Guests' reviews
Jason M | Jan 31, 2018
Talk about an experience! Look, take it from someone who doesn't enjoy crowds... this is just one of those places you have to experience to appreciate. Granted I also have the advantage of being nearly 6'6" tall, so that helped. ;-) Besides, it was amazing how once you got out of the main passage ways, how quickly you can find yourself in a nearly deserted section of the market.
The sheer amount and variety of stuff for sale is always an amazing thing at places like this. Visiting in the middle of December when it was 20* wasn't ideal, but at least I was easily able to buy a warm hat.
Looking forward to seeing more of this place again on a future trip!
Timothy K | Feb 26, 2018
This place was so energectic and fun. If you want to try some good ole traditional Korean dishes, do not hesitate. It really was a very fulfilling experience for me. Yeah, it is a street market in a way, and it is crowded but once you are in it, the whole ride is a fun ride. Just GO and EXPLORE !
Michelle Tham | Feb 27, 2018
Too many stalls selling the same food items and you don't know which ones are better than the other. But it is exciting to walk through the market and just be amazed by the variety of food the stalls offer. It is definitely a tourist must go spot in Seoul
Elaine L | Dec 30, 2017
It's always very crowded and very loud. But this place pretty much has everything! The food is especially worth trying! It's also amazingly cheap! You can order something and get it to go. However, you can also just sit down at the food stalls, or some of the shops have indoor seating areas. It's all very convenient.
Phoebe Lee | Dec 10, 2017
Excellent joint for a local food scene. I was there in early December so it was cold but not freezing, I don't know if that's the reason it wasn't touristy at all but I really felt like I was in the middle of a local marketplace. The street food was amazing, and the merchants there doesn't rip us off at all, unlike most of the similar tourist sites in other cities. Top 5 to-do if you like to explore a local food experience.
Simon Myunggun Seo | Mar 17, 2018
I went mainly for food hunting. I found several dishes that were new to me as a Korean. Prices are marked clearly and they won't rip you off.
The used clothes market vendors are generally young people interested in fashion and will recommend you good styles. They will grab you with flattering compliments so be aware.
It's big so be caredul not to get lost. There are many markets in and around; street food around here is pretty good too.
Sang Hui Lee | Mar 21, 2018
Experience local comfort foods. Its well covered market so great to visit all year around. If you like a bit of raw beef then must try 육회.
Yunyeong Gim | May 14, 2018
The REAL TRADITIONAL market! Full of delicious food, amazing vibe, and a lot of cute stuff for souvenirs. All hand made food with very fresh ingredient. Especially 육회(raw beef) is considered as the best one even in Korea.
ZeFirestarter | May 28, 2018
We ate a lot in a lot of different stands. Perfect place to taste a variety of street-food. There also sell a lot of clothes. I defenitely recommend going here and tasting the food.
Kui Kantavee W. | Apr 17, 2018
Good local and traditional market where there are lots of things to buy and try. Buy some local products and utensils with their unique design. Try local food like alive squids, toppokki, fish balls and many more. Wash everything down with fresh fruit smoothies. You can spend half day sightseeing around this huge market.
jessica li | May 8, 2018
Always delicious and inviting. Could be intimidating for first timers but just go to any stall with a smiling ajuma (grandma) whipping up fresh goodies. Highly recommend trying Mung bean pancake.
For shoppers, if you want some new korean kitchen ware such as the stone pots or metal bowls and chopsticks you can get some good bargains.
My favourite part of this market is the most amazing vintage market hidden away upstairs after the textiles section.
Cheuk Lun LI | Jun 5, 2018
This market is very diverse as it comprises local market that sells daily groceries and food stalls that sells local food to many tourists. Recommend to have some food at the food stalls, such as the fresh octopus and the deep-fried cake. There is also a pharmacy here, and you can buy some medicine if needed (as I didn't see pharmacies elsewhere).
Gan Zizheng Nicky | Jun 22, 2018
Immerse yourselves in the local/tourist market which sells just about anything from food to clothing to utensils etc. Shop owners are friendly, not too pushy, and serves good food. Can't go wrong visiting Gwangjang Market. It's a must for first timers.
Brian Espiritu | Jun 11, 2018
I only came here for the food. It's very tourist friendly considering most menus have the names of the dishes in English. Some stalls actually have nice air-conditioned seating areas so pick those if you didn't want to feel busy while you eat.
Ashely Yen | Jun 5, 2018
In Kwangjang market area you can find some good old stores and nice foods. There’s a small alley full of watch stores and some old film camera stores. Really impressive!!
People there are friendly, too.
Ricardo Barreira | Jun 30, 2018
It's quite messy and hot inside. Not much space to walk between the stalls (and I do wonder about fire safety!).
I ate some dumplings (which weren't even spicy) and they apparently caused me stomach problems for a few hours - and counting. For what it's worth I didn't have such a problem with any other Korean food in my 7-day trip.
The variety of food available was not impressive - most of the stalls were serving the same few dishes.
T Young | Jul 21, 2018
Lots of colours and interesting to see. Whilst it looks like a lot of food most of the vendors sell the same things and of the same quality. Very few sweet things to eat. Got very warm and stuffy during summer. Borderline unpleasant due to the heat so best prepare yourself for that.
Christy Tanudjaja | Jul 20, 2018
Experience the traditional market here. Mostly they sell fabrics and food. I've met the nicest seller and the rudest seller here 😂 So it's depends on your luck. Regardless, I like the vibe!
