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  • Gwangjang Market | What to eat in Seoul’s Traditional Market 2024

    Gwangjang Market | What to eat in Seoul’s Traditional Market 2024


    Gwangjang Market (광장시장) is a famous Korean street food market located fairly close to the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. This traditional food market offers a variety of traditional Korean street food from Mungbean pancakes, mandu (Korean dumplings), and more. If you want to get traditional Korean food in South Korea, this is the place to do it. If you are new to Korea or just traveling you have to add Gwangjang market to your places to visit at least once in your lifetime. 

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    Gwangjang Market
    Gwangjang Market

    Gwangjang Market | What to eat in Seoul’s Traditional Market

    This market is Seoul’s oldest traditional market to get traditional clothing, traditional street food, and more. Gwangjang Night Market is when most of the action happens, but there are some workers that come in to eat food during the lunch rush. Gwangjang Market is also known as Gwangjang sijang and Kwang jang Market. Kwangjang is the old spelling and sijang just means market in Korean.

    Gwangjang market is a popular Seoul food market because it’s the oldest market in Seoul. It is not only known for its Gwangjang market street food, but you can also get a lot of great clothing items in this area. It is considered to be one of Korea’s largest markets and is located in the heart of Seoul. Here you can find a variety of things from silk, custom-made hanboks, vintage clothing, and traditional Korean street food. If you are looking more for clothes, then I highly suggest visiting Dongdaemun market.

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    There are so many great food stalls at Gwangjang Market and it has always been popular among tourists visiting South Korea. However, it has recently become even more popular due to the famous Gwangjang Netflix series on Korean Street Food. If you are planning to visit Gwangjang Market, then these are the Korean street foods you need to try there. I’ve listed Gwangjang market famous food options below.

    Unlike the food market Myeongdong, the food at Gwangjang market is more traditional in comparison. Here are some of the most popular things to eat at Gwangjang market.

    Not sure what to eat or feel intimidated? Book this Gwangjang Market food tour!

    Bindaetteok
    Bindaetteok at Gwangjang Market

    Bindaetteok – Mungbean Pancakes – best food at gwangjang market

    Gwangjang market Food is known for these famous and popular mung bean pancakes and all for good reason as well. You will go here and have one and I’m sure you’ll crave another and want to go back. This Gwangjang market pancake reminds me of potato pancakes and are warm and a little crispy on the outside. It’s absolutely delicious and a must eat at Gwangjang market. 

    Kimbap or Gimbap

    This popular Korean dish is best described as a Korean version of sushi. However, instead of raw fish, this dish is usually stuffed with vegetables and meat including carrots, cucumbers, pickled radishes, and meats like bulgogi (marinated beef), tuna, and more. You can get a variety of different types of kimbap, although the smaller or mini ones called Mayak kimbap also spelled Mayak gimbap are considered to be more favorable in this market. 

    Kalguksu 

    This Gwangjang market kalguksu traditional Korean soup is filled with knife-cut Korean-style noodles. This soup is great for keeping you warm during the cold winter months and packed with comfort and flavor. There are different types of Kalguksu you can get from seafood to beef.

    This soup is mild in flavor meaning it isn’t spicy however like most Korean dishes is often served with a side of kimchi. If you plan to go visit the Gwangjang Market Netflix lady, this is one of her most popular dishes and one of the most popular knife-cut noodles att Gwangjang market – she is known as the Netflix kalguksu lady. 

    Kalguksu and Kimchi Mandu at Gwangjang Market
    Kalguksu and Kimchi Mandu at Gwangjang Market

    Mandu

    There are two typical types of mandu or dumplings that are typical in Korea. There is the traditional flavor filled with minced meat and veggies and the kimchi mandu which is filled with mean and kimchi. Kimchi mandu is only common in Korea and it’s one of my favorites to eat in Korea. They are so delicious and you can’t leave this market without eating them.

