Gyeongdong Market

Fresh ginseng to buy here!! cannot get anywhere but here. Ginseng concentrate especially red ginseng can be bought at the shops nearby too. Basically healthy grains, medicinal, fruits. Food is local variety and can try as well. Seafood too, everything you need, basically markets both wet and dry. Don’t see much tourists. But I still love this place.

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.

It’s huge! With lots of fresh produce. Really an eye opener.

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.

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.

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.

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!