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Whether you’ve been to Korea or not, you’ve definitely heard of Gwangjang Market! Honestly, the most authentic eats are always hidden in traditional markets. With more and more people traveling to Korea, finding good food has become a top priority! This time, we’ve rounded up the must-try dishes at Gwangjang Market so you can eat to your heart’s content—and even take some back to your hotel for round two.

Korean Food: 7 Must-Try Eats at Seoul’s “Gwangjang Market”!

Bindaetteok at Park’s House

Featured in the Seoul episode of Netflix’s “Street Food: Asia,” Gwangjang Market’s famed “Park’s House Bindaetteok” (mung bean pancakes) are freshly made daily, offering a crispy texture and rich aroma. As one of the market’s top spots, it has also appeared in various Korean variety shows. The dine-in area is spacious, and the menu is extensive. In addition to mung bean pancakes, they offer gimbap, yukhoe (beef tartare), bibimbap, and more—perfect for those looking to sample a variety of dishes in one stop.

• Hours: 08:00–22:00 (Closed every third Wednesday of the month)
• Location: 403-16 Dongho-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Subway: Jongno 5(o)-ga Station (Line 1), Exit 7

Changsin Yukhoe (Beef Tartare)

An old-school spot in Gwangjang Market, “Changsin Yukhoe” is known for its fresh, generous portions. Bright red, glossy raw beef is topped with white sesame seeds and a fresh, pasteurized raw egg yolk. To eat, drizzle with aromatic sesame oil and mix in finely shredded pear from the bottom. The natural flavor of the beef is tender and rich, and the egg yolk makes it extra smooth and indulgent. The sesame oil adds depth, while the pear refreshes and balances the flavors beautifully.

• Hours: 10:00–22:00 (Closed Mondays)
• Location: 403-17 Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Subway: Jongno 5(o)-ga Station (Line 1), Exit 7

Gwangjang Market Glutinous Rice Twists

A rising star at Gwangjang Market, these glutinous rice twists are famous for their long lines—but the staff work fast, so even at peak times, you’ll get yours in about 5–8 minutes! There are four flavors, and each twist is crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside—sticky but not tooth-sticking. If you love chewy textures, this is a must-try! The twists are dusted with cinnamon and sugar, offering a warm, fragrant taste that’s not overly sweet. A perfect snack to enjoy while strolling the market.

• Location: 2 Jongno 32-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Hours: 11:00–22:00 (Closed the first Sunday of each month)

Mother & Daughter Gimbap

Simple yet addictive, “drug gimbap” (mayak gimbap) is named for its irresistible flavor—you just can’t stop at one bite! Gwangjang Market is full of authentic Korean eats, and these mini gimbaps are a highlight. Even with simple fillings like carrot, rice, and pickled radish, wrapped in Korean seaweed and brushed with sesame oil, they are unbelievably crave-worthy. A must every time you visit!

• Location: 235 Yeji-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul; near Euljiro 4(sa)-ga Exit 4 and Jongno 5(o)-ga Exit 8
• Hours: 06:30–20:00 (Closes early when sold out)

Yeong Jong Gga’s Taiyaki

Look for the stall with the biggest crowd near the entrance! Taiyaki, a traditional Korean snack, is a crispy, fish-shaped pastry with a fragrant, bready crust and caramelized edges. Whether you start from the head or the tail, it’s delicious all the way through. The top seller is the savory cheese and tomato taiyaki, which tastes even better than pizza! Red bean and custard are also popular options. Highly recommended to grab one and enjoy as you walk—no visit to Gwangjang Market is complete without trying this crowd-favorite, which has people lining up year-round.

• Location: South Gate entrance of Gwangjang Market
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00–17:00 (Closed Mondays)

Hometown Knife-Cut Noodles

Another Netflix-featured stall from “Street Food.” This knife-cut noodle soup was so successful that it helped the owner pay off massive debts from her younger days! Menus are available in Korean, Chinese, and English, and although the owner is grandma-aged, communication is no problem. The noodles are handmade—rolled, cut, and cooked fresh—thicker and chewier than typical knife-cut noodles in Taiwan, offering a hearty bite. The broth is a light yet deeply flavorful bone broth, enhanced with shredded seaweed. Their dumplings come in pork or kimchi varieties, which you can order separately or mix. Korean dumplings have thin skins and are packed with juicy filling. For bold flavors, dip them in the accompanying sauce and enjoy with kimchi—perfection!

• Location: Jongno 5(o)-ga Station (Line 1), Exit 8
• Hours: 11:00–21:00

Original Tuna & Cheese Bare Rice Roll

This stall became famous thanks to celebrity chef Baek Jong-won. Located at Stall 41 in the corner of Gwangjang Market, their “Original Tuna & Cheese Bare Rice Roll” is like a California roll, but inside-out: rice on the outside, wrapping seaweed, pickled radish, ham, and cheese, then topped with a creamy tuna sauce. Unlike typical gimbap, you taste the tuna first, followed by the rice. Spice lovers can add chili on top to kick up the sweet-savory combo.

• Location: 88 Changsin-gung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Hours: 05:30–20:00

This article is published with permission from the “ReadyGo” editorial team.

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