Gems in Seoul Tasting Korea in Seoul's traditional markets
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Dongdaemun Market is a huge place where you can find many different items. Above is an alley with hanbok shops. Hanbok is traditional Korean dress. / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government
By Kim Se-jeong
Nowadays, a common scene in cities is identical-looking shopping centers all selling the same products.
This is unappealing for travelers seeking to taste local authenticity.
In Seoul, the story isn’t much different. Yet, there are still traditional markets that have survived the torrents of shopping centers and discount store chains and offer authentic elements of the city and its history.
The most famous markets in Seoul may be Namdaemun and Dongdaemun, whose scales and variety of items amaze tourists. Each market occupies several blocks of the city with several buildings.
The two are tourist hotspots, but if you are looking for less-populated markets with authenticity, Mangwon Market is a good option.
Located in Mapo-gu, western Seoul, the market sells many different items needed in daily life ― clothes, shoes, fish, meat, etc ― offering a glimpse into ordinary Korean life.
Among them, though, the food makes Mangwon Market stand out.
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A shop selling dakgangjeong, or sweet crispy chicken, at Mangwon Market in northwestern Seoul offers various sauces. / Korea Times photo by Kim Se-jeong
One meat patty shop is particularly popular. The owner has his own ingredients and serves patties freshly cooked on a pan. The meat is served with a choice of noodle soup or rice. Altogether, it costs 6.000 won, or $5.38, drawing torrents of guests.
Dakgangjeong, or sweet crispy chicken dipped in different flavors, also attracts people back to the market. Jokbal, or steamed pig feet, is another popular menu item.
The market is also popular for two croquette shops. Facing each other, the shops fry dough with different fillings, and the smell is irresistible.
Among locals, the market is known for its affordability. Local bloggers have emphasized that point as well. One blogger experimented with how many dishes he could eat for 10,000 won, and the answer was four ― a meat patty, noodles, fried chicken and pig feet.
The market also has a unique payment method ― a subway pass. Many shops have T-Money card readers, and anyone who has enough money on their T-Money cards can use it.
Not all traditional markets are like Mangwon where you can find many different items. Some markets are specialized in certain items.
For example, Gwangjang Market is famous for textiles and bindaetteok, a type of mung bean pancake.
Dongjin Market in Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, specializes in fashion items. A lot of the items are handmade, and the designers themselves often sell their own creations.
Jungang Market near Dongdaemun in central Seoul is all about second-hand items. Yangnyeong Market also in Dongdaemun area is about herbs. Endless streets are filled with herb shops, with owners offering consultations on skin type and prescribing herbal facial masks on the site. This market is beloved by female Japanese tourists.
If you want to customize your own lunch with samples of various Korean side dishes, Tongin Market in Seochon, next to Gyeongbok Palace, is the place to go for their lunchbox program.
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