    Most Koreans eat it steamed or in a soup, however, there are places that pan-fry them. I usually like them panfried, however, it honestly depends on how they are made and what they are stuffed with. The woman from the Netflix stand has both the traditional and kimchi mandu and let me tell you, that kimchi mandu is something I want to go back for. 

    떡볶이 – Tteokbokki

    This is a popular Korean street food at Gwangjang market that is made of cylinder-shaped rice cakes and covered in a sweet and spicy sauce. You can see this type of street food all over South Korea and it’s one of the most popular street foods to enjoy. If you haven’t had it or found other vendors in other locations, be sure to have some here. 

    육회 – Yuk-hoe or Steak Tartare

    This market is very popular for the steak tartare. They usually top it off with a raw yellow yolk that you mix in with the steak tartare. Although I didn’t get a chance to try it here because I was so full off of everything else, it looked absolutely delicious and I plan to go back and have some. I really enjoy beef tartare in South Korea because it is so flavorful and lightly seasoned. 

    Soondae

    Best known as blood sausages. This dish is for the adventurous because it is a bit chewy in texture and blood sausages are usually stuffed pig intestines. They are quite delicious but can be somewhat bland as well. I think the texture is what most people dislike about it. 

    Sannakji

    Although you can get live octopus here, I would suggest you wait and get it at one of the fish markets in Seoul or Jagalchi market in Busan. If you don’t have a chance to visit those places, then you could try it here. It’s one of my favorite dishes to eat in South Korea. It’s a freshly cut octopus covered in sesame oil, sesame seeds and a little bit of salt. The octopus is still moving on the plate and you may need to use your chopsticks to pry the moving tentacles, but honestly, don’t let that scare you away. 

    Soy Marinated Crab

    Soy Marinated Crab at Gwangjang Market in Seoul is a must-try delicacy. This dish features crab marinated in a blend of soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of sweetness. The meat is tender, and the roe offers a rich, oceanic flavor. It’s a hands-on eating experience that captures the essence of Korean street food.

    Other options you can eat at Gwangjang Market

    • 비빔밥 – Bimbimbap – A spicy rice dish with veggies and meat
    • 물냉면 – Mul-naengmyeon – Cold noodle soup
    • 족발 – Jokbal – Pigs feet
    • 닭발 – Dalkbal – Chicken feet

    Desserts at Gwangjang Market

    Hotteok
    Hotteok at Gwangjang Market

    Hotteok

    This popular street food in Korea and usually served during the winter months. I only found a few stalls at the Gwangjang market that had them, but if you find them it’s totally worth checking out. It’s my favorite dessert street food option in South Korea. A hotteok is a sweet rice flour pancake that is usually stuffed with brown sugar and sometimes sunflower seeds and nuts depending on the vendor. 

    꽈배기 – Twisted Korean doughnut

    Right next to the hotteok stand I saw inside the Gwangjang market was a stall selling Gwabaegi which is a popular Korean doughnut. This is a very popular donut that is made of rice flour so it’s a little stickier than regular donuts. They are usually hot and fresh in order to be good and covered in sugar and sometimes cinnamon sugar. If you are a donut lover like myself, you must try one of these donuts. 

    붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang

    Now, this is a popular snack among many Asian kids. It was my favorite growing up and if you aren’t a big fan of sweet red beans then I don’t suggest you order this. This is a fish-shaped pastry stuffed with sweetened red bean paste. This popular dish originated in Japan and was brought over and become a popular staple in Korean street food cuisine. 

    호두과자 – Hodo Kwaja

    These delightful treats are made from a soft, cake-like batter that’s poured into a walnut-shaped mold. Inside, you’ll typically find a filling of sweet red bean paste, and sometimes even a chunk of walnut for that extra crunch. The mold is then closed and baked until the outside turns a golden brown. The result? A warm, fluffy pastry with a gooey, sweet center.

