Overview
Opened in 1905, Gwangjang Market is Seoul's oldest traditional market and Korea's biggest food market. Hundreds of stalls line narrow aisles selling bindaetteok, mayak gimbap, yukhoe, sundae, and mung bean pancakes. The second floor has a textile market for hanbok and silk fabrics. Featured on Netflix's Street Food Asia, it has become hugely popular with international visitors. Directly connected to Jongno 5-ga Station for easy access.
Travel Tips
Evenings 6-8pm have the best atmosphere but are crowded. Bring cash. The original mayak gimbap grandma stall is deep inside the market.
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🇰🇷 Tips for Korean Travelers
Practical info for Korean travelers heading to Seoul, South Korea from Seoul (ICN).
Korean Passport · Visa
Check visa rules for South Korea on the Korean MOFA travel advisory site before flying — visa-free, visa-on-arrival or e-visa rules change often. Keep at least 6 months of passport validity.
Flight from Incheon (ICN)
Compare direct and connecting flights from Incheon (ICN) to Seoul on Skyscanner or Google Flights. Early-morning departures from Korea are usually the cheapest option.
KRW ↔ Local Currency
Check the live FX widget above for the latest KRW rate. Korean travel cards like Travel Wallet, Hana EZ and Toss FX offer free local ATM withdrawals and competitive rates.
Korean Community · Korean Food
Many cities have an active Korean community in Seoul with Korean restaurants, mini-marts, and Korean-speaking guides. Search Naver Cafe or KakaoTalk open chats for "Seoul 한인" before you go.
Attractions near Gwangjang Market
Tap a pin on the map to jump to that attraction.
Cheonggyecheon
A 10.9km restored urban stream, reclaimed from a former covered highway.
📍 617m away
Insadong
A culture street lined with traditional crafts shops, galleries, and teahouses.
📍 1.3km away
Myeongdong
Seoul's largest shopping street, packed with cosmetics stores and street food.
📍 1.5km away
Bukchon Hanok Village
A historic Seoul village with traditional Joseon-era Korean houses
📍 2.0km away
Itaewon & Haebangchon
Seoul's cosmopolitan hotspot where diverse cultures converge
📍 4.0km away
Seoul Forest
Seoul's flagship urban ecological park, modeled after New York's Central Park.
📍 4.5km away
Things to Do in Seoul
Han River Cycling
Rent a bike and ride along the Han River from Yeouido to Jamsil. Ttareunggi public bike KRW 1,000/hr or regular rental KRW 10,000/3hrs
Bukchon Hanok Village in Hanbok
Rent a hanbok and stroll Bukchon and Gyeongbokgung. Free palace entry in hanbok. 2-4hr rental KRW 15,000-25,000
Namsan Cable Car
Ride the cable car up Namsan to Seoul Tower. About 3 min each way with city panorama. Round trip KRW 11,000