Gwangjang Market Food Guide: Hours, Dishes and How to Visit

Gwangjang Market's food alley in Jongno, Seoul, is open every day of the year from 09:00 to 23:00; general shops open 09:00–18:00 and vintage clothing shops 10:00–19:00, and both close on Sundays. Go in by the East Gate, North Gate 2 or South Gate 1 for the food street, and try bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), mayak gimbap, yukhoe and sundae. The market traces its start to 1905. In May 2026 Seoul announced overcharging inspections with Jongno-gu, but prices still vary by stall, so ask prices before you order.

Source: Gwangjang Market (Korean), Korea Tourism Organization, Visit Seoul and Seoul Metropolitan Government (Korean); checked Oct 31, 2026.

The short version

Source: Gwangjang Market and directions (Korean), Korea Tourism Organization, Visit Seoul and Jongno-gu Office (Korean); checked Oct 31, 2026.

A market since 1905

The market's operator says Korean merchants founded the Gwangjang company in July 1905 and that the market, licensed then as Dongdaemun Market, came to be called Gwangjang from the 1960s. The Korea Tourism Organization calls it the first permanent market in Korea, and says the name means "to gather from afar and keep altogether." Besides food, it sells silk, fabric, clothing, bedding and crafts.

Source: Gwangjang Market — history (Korean) and Korea Tourism Organization; checked Oct 31, 2026.

What to eat

Visit Seoul says most dishes at the food stalls are reasonably priced. Prices vary by stall and change, so we don't list them.

More on these dishes: see our Korean street food guide.

Source: Visit Seoul — Gwangjang Market (edited Oct 8, 2026) and Korea Tourism Organization — market tour; checked Oct 31, 2026.

Eating at a stall

A few things that help when you order at a stall:

• Ask the price first. Prices aren't fixed across the market and can differ by stall.
• Cards. The Korea Tourism Organization lists cards as accepted at the market, and Jongno-gu says 77 stalls without business registration added card payment in 2024. Carry some cash in case.
• Ask what's included in the quoted price, and check whether side dishes, drinks or refills cost extra. For general restaurant customs, see our Korean etiquette guide.

Source: Korea Tourism Organization and Jongno-gu Office (Korean); checked Oct 31, 2026.

Fair prices: what Seoul is doing

After complaints about overcharging, the city and district announced these measures. Prices still vary by stall, so ask before ordering.

• 2026 inspections. In May 2026 Seoul announced joint inspections with Jongno-gu, with an intensive period planned for May and June followed by regular checks. The announcement described undercover monitoring, including by foreign inspectors, for overcharging, pressure selling, unfair treatment of foreign visitors, rudeness and poor hygiene.
• Price labels. The same announcement said shops in the 51 retail categories covered by Korea's price-display rules would be checked for missing price labels.
• Merchants' own rules. Jongno-gu says the merchants' association has run regular training on fair pricing and price display since 2024, with warnings up to suspension for violations.

Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government (May 20, 2026) and Jongno-gu Office (Nov 7, 2025) (Korean); checked Oct 31, 2026.

Getting there and nearby

Source: Gwangjang Market — directions (Korean) and Visit Seoul; checked Oct 31, 2026.

Before you go

1. Plan to eat between 09:00 and 23:00; come Monday to Saturday if you also want to shop.
2. Head for the East Gate, North Gate 2 or South Gate 1.
3. Carry a card and some cash.
4. Ask prices before ordering.
5. Save 1330 in your phone.

Source: Gwangjang Market (Korean) and Korea Tourism Organization; checked Oct 31, 2026.

FAQ

What time does Gwangjang Market close?

The food alley is open 09:00–23:00 year-round. General shops open 09:00–18:00 and vintage clothing shops 10:00–19:00; both are closed on Sundays.

Is Gwangjang Market open on Sundays?

The food alley is; the general shops and vintage clothing shops are closed on Sundays.

What should I eat at Gwangjang Market?

Bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), mayak gimbap, yukhoe (beef tartare), sundae and assorted jeon are the favorites Visit Seoul lists.

Can I pay by card at Gwangjang Market?

KTO lists cards as accepted, and more stalls added card payment in 2024, but carry some cash in case.

Which subway station is closest to Gwangjang Market?

Jongno 5-ga Station Exit 8 on Line 1, or Euljiro 4-ga Station Exit 4 on Lines 2 and 5.