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Shinheung Market, located in Haebangchon, Itaewon, began to take on its unique atmosphere after 1953, following Korea’s liberation, as people of various nationalities gathered and blended together.

After the Korean War, the surrounding area which was once a haven for refugees, was transformed into a trendy hotspot where the past and present coexist, with unique shops and exotic restaurants now lining its streets.

Located at Shindang Station on Lines 2 and 6, it offers excellent transportation accessibility. 

Recently, Shindang-dong has gained fame by word of mouth, with Millennials and Gen Zs calling the area “Hipdang-dong.” It is surrounded by many of Seoul’s prominent attractions such as Shindang-dong Tteokbokki Town, Chungmu Arts Center, DDP, and Cheonggyecheon, offering plenty of sights and activities for visitors to explore nearby.

Inside Jungang Market, you will see a passageway leading to an underground arcade. In collaboration with market vendors, the walls have been adorned with a variety of visual arts. Additionally, there are art studios and workshops scattered throughout the market, where young artists have established their creative spaces.

The market is also filled with popular restaurants that office workers love to visit after work. It gained even more fame when the singer Sung Si-kyung, known in the entertainment industry for his extensive knowledge of food, filmed a YouTube video there.

For example, Yipo Eomuk is well known for its handmade fish cakes. When dipped in soy sauce and wasabi, the chewy texture is sure to captivate your taste buds. Okgyeong-i-nae Dried Fish offers only wild-caught fish, which they catch and dry on a boat before they are delivered to Seoul. The grilled cuttlefish, a signature dish here, is especially popular. 

Last year, Seoul’s Jung-gu District selected Jungang Market as the site for the “2023 Seoul Design Innovation Traditional Market Development Project”.

The aim of the project is to blend innovative designs with traditional markets, transforming them into popular tourist destinations. Expect exciting new developments to take place at this market as it undergoes this transformation!

③ Mangwon Market

#MangwonStationExit2 #Hongdae #FoodHeaven #Mangnidan-gil #Dakgangjeong

Compared to other traditional markets, Mangwon Market’s clean and modern interior has made it a popular spot for young people.

Located adjacent to the Hongdae and Hapjeong commercial areas, Mangnidan-gil has been shaped by young entrepreneurs. In step with the changes taking place in the area, it continues to attract a predominantly younger crowd.

The area is also well known as a food heaven, with most spots requiring a wait before you are seated. Wooyirak is renowned for its large fried peppers. The crunchy texture and generous filling of these peppers provide a hearty and satisfying experience. Mangwon Market is also lined with dakgangjeong (sweet and crispy fried chicken) shops, which is a signature dish of the market. You can enjoy a wide range of flavors, including sweet, spicy, honey soy, garlic soy, fruit, and cheese mustard.

You will also find eye-catching snacks like Mangwon croquettes and Bburinkle hotteok (Korean sweet pancakes), making it impossible to pass by without trying some. 

Recently, the number of overseas tourists visiting the area, particularly in Hongdae, has surged. Come and experience a food paradise that is captivating the world!

“Working-Class Traditional Markets”

True to its reputation as a working-class-friendly market, Geumnam Market offers both affordable and hearty food. Among the must-try items is “golmok naengmyeon” (cold noodles) which, with their tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors, can readily refresh your taste buds on a hot summer day. 

Soseol-Og, a fusion restaurant that serves grilled black pork with wine, has recently become a rising hotspot in Geumnam Market, attracting young people who often have to line up to get in. These food offerings are infusing new vibrancy into this charming traditional market. 

Originally, Seoul’s Gyeongdong Market served as a hub for trading agricultural products between Gangwon-do and Gyeonggi-do Provinces. However, in the 1960s, it was transformed into a traditional market that sold food and traditional medicine ingredients.

It is the largest traditional market in Seoul in terms of area and the biggest traditional medicine market in the country, accounting for about 70% of the transactions taking place in Korea.

As you pass through the large, tiled gate marked “Seoul Yangnyeongsi,” you’ll be greeted by the healthy aroma of traditional medicines and ginseng.

With the rise in popularity of the Seoul K-Medi Center among younger generations, the area has increasingly attracted a youthful crowd. Today, it has become a popular retro-themed hotspot for Millennials and Gen Z, capitalizing on its traditional charm through numerous collaborations with corporate brands.

LG Electronics’ Geumseong Radio Refresh Center, situated within Gyeongdong Market, has emerged as a unique retro-themed experience space. It features various interactive corners, including the Mind Refresh Corner, Refresh Corner, Individuality Refresh Corner, and the Heart Refresh Corner, offering a wide range of experiences that promote environmental protection by recycling waste materials. 

Furthermore, Starbucks has remodeled a former movie theater and launched it as its “Gyeongdong 1960” branch, featuring a distinctive retro interior. This unique space has quickly become a popular tourist spot. Notably, last year, it held “Rooftop Food Truck Night Market - Gyeongdong 1960” on the rooftop of the new building, bringing retro vibes and making it a landmark of nostalgia.

Bangsan Market offers all the ingredients needed for baking, including supplies for cakes, cookies, and bread, as well as various flours, dairy products, chocolate ingredients, nuts, and more. This wide selection makes it a renowned destination among baking enthusiasts.

Previously, the market was frequented by wholesalers, as merchants mostly sold products in bulk. However, with the rise of single-person households, it now offers small quantities of individually packaged items, such as single-serving disposable containers, allowing shoppers to purchase a variety of baking tools.

With approximately 120 stores, the market offers affordable products, allowing you to choose from a variety of fun toys. The assortment of toys at great prices make them perfect for children who might quickly tire of them. Isn’t that the essence of smart and savvy shopping?

The market is filled with a diverse range of interesting toys, including ddakji, stuffed dolls, toy swords, Pokémon merchandise, and much more.

For children who are accustomed to large chain stores like Daiso or unmanned stationery shops, this place will feel both fresh and novel. For adults, it will evoke nostalgic memories of the old-fashioned stationery stores they visited in their childhood.

If you are visiting Seoul with your family, be sure to stop by this uniquely fun market.