Jeju Island Five-Day Market

By Shim Hyun-chul

The Jeju Island Five Day Market is always packed with people.

Having been around for more than a century, it is one of the most historical and largest markets traditionally held every five days in Korea. The market, which provides an intimate insight into the life on Jeju Island, attracts numerous tourists.

It is said that the market originated at the end of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) as a transaction point for “bobusang,” or bag merchants held in front of Gwandeokjeong, a historical pavilion. Then the market moved to Geonip-dong area in northern Jeju Island. In 1950, the market took place at a refugee camp.

This continued during the Korean War (1950-1953).

Some 1,000 shops, categorized into 22 sections, occupy a space of 67,531 square meters.

A free parking lot for 1,400 cars is available as well. Though it is a folk market, it also offers fresh local produce and clothing. There is a special section called “halmangjangteo,” or marketplace for grandmothers. There, grandmothers above the age of 65 sell home grown vegetables.

Located conveniently near the Jeju International Airport and Jeju Intercity Bus terminal, the market is accessible to both people from the island as well as those from outside.

The market is held on 2, 7, 12,17,22 and 27 of every month from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more details, call 064) 743-5985~6 or visit https://jeju5.market.jeju.kr.