Seoul’s Kwangjang Public Market

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Instead of visiting Seoul’s glitzy malls, why not sample Korean culture at a traditional market? [full gallery]

It’s understandable that many Koreans are eager for foreign visitors to visit Seoul’s glitzy high rises, luxury malls and top-tier hotels. For a nation that knew poverty so recently, it makes sense there’s a desire to advertise a newfound wealth. But in my experience, travelers to Korea are usually eager to see what makes the nation and culture unique, and are looking for places that are unmistakably Korean. For them, I can’t think of a place that does this better than a traditional market, like Kwangjang Market (광장시장).
Despite huge competition from discount chain stores and facilities that can provide conveniences like free parking, Seoul’s traditional markets are holding on. And thank goodness for that! They retain a special charm that makes them a “must-see” on any tourist’s Seoul itinerary. Thankfully, the city government has realized their important role to citizens and visitors alike, and has allocated support for their modernization.

Lines of snack carts proceed along both main drags through Kwangjang Market [full gallery].

Among Seoul’s many traditional markets, Kwangjang Market was the first to open as a daily market. Established in 1905, it’s actually far bigger than it looks, with 5,000 independent shops and an entire upper level dedicated to high quality silk, satin and linen. It’s one of the best places to have everything from bed sheets to traditional Korean hanbok custom made for you. In fact, many of Kwangjang’s vendors supply Namdaemun and Dongdaemun merchants with their fine-quality textiles.

Especially on rainy days, Kwangjang Market is famous for its dozens of bindaetteok vendors [full gallery].

On the market’s central ground level, the floor space is dominated by scores of pojangmacha snack stalls selling delicious snacks like red bean porridge called patjuk (팟죽), jokbal pigs’ feet and sundae (순대) blood sausage. But the treat that Kwangjang is truly famous for is its delicious bindaetteok (빈대떡). Resembling very thick pancakes, these crispy morsels will run you less than four dollars, which is a small price to pay for your own piece of Kwangjang Market’s rustic delicacy. Watch as the hard-working vendors cook their mung bean batter seasoned with meat and vegetables into sizzling pancakes while steam rises into the air. It’s an especially beloved treat in the winter or on a rainy day. Matched with some makgeolli rice wine and a simple soy and onion dipping sauce, I can’t think of a better way to spend a cold or wet evening!
Despite the crowded floor space, the market features high ceilings topped with domed glass and an interior lit by naked bulbs hanging from every stall. The ubiquitous red aprons designate the vendors from the customers, and frankly, it’s a little bit exhausting to consider what it would be like to work there all day. Keep in mind that many of the food stalls remain open until midnight (but arrive before 21:00 for the best selection).

Best known for its bindaetteok and fine silks, Kwangjang’s 5,000 vendors sell all kinds of products [full gallery].

On a recent visit to the market, it seemed like the food vendors were doing pretty well. There was a fun mix of curious tourists and well-heeled groups of salary men and women and retired folks who were all enjoying an early evening stop for snacks and a drink… or three. Be it the boisterous banter between customers to the delicious and inexpensive treats, Kwangjang Market displays Koreans’ enthusiasm for good food and conversation, and is one of Seoul’s most exciting destinations.