Bustling shopping area offering a wide array of traditional food items, plus clothing & souvenirs.

Seoul City Symphony: An Adventure Through Seoul's Iconic Landmarks

Namdaemun Market

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Deoksugung Palace

Cheonggyecheon

Gwanghwamun Square

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Bukchon Hanok Village

Ikseon-dong Hanok Village

Gwangjang Market

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Namsangol Hanok Village

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Gwangjang Market, a Seoul institution, distinguishes itself not just as a marketplace but as a vibrant tapestry of Korean culinary heritage. Beyond the ubiquitous street food, it's a haven for bespoke hanbok tailoring, where skilled artisans meticulously craft traditional garments. A lesser-known fact is its historical significance as one of Korea's first permanent markets, established in 1905, predating much of modern Seoul. The market's maze-like alleys conceal specialized stalls offering everything from dried seafood sourced directly from coastal regions to vintage fabrics coveted by designers. Unlike other markets, Gwangjang boasts a thriving silk district, a testament to Korea's historical prominence in silk production. The energy is palpable, a constant hum of bartering, sizzling food, and the rhythmic clatter of sewing machines, creating an immersive sensory experience.

Introduction

Gwangjang Market is renowned throughout Seoul, South Korea, particularly for its bindaetteok, or mung bean pancakes. Within the market, numerous stalls specialize in this attractive, shallow oil-fried delicacy. Among these, Soonheenae Bindaetteok is a well-known stall celebrated for its mung bean pancakes and meatballs, preparing bindaetteok by grinding mung beans with a millstone, mixing them with kimchi, bracken, and ground pork, and frying the mixture on the spot for a crispy and savory taste.

When visiting Gwangjang Market, it's common to see employees constantly grinding mung bean paste, mixing batter, and frying pancakes nonstop. Most stalls offer both an original mung bean pancake and a pork version. The pancakes often include fresh bean sprouts for added crunch and are fried with various filling options until golden and crispy. Despite being fried, they are not overly greasy.

Bindaetteok is extra crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often served with a soy vinegar onion sauce and kimchi. Makgeolli, a Korean rice wine, is traditionally paired with mung bean pancakes. For those interested in making bindaetteok at home, recipes often include ingredients like kimchi, scallions, mung bean sprouts, and minced pork or shrimp.

Bindaetteok (Mung Bean Pancake)

At Gwangjang Market, the women vendors, often referred to as "Ajumas," are the driving force behind the market's vibrant atmosphere and preservation of Korean culinary traditions. These women work tirelessly, starting as early as 4 AM and continuing until late in the evening, sometimes until 11 PM, to serve classic Korean dishes passed down through generations. Their recipes are often unwritten, reflecting a deep, intuitive understanding of Korean cuisine. They feel a strong sense of duty to maintain these culinary customs, taking minimal days off to provide for their families and uphold tradition.

These women exude confidence and assertiveness, commanding their stalls with expertise. They create a welcoming environment for locals, students, and foreigners alike, connecting with customers through delicious food despite language barriers. The women of Gwangjang Market display an intense passion for their craft, which is evident in every dish they serve. Their dedication has not only preserved traditional flavors but also created a unique cultural experience that attracts visitors from around the world, including celebrity chefs. The market offers a glimpse into the demanding yet vital role women play in Korean society, highlighting their hard work, culinary skills, and commitment to preserving their heritage.

Role of Women Vendors

Gwangjang Market is renowned as the home of Mayak Gimbap, also known as "drug gimbap" due to its addictive nature. These mini rice rolls are a market specialty, drawing both locals and tourists seeking this unique culinary experience. The name "mayak," meaning narcotics in Korean, reflects the irresistible quality attributed to these gimbap.

Unlike traditional gimbap, Mayak Gimbap features a minimalist approach with few ingredients. Typically, the rolls contain pickled radish and carrot, generously seasoned with sesame oil, which contributes significantly to their addictive flavor. The vendors at Gwangjang Market serve these little rolls with a distinctive sweet and tangy hot mustard sauce, a key component that enhances their appeal. While the precise recipes for the mustard sauce remain a guarded secret among vendors, common ingredients include hot mustard (gyeoja), vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. Some variations incorporate finely ground sesame seeds to complement the sesame oil.

