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Gwangjang Market
During a trip to Seoul, one experience that tourists definitely shouldn't miss is the culinary delights at Gwangjang Market. This is one of the first traditional markets in Korea, where you can find exquisite handcrafted products such as silk, satin, and bed linens, all reflecting local culture. Gwangjang Market attracts not only locals but is also a must-visit destination for tourists, especially those who love Korean street food.
Tourists all share the same goal: to enjoy the delicious food here.
This market boasts a diverse array of food stalls, where you can indulge in a variety of delicious Korean dishes such as bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), bibimbap, gimbap, sundae, tteokbokki, and noodles. Among the most famous delicacies, mayak kimbap stands out as a highly addictive and beloved rice roll. These simple yet delicious sushi-like rolls, filled with carrots, pickled radishes, and rice seasoned with sesame butter, create an irresistible treat that visitors frequently choose when visiting Gwangjang Market.
Myeongdong Street Food Alley
Myeongdong is not only a shopping mecca in Seoul, but also a creative street food paradise for food lovers wanting to explore unique Korean delicacies. It attracts thousands of people who flock to its labyrinthine alleyways to shop, shop, and enjoy the culinary delights.
The food carts lining this walkway in Korea are called "pojangmacha".
Here, you'll find crowds of tourists surrounding numerous food carts selling all kinds of sweets and snacks. In Myeongdong, there's no need to remember the names of the dishes, just remember that they're delicious. For those who haven't experienced it yet, visit Myeongdong any afternoon, wander through the alleys, and pick out the tempting street food you want to try. Besides traditional dishes, visitors can also satisfy their culinary cravings with items like grilled lobster, fried milk, grilled cheese skewers, tteokgalbi meatballs, strawberry mochi, and fresh pomegranate juice, among countless others. Don't forget to bring cash, as most stalls here don't accept credit cards.
Common Ground
Many people have probably heard of South Korea's first unique pop-up store, built from 200 blue shipping containers – that's Common Ground. It emerged as a new hangout spot for Korean youth in 2015. Common Ground is always crowded because it's located right near Konkuk University.
Common Ground is always crowded because it's located right near Konkuk University.
Besides fashion boutiques and cafes, and Instagrammable spaces, you can also experience the rooftop area. There are many food options with four food trucks, including Bold (meat bowls and sandwiches), Space Bar (seasonal desserts and alcoholic drinks), The Coast (seafood), and Kimchi Bus. Although the eateries and cafes here are quite small, they all offer a particularly cozy atmosphere. Even better, on weekends, in addition to enjoying food and shopping, you can also enjoy small concerts.
Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town
If you're a fan of Tteokbokki, don't miss the chance to visit Sindang-dong Korean food street in Seoul. This is the most famous area for its amazing Tteokbokki. Right at the entrance, you'll see a large sign in Korean that reads "Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town".
Authentic Korean dishes are sold here.
Visitors are impressed by the rows of small stalls on both sides of the street selling instant Tteokbokki, which includes Tteokbokki along with various side dishes such as fish cakes, noodles, and dumplings. If you've ever watched Korean dramas, you're probably familiar with the sight of these Tteokbokki carts. Diners at this food street can buy and enjoy it at the stalls or order it for takeout.
The most distinctive feature of Tteokbokki in Sindang-dong lies in its soy sauce and chili paste. The sauce is intensely colored and looks spicy, but in reality, it only has a mild spiciness with a hint of sweetness. This unique and delightful flavor combination will leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.
Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market
For Seoul residents, the Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market is incredibly familiar and a frequent weekend hangout spot. This market typically operates on Friday and Saturday evenings, from March to October, in Yeouido Hangang Park and Banpo Hangang Park along the Han River.
This night market is usually held in Yeouido Hangang Park and Banpo Hangang Park along the Han River.
Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market is not only a great place for tourists to shop for unique handicrafts but also to enjoy outdoor musical performances. A special feature here is the more than 50 food stalls offering a wide variety of dishes, both for dine-in and takeout. Each stall is also designed with spacious interiors and diverse goods, providing a multi-faceted experience for shoppers and diners.
