Gwangjang market is known for it's linen bedding, traditional outfits, silk goods, handmade goods, vintage goods and street food. It was opened in 1905 and is one of Korea's largest traditional market.
There are a couple of ways to get there. If your coming from Jungbu Market, from the main entrance no 1, cross the street and go straight all the way down until you reach a bridge (Cheonggyecheon stream). Cross the bridge and the market should be on your left.
If your taking a train get of at Jongno 5-ga and exit at exit 7, turn right and just continue down till you see the market.
When you first enter the market you will see lots of food stalls. Most of them sell the same things with some variations and the prices are usually the same. So feel free to randomly pick a stall that is selling something you like or would like to try.
A must try is the mungbean pancake. It's really nice when it's hot and you get a whole pancake, cut into 4 pcs for 4,000 won (Rm 14.50). You can even bring some home and just reheat it in the microwave. I tried the jelly noodles as well and honestly i would advise against it, as it was pretty bland tasting although the jelly noodle texture was interesting.
After your meal you can explore the market and maybe buy some linen, traditional items or clothes home.
If you are into craft or are looking to buy jewelry and trinkets, there are a couple of buildings that sells all sorts of things you would ever need for craft, from cloth to jewelry fixings. You'll see the buildings on your way from the train station to Gwangjang market. It's called Dongdaemun Shopping complex and it's in Building A on the 5th floor 액세서리 (부자재) . Different building's and different floors sell different things so make sure you go to the right one.
Below is the address as well as the website for the complex
289-57 Jongro 6-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul
They open at about 9.30am to 5pm but they tend to start closing starting from 4 so be there early. They are closed on Sundays and Monday's is a good time to visit as it's usually quite quiet. Be sure to bring a drink with you as there are no F&B shops there and getting out of the complex when your engrossed in shopping is quite a hassle. Alternatively you can try to beg some water off from the shop keepers as I did 😁. They are usually really nice and willing to oblige.
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