    Hodo Kwaja is a popular snack not just for tourists but also for locals. It’s like a hug for your taste buds—comforting, sweet, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, they’re usually sold in little paper bags, making them the perfect on-the-go snack as you continue to explore the wonders of Gwangjang Market.

    Where to shop at Gwangjang Market

    So all of the street food vendors are typically on the first floor. If you want to look for fabrics, clothing, and more, they are mostly on the second floor. There are a few vendors on the first floor down some alleyways as well. I would say that the more prestigious ones are upstairs with higher quality, however, I find them all to be pretty great in design. I highly suggest taking one of Gwangjang Market’s day tours in Seoul to get more out of it.

    How to get to Gwangjang Market and Opening Hours

    • Gwangjang Market Opening hours: Typically 8:30 am – 6 pm daily but the restaurants are usually 8:30 am to 11:00 pm, but I suggest you go in the afternoon or evening even though places are opening in the morning, most of them are prepping the food for the day. Some places are closed on Sunday. 
    • Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 88 (예지동)
    • How to get there: Take the subway to Jongno-5 station and exit number 7. Head straight and you will see the entrance to the market on your right-hand side. 
    • Prices: Korean street food prices vary, at the Netflix stall we paid 10,000 won (~$9USD) for a bowl of Kalguksu and Mandu. We shared the dish and it was pretty filling for 2 people. The Bindaetteok was about 2 for 3,000 won (~$2.50). So honestly, it depends on where you go and what you get. Most places are 1,500 won and up. 
    • Website: www.kwangjangmarket.co.kr

    Things to do near Gwangjang Market

    There are a lot of things to do near Gwangjang Market. Besides eating foot at Gwangjang market, here are a few things I suggest you do while here.

    Purchase a Hanbok

    The Hanbok is a traditional Korean dress characterized by its vibrant colors and simple lines. The women’s version usually consists of a jeogori (blouse) and a chima (skirt), while the men’s version has a jeogori and baji (pants). It’s a symbol of Korean culture and heritage, often worn on special occasions and holidays.

    Now, why should you buy it at Gwangjang Market? Well, my friend, this market is like a treasure trove for authentic, high-quality Hanboks. Unlike the mass-produced versions you might find elsewhere, the Hanboks here are often handmade, stitched together by artisans who’ve honed their craft over decades. You can feel the love and tradition in every thread. Plus, the variety is astounding—whether you want something traditional or a modern twist, you’ll find it here. And let’s not forget, the prices are often much more reasonable compared to specialty boutiques.

    Buy Traditional Souviners

    Gwangjang Market is like a treasure chest when it comes to traditional Korean souvenirs. Let’s go on a little virtual shopping spree, shall we?

    • Korean Pottery: Whether it’s a celadon vase or a cute kimchi pot, Korean pottery is renowned for its craftsmanship. These make for elegant gifts or home decor.
    • Korean Fans: Hand-painted with intricate designs, these fans are not just functional but also incredibly beautiful. They’re easy to pack and make for a charming gift.
    • Traditional Masks: Known as “Hahoe,” these masks are often used in traditional Korean plays and dances. They make for unique wall decorations and are a great conversation starter.
    • Korean Tea Sets: If you’re a tea lover, you’ll adore the traditional Korean tea sets. They often come with a teapot, cups, and a serving tray, all exquisitely designed.
    • Korean Snacks: From dried seaweed to honey-filled “Yakgwa” cookies, Korean snacks are a tasty souvenir that won’t last long but will be remembered!
    • Calligraphy Sets: If you’re into art or writing, a traditional Korean calligraphy set could be a meaningful keepsake. It usually includes brushes, ink, and paper—all you need to try your hand at this ancient art form.
    • Jewelry: You can find beautiful pieces made of jade, a stone that holds special significance in Korean culture. It’s said to bring good luck and prosperity.
    • Silk Scarves: These are often hand-painted and feature traditional Korean patterns. They’re lightweight, making them easy to pack, and they add a touch of elegance to any outfit.
    • Korean Ginseng: Known for its health benefits, Korean ginseng is a popular gift. You can find it in various forms, from roots to extracts and teas.

