Cheongnyangni and Gyeongdong offer a glimpse of the city’s everyday life, from seafood and produce to herbal medicine traditions.
Near the market, the air is thick with the scent of ginseng and the briny freshness of seafood. Cheongnyangni and Gyeongdong markets have thrived side by side for decades in this part of eastern Seoul. Generations of merchants have built a community here, trading everything from everyday groceries to centuries-old remedies. Though beloved by locals, these markets remain overshadowed by tourist magnets like Namdaemun and Gwangjang; they offer a different kind of Seoul experience, rooted in daily life rather than sightseeing.
Both markets trace their origins to the 1960s. Cheongnyangni began when farmers started selling produce near the bustling train station, which still serves as a key hub for domestic travel. Over time, it grew into a maze of stalls offering fruits, vegetables, seafood and household goods. Gyeongdong, just steps away, evolved along a different path, becoming Korea’s largest center for herbal medicine. Today, its shops brim with dried roots and wild herbs, carrying on a tradition that dates back centuries.
While international visitors often pass through Cheongnyangni Station en route to other destinations like Busan, many never stop to explore the markets. Recently, however, there’s been a push to revitalize the area. Projects like the Kyungdong 1960 complex, where Starbucks renovated an old cinema into a unique coffee shop and bakery, and upgraded facilities are drawing younger Koreans and piquing the curiosity of adventurous travelers.
Howdy Korea’s latest video dives into this vibrant world with a playful twist. Host Joel wandered the markets, jotting down ingredients he spotted. Then, local merchants spun a roulette wheel to decide what he would cook, leaving the final dish entirely up to chance. The result is an unpredictable culinary adventure that showcases not only Korea’s flavors, but the lively, unfiltered spirit of these historic markets, revealing a side of Seoul rarely seen by tourists.