Gwangjang Market in Seoul, South Korea

The Gwangjang Market in Seoul is home to many delightful vendors and restaurants, with more than five thousand shops. Previously known as Dongdaemun Market, this traditional street market is one of the oldest and largest in South Korea and hosts nearly sixty-five thousand visitors daily. Those hungry to try new delicious foods should try the mung bean pancakes, or bindaetteok. Most recently featured on Netflix’s Street Food series is Yoonsun Cho’s stall, which features knife-cut noodles in a rich but bright broth.

Often, we visit places for their renown, but this visit cannot be be written about without a nod to the main reason why we chose to visit. Strolling around in the bright morning hours, I recognized Ms. Cho from her bright colorful uniform on the street right outside the market. Having seen her on the Netflix show, I gasped at the sight of her celebrity. She was pleasant and smiled and waved to me. Wandering through the halls of the market, we stumbled upon her stall and she invited us to take a seat. Still early, she was in the preparations stages, though her broth had already been brought to a roaring boil. Her dumplings and noodles were delicious. Her kimchi was flavorful and sharp but not overpowering. It is worth checking out the Korean episode of Street Foods, if only to learn her story before visiting. She was every bit as welcoming and vivid as the show portrays her to be and she is a highlight of the market.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Travel
88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno 4(sa)-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Coordinates: 37.5702° N, 126.9993° E

Cost & Admission
Free, cost of food
Open Daily, 9AM-5PM

Food
Many food stands. Try Gohyang Kalguksu Stall for knife-cut noodles, as featured on Netflix’s Street Foods show.

Activities
Eating, shopping.

Tips
This place fills up fast, with locals and tourists. Having just landed in Seoul, we were a bit hungry and ate our noodles around 10AM, when the place was relatively empty. Soon after, the stalls became more crowded.