    Gwangjang Market FAQs

    Is Gwangjang market indoors?

    It is not located indoors, however, it is under a covered structure. It’s a large open space with roofing which prevents rain and other weather from ruining your chances of eating at this vintage market in Seoul.

    Where is Gwangjang market located?

    It’s located in Seoul, South Korea. The address is 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 88 (예지동).

    Does Gwangjang market take card?

    Not typically. This Korean food market in Seoul is pretty much a cash-heavy area to grab cheap and delicious food. Myeongdong food market is pretty much the same as well.

    What is the kimbap Korean spelling?

    김밥 is the Korean spelling for Gimbap or Kimbap.

    What are the best food in Gwangjang Market?

    I’ve listed them above, but to be short and concise, the top choices are binddatteok, kimbap specifically mayak kimbap, Kalguksu, mandu, 떡볶이 – Tteokbokki, 육회 – Yuk-hoe or Steak Tartare, Soondae, Sannakji, 비빔밥 – Bimbimbap – A spicy rice dish with veggies and meat, 물냉면 – Mul-naengmyeon – Cold noodle soup, 족발 – Jokbal – Pigs feet, 닭발 – Dalkbal – Chicken feet, Hotteok, 꽈배기 – Twisted Korean doughnut, and 붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang.

    What are some halal food at Gwangjang market?

    While I can’t guarantee any of the meat is halal, here are some halal options you can consider: Gohyang Kalguksu, hotteok, 꽈배기 – Twisted Korean doughnut, 붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang, 떡볶이 – Tteokbokki, some mayak kimbap, and 물냉면 – Mul-naengmyeon – Cold noodle soup.

    How to go to Gwangjang market by subway

    Take the subway to Jongno-5 station and exit number 7. Head straight and you will see the entrance to the market on your right-hand side. 

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  • How to Eat Cheap When You Travel the World (Updated 2025)

    How to Eat Cheap When You Travel the World (Updated 2025)


    Nomadic Matt holding up a piece of pizza at a pizza shop in NYC

    I love to eat.

    In fact, eating is one of my favorite activities, and also one of my favorite aspects of traveling.

    Food is such an integral part of so many cultures that to skip out on meals when you travel is to miss out on a part of the travel experience.

    I’m always disappointed when I meet travelers who cook all their meals in a hostel kitchen or spend so much of their time just getting food at grocery stores.

    I mean, don’t get me wrong, grocery stores and markets teach you a lot about a place. And you don’t need to eat out for every meal.

    But why come to Italy to cook pasta in your hostel? Or skip a sushi dinner in Japan or paella in Spain?

    Of course, eating out all the time is expensive. Imagine if you ate out every day while at home — your food budget would be astronomical! And, when you are traveling long term (or just on a tight budget), you have to think about making your money last.

    Additionally, many people have dietary concerns that prevent them from fully embracing new foods. And many travelers are vegan or vegetarian, as well, which might impact their options.

    To make sure I can eat out without breaking the bank, I have had to learn how to balance eating 99% of my meals out while still finding a way to save money. Here’s how to eat out on a budget while you travel the world:

    1. Follow the Five Block Rule

    I live by what I call The Five Block Rule. I don’t eat within five blocks of a major tourist attraction or area. I simply walk in any direction and search for a place to eat when I hit five blocks. There’s an invisible line at this area: tourists don’t go past it. All of a sudden you notice that the crowds are gone, and that’s when you want to start looking.

    Sure, you might find a good meal in a tourist area, but you’ll find a better, cheaper meal outside it. Go where the menus aren’t in multiple languages. Go to those little tiny hole in the wall places that you are unsure about. The meal might not knock your socks off each time but it will be a memorable and more local experience.