The addictive quality of Mayak Gimbap is further enhanced by the generous brushing of sesame oil, giving them a sensational and irresistible taste. These mini rolls are ubiquitous throughout the market, often found in large stacks at various stalls. For those visiting Gwangjang Market, trying Mayak Gimbap is highly recommended, as it offers a distinct and memorable taste of Korean street food culture.

Mayak Gimbap (Addictive Rice Rolls)

Gwangjang Market in Seoul stands as one of the ultimate destinations to immerse oneself in traditional Korean street food and culture. Established in 1905, this historic market offers an overwhelming array of gastronomic delights, presenting a challenge of choice with so many tempting options. Among the must-try dishes is soondae, a Korean blood sausage that, despite its initial intimidating appearance, offers a unique culinary experience.

The market is particularly celebrated for its bindaetteok, or mung bean pancakes, prepared fresh at numerous stalls where you can witness the grinding of mung beans and the sizzling of pancakes. These pancakes often include bean sprouts for added crunch and are available in original and pork versions. Another highlight is mayak gimbap, a popular street food.

Visitors can also savor tteokbokki, spicy rice cakes in a red pepper sauce, and kal-guksu, knife-cut noodle soup. The market's vibrant atmosphere, filled with the smells, sights, and sounds of vendors and customers, enhances the experience of exploring Korean street food. Gwangjang Market is easily accessible by subway, making it a convenient stop for anyone eager to indulge in authentic Korean flavors.

Traditional Korean Street Food

Gwangjang Market stands as a testament to Seoul’s dedication to cultural preservation, blending historical significance with modern-day commerce. Established in 1905, the market has evolved into a vibrant hub where traditional Korean culture is not only maintained but actively celebrated. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to offer visitors an unparalleled experience of Korean culture, history, and cuisine. The Seoul Metropolitan Government and various cultural organizations play a crucial role in ensuring that the market retains its traditional charm while adapting to contemporary needs.

The market is renowned for its diverse array of street food, offering visitors a chance to experience authentic Korean cuisine, with popular dishes including bindaetteok, mayak gimbap, and tteokbokki. These culinary offerings serve as time capsules of Korea’s rich gastronomic history. The women manning the stalls feel an intense obligation to preserve these culinary customs, often working long hours to serve classic Korean favorites that have been passed down for generations.

Gwangjang Market's narrow alleys and bustling stalls create a lively environment that captures the essence of traditional Korean markets. This sense of community and tradition is a key part of the market’s enduring appeal. Efforts to preserve and promote the market’s unique cultural and historical value, combined with innovative approaches to attract new customers, will be key to its ongoing success. The market’s ability to blend tradition with modernity ensures that it will remain a beloved and essential part of Seoul for years to come.

Cultural Preservation

Established in 1905, Gwangjang Market emerged in response to the Japanese seizure of Namdaemun Market, driven by Korean investors who sought to create a market independent of Japanese control. Originally named Dongdaemun Market, it distinguished itself by operating daily, a departure from the temporary markets common at the time. The market's establishment during the Korean Empire period provided a stable venue for merchants amidst political instability.

Strategically located near Cheonggyecheon Stream, a vital waterway for transportation and trade, Gwangjang Market became a crucial center for distributing textiles, agricultural products, and seafood during the Japanese occupation. Post-Korean War, it played a significant role in the nation’s economic recovery, particularly as a hub for the textile industry. The name "Gwangjang" originates from its location between Gwangkyo and Jangkyo bridges, reflecting its central position within Seoul's commercial landscape.

Efforts to preserve Gwangjang Market's historical and cultural significance have been ongoing, with the Seoul Metropolitan Government implementing initiatives to support traditional markets. Today, Gwangjang Market stands as a testament to Seoul’s heritage, blending tradition with modernity. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to offer an unparalleled experience of Korean culture, history, and commerce, attracting locals and international tourists alike.

Gwangjang Market

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