Kim Rahn is the managing editor of The Korea Times. Since joining the company in 2003, she has covered various beats including the presidential office, Seoul city government, the Bank of Korea and the tourism industry. In 2014, she won the Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA) award for her coverage of the ordeals of migrant women in Korea.
Traditional market tour for foreigners
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Various kinds of dumplings displayed on a stall at the Sinpo International Market in Incheon. / Courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization
By Kim Rahn
By Kim Rahn
Traditional markets are favorite destinations for tourists in many countries. Korea also has many traditional markets, but it is not easy for foreigners to know which one has the specialties and food they like, which ones have easy access, and which ones are close to other tourist attractions.
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has picked 16 markets nationwide, excluding Seoul, for foreigners through an evaluation by tourism experts.
Sinpo International Market
in Incheon is the first modern-style regular market in the port city. Due to the proximity from Incheon Port International Passenger Terminal, it has had many foreign tourists and merchants.
The market holds the Jayu (freedom) Park festival in April, a nearby park with beautiful cherry blossoms in that season; the Sinpo Market festival in September; and the Chinese Day festival in October.
Paldalmun (Paldal Gate) Market
in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, is Korea’s only market that a King created ― King Jeongjo (1752-1800) of the Joseon Kingdom gave money to merchants there to develop the commerce of the country.
Besides Paldalmun Market, there are several more markets nearby to form a market complex. It is close to several tourist attractions in the region, and holds events together with the attractions’ festivals such as a light festival at the Hwaseong temporary palace.
Sokcho fishery market
in Sokcho, Gangwon Province, sells marine products fresh from the East Sea. It has some modern facilities such as shopping carts, a resting place, and a complaint desk.
The market is near Yangyang International Airport. A famous soap opera “Autumn in my Heart” in 2000 was filmed here. It is also famous for various foods such as sweet and sour fried chicken, stuffed squid and Chinese pancake with brown sugar filling and nuts.
Chuncheon Nangman (romantic) Market
in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, is associated with the “dakgalbi” (stir-frying spicy chicken) alley.
It has attracted many tourists from Japan and Southeast Asia following the popularity of 2002 drama “Winter Sonata” that was filmed at other tourist spots in the region.
Jeonju Nambu Market
in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, offers a clean environment with remodeled stores and roofs for rainy days. It provides not only goods and foods but also cultural events by opening at night every Friday and Saturday.
On the second floor of the market are shops run by young merchants. Various items ranging from accessories and handicrafts to food and alcohol are on offer with witty titles and phrases.
Gukje (International) Market
in Busan has become a famous attraction due to the film “Ode to My Father” that featured a story of a merchant there. Many people from Japan and Southeast Asia are visiting there.
The market was formed in 1945 when Japanese people here sold goods after World War II was over. Those who fled to Busan during the Korean War exchanged goods there, and products were imported both legally and illegally through Busan Port and traded.
Jeju Dongmun Market
is close to Jeju International Airport and Jeju Port Terminal.
It has cultural classes for not only merchants but also customers, such as yoga and free cooking classes.
Other markets selected by the KTO are: Wonju Jungang Market in Gangwon Province; Yukgeori Market in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province; Daejeon Jungang Market; Gwangju Daein Market; Daegu Seomun Market; Andong Jungang Market and Gyeongju Jungang Market in North Gyeongsang Province; Bupyeong Kkangtong Market in Busan; and Maeil Olle Market in Jeju.