    2. Use Local Knowledge

    If you are unsure of where to eat (and don’t like the idea of randomly wandering into restaurants), try apps where locals post reviews. I use them often to find recommendations for food in the cities and towns I visit. You can also ask the tourist office or the staff at your hostel/hotel or taxi drivers, who tend to eat at cheaper food stalls. They will have good recommendations. After all, local workers aren’t going to eat in the tourist area!

    My two favorite apps are Yelp and The Fork. For vegan and vegetarian recommendations, check out Happy Cow.

    3. Ask The Right Question

    Be sure to ask locals the question, “Where do you eat?” not “Where should I eat?” If you ask people the second question, most people will think to send you to the popular restaurants tourists visit because that will be what comes to mind. They’ll think, “Hmmm where do visitors go eat? What’s popular in town?”

    However, by asking where they eat, you will get recommendations for more local restaurants because they will tell you all the hole in the wall spots they eat at on a day-to-day basis. Small word change, much better results.

    4. Eat Street Food

    A meat skewer on a paper plate from an outdoor street vendor


    In most places around the world (and especially in Asia), the streets are lined with little food stalls and areas where food is cooked openly on the street. You grab a plate, sit down in a little plastic chair, and enjoy a delicious meal. Street food is some of the best food in the world. Meals at street stalls and vendors cost just a few dollars (if that) most of the time and are a great way to really experience the local cuisine.

    While in Sweden, I lived off these types of vendors. In Amsterdam, FEBO and their croquettes kept my stomach full. In Costa Rica, the empanada seller filled me up for a dollar and I bought local food from vendors at markets for mere pennies in Madagascar.

    Many places, like Thailand and Vietnam, for example, wouldn’t be the same if the street food disappeared. (And yes, it’s safe. The locals wouldn’t eat it otherwise.)

    5. Eat Fast Food (Sometimes)

    Fast food isn’t the best food, but it is another option if you want a cheap meal in inexpensive parts of the world. For as little as $5 USD (more in expensive countries like Norway, home of the $13 Whopper), you can get a filling (and hugely caloric) meal.

    Sure, it’s not the greatest food, and I am going to skip the philosophical debate about traveling around the world only to eat McDonald’s to say that it’s cheap and just another way to help you rein in your spending.

    6. Stick to Local Ingredients

    Local restaurant in Thailand


    When you’ve been traveling for a while, it’s only normal to crave a taste of home every now and then. That means that sure, sometimes I get sick of Greek food when I’ve been traveling there for a bit. Other times, I can’t eat any more Thai food and just want a burger. And that’s OK.

    However, non-local food is almost always more expensive than local cuisine. For example, in Vietnam, a bowl of pho is less than a dollar, but a burger is about three times as much (or more!). Try to stick to the local cuisine as much as possible and also try to avoid any food that is imported as that will increase the price of your meal too!

    7. Find the Lunch Specials

    Many restaurants, especially in Europe, offer lunch specials, where items on the dinner menu are offered at a huge discount. You can get an amazing afternoon meal for a fraction of the cost you’d pay for the same meal in the evening.

    I usually tend to eat my “nice” meal during lunch, because lunch specials and plates of the day are about 30–40% off what I might pay at dinner. The options will usually be more limited, but the savings more than justify it.

    Sadly, there is no one website where you can find all the restaurants in the world that offer lunch specials. They vary from city to city and region to region. What you can do other than wander aimlessly around the city in hopes of finding a place (though I have done that) is to ask the tourist office or the staff at your hostel/hotel if they know where to find lunch specials. They are usually very aware of what places have specials.

    8. Bring a Refillable Water Bottle

    As you walk around and sightsee, you need to stay hydrated. But buying a bottle of water every day is not only environmentally wasteful, it also makes foolish budget travel sense. Carry a refillable bottle of water (with a filter) with you instead and just use the tap water. I suggest a Lifestraw bottle. It ensures your water is always clean and safe — even if the tap water isn’t.

