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Gwangjang Market: bindaetteok & mayak gimbap

Korea's first permanent market, open since 1905, and the mecca of Seoul street food. Golden mung-bean pancakes (bindaetteok), addictive ‘mayak’ gimbap, and sesame-rich yukhoe (beef tartare), a meal perched on a stool in the food alley is a trip highlight in itself.

Gwangjang Market: bindaetteok & mayak gimbap

History

Opened in 1905 as Korea's first permanent market, it is over 120 years old. Once famous for wholesale textiles, hanbok and vintage clothing, today it is world-renowned for the street food of its ‘meokja golmok’ (food alley). Stalls of bindaetteok, mayak gimbap and yukhoe are perpetually packed, one yukhoe spot even holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand.

Getting there

Exit 8 of Jongno 5-ga Station (Line 1) leads straight to the food alley by the east gate. Lunchtime through evening is when the stalls are liveliest; bringing a little cash makes things easier.

Tips

  • ·Bindaetteok, yukhoe and mayak gimbap are the big three; popular stalls have long lines
  • ·The food alley runs roughly 9am to night, top dishes sell out late evening
  • ·Take Exit 8 of Jongno 5-ga Station for direct access to the food alley
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