Must-Try Foods In Gwangjang Market (Seoul) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Gwangjang Market, Seoul, South Korea

Gwangjang Market is one of the oldest and most famous traditional markets in Seoul, established in 1905. It is known for its authenticity and variety of food offerings, which reflect the rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions of Korea. The market is a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking to experience traditional Korean street food and has become synonymous with delicious, locally-sourced eats. The food stalls in Gwangjang Market serve as a living museum of Korean gastronomy, where traditional dishes have been preserved and passed down through generations. Over the years, Gwangjang Market has become a venue where people don’t just come to eat; they come to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere that is steeped in history and flavor.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Gwangjang Market

1. Bibimbap (Mixed Rice with Vegetables) - Veg: A popular Korean dish featuring rice topped with a variety of seasoned vegetables, and sometimes a fried egg. It’s a colorful and healthy option.
2. Mayak Gimbap (Narcotic Rice Rolls) - Veg: Small rolls of rice and vegetables wrapped in dried seaweed, served with a spicy dipping sauce. Called 'narcotic' because it's so addictive!
3. Bindaetteok (Mung Bean Pancakes) - Veg: Savory pancakes made from ground mung beans, green onions, and kimchi, fried to a crispy perfection.
4. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes) - Veg: A popular snack made with chewy rice cakes in a sweet and spicy sauce, often combined with vegetables.
5. Sundae (Korean Blood Sausage) - Non-Veg: A type of Korean blood sausage made by steaming cow or pig's intestines stuffed with various ingredients.
6. Yukhoe (Korean Beef Tartare) - Non-Veg: A dish similar to steak tartare, featuring finely sliced raw beef seasoned with spices and a raw egg yolk on top;
7. Hotteok (Sweet Korean Pancake) - Veg: A sweet pancake filled with sugar, honey, chopped peanuts, and cinnamon, perfect for dessert.
8. Kimbap (Korean Sushi Roll) - Veg/Non-Veg: Seaweed rice rolls filled with ingredients like vegetables, egg, or ham, and served in bite-sized slices.
9. Nokdujeon (Mung Bean Fritters) - Veg: Pan-fried patties made from ground mung beans, often mixed with vegetables and sometimes seafood.
10. Japchae (Stir-fried Glass Noodles) - Veg: A dish of stir-fried glass noodles with a variety of vegetables and sometimes meat, seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil.

Top Famous Restaurants in Gwangjang Market

• Son Kee Chun Yang Gimbap

  Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

  Famous for: Mayak Gimbap - Veg

• Bongseonhwa Bindae-tteok

  Address: 65-1 Yeji-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

  Famous for: Bindaetteok - Veg

• Nakwon Kimbap

  Address: 2F, 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

  Famous for: Kimbap - Veg/Non-Veg

• Hwang So Sundae

  Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

  Famous for: Sundae - Non-Veg

• Jeon Somi Japchae Hotteok

  Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

  Famous for: Hotteok - Veg and Japchae - Veg

Each of these establishments boasts their own secret recipes and handmade touches that have helped to solidify Gwangjang Market’s reputation as a food lover’s haven. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a quick snack, this market has something for every palate.