Gwangjang Market, previously Dongdaemun Market, is a traditional street market in Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea. The market is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in South Korea, with more than 5000 shops and 20,000 employees in an area of 42,000 m².
Gwangjang Market is famous for dishes like bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), kimbap, and noodles. But you might find that it's grown too touristy. Most Koreans don't even eat there anymore because some ajummas can be pushy, rushing you to finish or insisting you order more.
It is worth visiting the food stalls since most dishes are reasonably priced. If you have a keen interest in clothing, we recommend that you visit the hanbok stores and vintage clothing shops on the 2nd floor. What is the famous food in Gwangjang Market?
Doing it all in one day on the weekend: November is peak fall season in Korea, and weekends are very crowded, especially at Gyeongbokgung. But if you start early (9:00 AM is perfect), you'll beat some of the crowd in the morning.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and remains the largest of all five palaces. Changdeokgung was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon dynasty and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces.
Avoid demonstrations and large public gatherings. Large-scale public gatherings and protests are common, particularly in Seoul, and especially on weekends and Korean public holidays. Protests are generally peaceful and heavily policed but can sometimes turn violent.
Payment was possible only by cash or bank transfer. The spot, known as a foodie favorite, was crowded with customers even on a weekday morning. Amid recent controversy over price gouging and unfriendly service at Gwangjang Market street stalls, most were found not to accept card payments.
K-beauty products, Korean snacks, K-pop merchandise, hanbok, and traditional crafts like hanji paper are your must buy in South Korea. All these products represent both modern Korean culture and traditional heritage. Where can you find the cheapest souvenirs in Seoul?
Gwangjang Market, a century-old labyrinth comprising food stalls and souvenir shops in central Seoul, faces the most scrutiny it has in years after tourists and locals accused some vendors of overcharging them and cutting corners regarding quality and quantity.
Gwangjang Market is open from 8:30 am to 6 pm daily, with some restaurants staying open longer. For a more relaxed experience, you can visit on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds. The market is busy from morning until late evening, so plan your visit accordingly to soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
The "333 rule" in clothing refers to two popular minimalist fashion concepts: the viral TikTok trend of using 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes to create numerous outfits (9 items total) for styling practice, and the more extensive Project 333, where you select 33 items (including clothes, shoes, and accessories) to wear for three months, excluding essentials like underwear, workout gear, and sleepwear, to simplify your wardrobe and reduce decision fatigue. Both methods focus on versatility, quality over quantity, and creating a functional capsule wardrobe.
South Korea may be fashion-forward, but modesty still matters, particularly when visiting temples or historic landmarks. What tourists should not do in South Korea is wear overly revealing or sloppy clothing in these areas. Cover your shoulders and knees, and opt for neat, well-fitted attire.
The ban dates back to 1992, when South Korea's Supreme Court ruled that tattooing was a medical procedure — which, under the country's Medical Services Act, can be administered only by licensed medical professionals. The ruling reflected popular opinion at the time, which viewed tattoos as taboo.
The brushing method recommended to general persons in Korea is the 3-3-3 brushing method campaign, which involves only toothbrushing behavior (the time and frequency); 3-3-3 means brushing one's teeth 3 times per day, within 3 minutes after having a meal, for at least 3 minutes each time.
The 4B movement is a lifestyle choice for women, rejecting four traditional expectations: marriage, childbirth, dating, and sex with men. The 4B ideology first emerged in South Korea around 2015, following the rise of 'Megalia', a radical feminist online community.
How much money would you need to go to Korea for 2 weeks?
If you want to spend two weeks in South Korea, you can expect to spend around $2,000 per person, not including the cost of flights between your home country and Seoul. Note that this is an average: It's possible to travel in Korea on less than this, and fairly easy to overshoot such a figure.
Bukchon Hanok Village is a must-visit for many visitors to Seoul. The village is home to over 900 traditional Korean houses (hanoks) dated back to Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897). Today, Bukchon Hanok Village is also popular for its Michelin's restaurants and famous trending cafes.
