Published Date : Dec 13, 2019 / Edited Date : Jun 19, 2023
Traditional markets in Seoul are becoming increasingly popular among foreign visitors what want to experience the country’s culinary traditions and culture first hand. These markets are constantly under threat from the expansion of not only discount stores but also online and TV home shopping. Still, some traditional markets maintain their popularity with their unique characteristics unavailable anywhere else. The following three traditional markets are particularly popular among foreigners who want to catch a glimpse of the country’s traditions as well as local couples going on dates to special places.
Korea’s dramatic transformation
Seoul Folk Flea Market
The Seoul Folk Flea Market began with citizens selling their used goods to buy food in and around Cheonggyecheon Stream after the Korean War ended. The original market was moved to its current location due to the Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration Project. Most traditional markets are visited by foreign tourists for their traditional food. This market is famous for not only its diverse street food options but also a whole array of second-hand clothes sent by international aid agencies quite some time ago and various antiques.
Gwangjang Market is Korea's first traditional market and it is open year-round with over 100 years of history. The market is particularly popular for delicious food, including beef sashimi, bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), and “addictive gimbap,” coined after its tasty flavor and miniature size. If you want to taste traditional Korean food and experience a market atmosphere that only Korea can offer, Gwangjang Market is definitely the place for you.
In the wake of the Korean War, the Seochon area had a surging population and an increasing number of shops in the area which had been used as a public market some time earlier. The area has grown into a permanent market called Tongin Market. To add to its attractiveness, the market has introduced a payment system based on ancient coins used during past dynasties. Customers buy the coins to pay for their purchases in the market. After securing a bundle of ancient coins, visitors can buy food at a the stores with a sign reading “Dosirak (Lunch Box) Café Chain Store” where they serve food in Korean-style lunch boxes. Note that you can only use the coins until 4 pm. It's fun to purchase your favorite foods with ancient coins in the market the way your ancestors would have done here, which is well worth trying, particularly for our foreign visitors.
Tongin Market
Address
18, 15-gil, Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Hours
07:00 - 21:00 KST (Some shops close early / Market closes every third Sunday of each month)
본 코스는 보행약자(거동이 불편한 고령자, 장애인, 유모차 이용자 등)를 위한 코스입니다.
보호자를 동반하지 않을 시 이용이 불가능 합니다.※ 보행약자 1명당 보호자 최소 1인 이상 동반 ※ 전동보장구(전동휠체어, 전동스쿠터 등) 사용자의 경우 보호자 1인당 보행약자 최대 4인까지 동반 가능
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예약확인을 위해 도보관광 사무국(02-6925-0777)에서 확인 연락이 진행됩니다.(최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 도보관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
미세먼지 비상저감조치 발령 및 기타 기상악화(폭염, 태풍, 폭우 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다. (관광일 전날 기준)
Reservations must be made at least three days prior to the tour date.
Additional reservations, one or two days before the tour starts, are only allowed for the tour that is already fixed.
In the case of group tour, more than 10people, please contact us by e-mail.
Reservations for the following month are available from the 15th of the current month.
Please refrain from participating in any tour programs should you be experiencing any symptoms, including fever, coughing, congestion, muscle pain, stuffy nose, and/or sore throat.
Reservations for tourists 14 years & under without an accompanying adult or guardian shall be canceled on site.
All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
(https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
The Seoul Guided Walking Tour administration office and tour guide affiliates are not responsible for any accidents that happen to occur during the tour program.
Reservation shall be made at least 1 week before the tour day.
The course is for tourists with mobility problems (Senior, people with disability, stroller user).
You may not use the course without an assistant (or companion) ※ At least one assistant shall accompany a tourist with mobility problem ※ In case of electric assisting device users (electric wheelchair, electric scooter users), one assistant may accompany up to 4 tourists with mobility problem
Reservation may be canceled when a guide is unavailable on the desired date and course.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office (02-6925-0777) will contact you to confirm reservation. (At least 5 days~1 month before tour day) Reservation may be canceled when Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office cannot reach you for more than 3 times.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office and Seoul culture and tourism guide are not liable for the safety accidents during the Seoul Guided Walking Tour.
All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
(https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)