Due to COVID-19, every one of you, especially from foreign countries, may be having hard times living in Korea. One of the most tough things is that you can not fully experience the Korean culture. Therefore, the Konkuk Bulletin will introduce the meaningful places, food, and events that you can enjoy in Korea. Our very first destination is the “Gwangjang Market”.
The Gwangjang market is located on Seoul, Jongno-gu, Changgyeounggung-ro 88. This market has been descended since the Chosun dynasty, and it is still briskly on going. Gwangjang Market is very famous for its food. It sells various products, but the most famous food are bindaetteok, mayak gimbap, and nude cheese tuna gimbap. It is so delicious and famous, that local Korean residents are also waiting up in line to eat those food.
Bindaetteok & Meat Dumpling
Price: 4,000 / 2,000 won
Taste
The crunchy texture of the food is amazing. For the Bindaetteok , bean sprouts is fresh and crunchy. Also, the taste itself is very clean. On the other hand, meat dumpling has a very rich flavor. It Is crunchy on the outside, and juicy on inside. No wonder it is such a famous food in market.
Total Score ★★★★☆
Special Tips
Since there is not plenty of space to eat, there is always a chance for waiting in a long line. I recommend you take the food out and eat it in somewhere else.
Mayak Gimbap
Price: 3,000 won
Taste
The combination between plain gimbap and mustard sauce is amazing. It might be little normal taste when only eating gimbap. However, when you dip the gimbap in mustard sauce, the special tangy taste of the sauce makes the food so special. It is quite unique, but it is not odd. In fact, you will soon recognize yourself eating up the whole dish.
Total Score ★★★★
Special Tips
The taste of the mustard sauce is quite strong, so beware of dipping too much. If so, you might sting yourself of the strong hot taste.
Nude Cheese Tuna Gimbap & Japchae
Price: 2,500 won
Taste
The name “nude” comes from the appearance of the food. The gimbap is usually composed of outer gim and inner bap (rice), but this kind of gimbap has outer bap and inner gim composition. This nude gimbap is special since it is served with tuna on the top of the food. Also, you can eat this with the Korean noodle, japchae , which makes this dish so special.
Total Score ★★★★
Special Tips
Since this market does not receive card, you must take your cash if you want to try this. Also, the noodle is easy to go stale if the temperature is high. Therefore, beware of the heat.
Not only is Gwangjang Market famous for its food, but it is also very famous for vintage clothes market. It sells various vintage products, such as old dresses, pants, jackets, and so on. One of the most exciting part of the vintage market is, you may get a chance to buy priceless goods with small amount of money. Nevertheless, some people had the opportunity to buy luxurious brands such as Burberry, Gucci, Saint Laurent and so on, by searching for the clothes they wanted.
The vintage market of Gwangjang Market is located way down from the main market. You just have to go straight down, passing all the “Jeon” markets. I will post the map as well, just in case you get lost in the huge market.
Vintage Clothes Shop
Location: Exit 9 of the shopping mall at Jongno 5-ga Station
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat 10 am – 19 pm / Sun 11 am – 19 pm
Total Score ★★★★☆
Tips
If you have trouble with your breathing organs, I hope you wear masks before you enter the vintage market. Since the selling goods are aged, and there are millions of clothes in small area, many people cough due to dust while shopping.