    9. Cook 50% of Your Meals

    I don’t cook a lot on the road as I don’t like hostel kitchens. They never have everything I need, and I hate traveling with a portable kitchen so I can have all the ingredients I want. Yet when I am in one place for a while (or if I’m Couchsurfing), I cook a few meals.

    Cooking is one of the best ways to keep your travel costs down, and supermarkets are also great places to go see what the local people eat. The only place where cooking your own meals isn’t the most economical option is Asia, where street food is usually cheaper.

    As I mentioned, I’ll often go out for a nicer meal at lunch when I can find a good deal. That will usually mean for dinner I’ll be cooking my own food. That way, I’ll still get to try the local cuisine but I’ll also get to keep my budget intact. Double win!

    10. Have a Picnic

    Picnic spread with cheese, baguette, and wine, in a park in Paris, France


    Another good option is to picnic. This is something I do a lot for lunch if I’m somewhere where the weather is nice. I usually head to a local food market, pick up a bunch of food, and go picnic in the park. Not only am I saving money (sandwiches aren’t expensive), but it affords me a good chance to watch the locals scurry about their daily lives.

    If you’re staying at a hostel, this is a great ice-breaker for meeting new people. Just invite everyone along to join you and you’ll be making new friends in no time!

    11. Use Tourism Cards

    Most people think of tourist cards like the iAmsterdam card or the Oslo Pass as just a way to save money on transportation and attractions. But these cards also offer discounts at many restaurants. Typically, discounts are around 15–25%, but sometimes lunch specials can be up to 50% off.

    Visit the local tourism office when you arrive and ask what food discounts are included. Chances are you’ll be able to save even more money if you just take the time to learn about the tourism pass. It’s a worthwhile investment!

    12. Get Free Breakfast

    A breakfast plate of sausages, potatoes, and various dips


    If you can find hostels or hotels that include breakfast, you’ve already eliminated the cost of one meal. Plus, if you have a huge breakfast that fills you up for most of the day then you don’t need to eat as many meals out. Moreover, many hostels around the world also offer free dinners, free coffee and tea, and other food-related perks. Search them out to save money and lower your food costs.

    13. Eat Where the Students Do

    Where there are universities, there are students, and since students are usually broke, that means there are likely cheap places to eat nearby. Check Google Maps for local post-secondary institutions and see what you can find in the nearby area. Many bars in the area will likely have cheap drinks and happy hours too, so you can save even more.

    Additionally, use Google to search for places. Type in “Student friendly restaurants in [X]” to get lots of suggestions on where to eat. You can also ask your hotel/hostel for information too.

    14. Use Supermarket Deals

    In many countries, supermarkets offer lunchtime specials for workers in the surrounding areas. These usually entail fresh sandwiches or some soup or salads. Additionally, many supermarkets also discount food that expires soon, including bread, baked goods, meat, and produce. For example, pre-made meals in Japan are often 50% off right before the grocery store closes because they can’t keep it overnight. Tight food laws in Scandinavia also mean that food that has “expired” is discounted too. (And, since food, especially imported meats, are so expensive in those countries, most locals buy the “expired” food).

    Buy groceries in the evening and you can likely find yourself some discounted (but still totally safe and edible) food.

    ***
    I love a nice restaurant. I don’t mind paying money for a good meal with a nice glass of wine. But doing that EVERY meal is simply too expensive.

    But, by using the tips above, I can afford to keep my costs down while still being able to afford a quality meal every so often.

    And that’s what is really important — finding the right balance.

    Because if you can manage to balance eating great food with saving money, both your wallet and your stomach will thank you.
     

    How to Travel the World on $75 a Day

    How to Travel the World on $75 a Day

    My New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”

    Click here to learn more and start reading it today!

    Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

    Book Your Flight
    Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

    Book Your Accommodation
    You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

    Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
    Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

    Want to Travel for Free?
    Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

    Need a Rental Car?
    Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!

    Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
    Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

    Ready to Book Your Trip?
    Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.



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