Gyeongdong Market

This is a traditional market famous for herbal medicine. The market is large, so you can buy things from vegetables to meat and fruit at wholesale prices. There are many restaurants in the market, so it is a place where you can eat delicious food. It is a good market to go on an outing or to shop.

This place or market is where you can see and taste authentic Korean cuisine and specialized dishes. It is better than Kwangjang market. The mukbang streets are larger and cheaper, but it requires finding the right aisles. Don't miss the famous fruits, meats, and stores for you to enjoy local cuisines.

Basement restaurant opened by auntie omakase from culinary class wars. Pork was good. Staff are friendly. There are also many fresh fruits that you can get at low prices. Highly recommend a visit to this market.

This local market is in my opinion much better then Gwangjang market. Not only is it much bigger but also it is untouched by tourism. Which means this is as local as it gets. Gyeongdong market also houses a uniquely made Starbucks cafe, which makes it even more of a destination. More on the Starbucks in a different post. It is cozy here with its own charm and vendors are friendly. If you are looking for a true local market, this is the place to go. Forget about Gwangjang market, visit Gyeongdong market instead!

Seoul has such a robust market scene that I made a mistake when I told an Uber driver where to go when my husband and I needed a ride from Itaewon. I had thought this market was the more renowned Gwangjang Market with all the bustling food stalls selling signature dishes like knife-cut noodles and mung bean pancakes. It wasn’t until we were half an hour in the labyrinth market that we realized we were actually in Gyeongdong Market which contains over a thousand shops and stalls dedicated to herbal medicines and ginseng. Deep within the Dongdaemun-gu neighborhood east of Gwangjang, there are also vendors that sell dried seafood, produce, and local culinary specialties. While it was truly happenstance that we were here, we found Gyeongdong a fascinating place and one not many foreigners visit. That has a definite appeal in itself.

Big and wholesale market but if you buy in small portion, it’s almost the same price as in other markets. The market also connects to other markets making it is so big, very interesting place

There’re two local traditional markets link together, plus a nearby traditional herbal market🌿You may spend few hours hanging around, such as buying Goryeo Ginseng and Korea Jujube; “Netflix Filmed Famous Hand-made noodle”🍜 but a quite long queue :) Korea Roast Meat, Korea Soft Cake, fresh-made Sesame Oil, etc… Btw, bring cashes always in traditional market, then enjoy your trip☕️

Big and organised local market for fresh stuff. Best for fresh fruits. Recommend to visit to buy fruits during stay in Seoul. Unfortunately, not much cooked food to eat there.