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.
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
Photos
