skewers), and sundae (blood sausage) skewers. It’s so delicious that you’ll likely regret not ordering two portions.
2. Soonheeney Bindaetteok: The Pinnacle of Savory and Crispy Goodness
When it rains or when you’re feeling peckish, nothing beats the rich, savory aroma of Bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes). Ground on a stone mill and mixed with various vegetables before being shallow-fried to perfection, these pancakes are famous for being crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. The undisputed champion of Gwangjang Market’s bindaetteok is Soonheeney Bindaetteok.
Location & Hours: 5 Jongno 32-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Closed on Lunar New Year’s Day, Open 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
Highlights: This spot is so legendary that its products are even sold in supermarket frozen food sections, and you always have to wait in line to get a taste. The signature Mung Bean Pancake (5,000 KRW per piece) is packed with crunchy mung bean sprouts and green onions, offering a mouthful of rich, crispy texture. It is served with pickled onions in soy sauce on the side—pairing the pancake with these onions cuts through the greasiness and elevates the flavor dramatically.
3. Endless Things to Eat and See Beyond These Two!
Gwangjang Market is brimming with an endless variety of fun foods and sights to explore.
A Diverse Food Journey: From Gohyang Kalguksu (handmade noodle soup), which became even more famous after appearing on Netflix’s Street Food: Asia, to the highly addictive Mayak Gimbap (mini seaweed rolls), giant-sized Sundae, and sweet desserts like Kkwabaegi (twisted donuts) and Bukkumi (pan-fried rice cakes), the food options are overwhelming. Don’t forget the comforting red bean porridge at Suwon Jukjib, a long-time favorite for locals.
Unique Sightseeing & Shopping: Recently, many imported goods shops have popped up, allowing visitors to browse and buy various items like Japanese Nivea products at reasonable prices. A short walk further leads you to Bangsan Market (a paradise for baking and packaging supplies), as well as Pyeonghwa Market and Dongdaemun Market, letting you fully experience Seoul’s ultimate shopping mecca.
The power of delicious food truly connects people. If you want to charge up your happiness while soaking in the vibrant energy of a traditional Korean market, why not plan a food tour to Gwangjang Market this weekend?