Gwangjang Market, Traditional market in Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Gwangjang Market is a large marketplace in Jongno where visitors find food, textiles, clothing, and household items spread across many shop stalls. The venue is organized with separate sections for groceries, prepared dishes, textiles, and vintage clothes, creating distinct shopping zones throughout the space.
The market was established in 1905 when local investors created the Gwangjang Corporation as a response to the commercial conditions of that era. This founding moment shaped it as one of Korea's early examples of independently managed large-scale commerce.
The upper floors serve as a major destination for those preparing traditional Korean wedding ceremonies, particularly for sourcing silk and fine fabrics. Visitors often return repeatedly for important family occasions throughout their lives.
The market operates daily with numerous food vendors and shops open throughout the day. Visiting early helps you navigate the space more easily and sample dishes without waiting in long lines.
The food section features specialized vendors preparing distinctive dishes like bindaetteok and mayak gimbap that visitors cannot easily find elsewhere. These preparations represent a particular style of Korean street food that has been developed and refined within this market over decades.
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