Gwangjang Market (광장시장) is worth considering if you want a Seoul itinerary that balances local atmosphere with practical visitor information.
Why this experience is worth your time
Gwangjang Market was the first permanent market in Korea and continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination today. The name Gwangjang means "to gather from afar and keep altogether." The market began as a small trading center that brought in goods from nearby regions, but has now grown into a large wholesale market selling a variety of goods, including upholstery, imported goods, groceries, dried fish, traditional goods, and more. The most popular section of the market is the food street connected to the East Gate, North Gate 2, and South Gate 1. The food street caters to a wide range of patrons due to the plethora of menus available. It is also one of the most recommended tourist attraction for international travelers. Useful details: Homepage: www.kwangjangmarket.co.krjkm.or.kr Address: 88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul Map: 126.999705386104, 37.5701107604575 fairday: 2 infocentershopping: • 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-2267-0291, +82-2-2272-0967 opendateshopping: 2026-03-01 opentime: 09:00-18:00Charity stores 10:00-19:00Food street 09:00-23:00 parkingshopping: Available (Jongno 4(sa)-ga Jongmyo Parking Lot) restdateshopping: Sundays (Food Street open all year round) restroom: Available saleitem: Silk, dress material, fashion apparel, agricultural crops and fisheries, bedding, handicrafts, lacquerware inlaid with mother-of-pearl, etc. scaleshopping: About 5,000 stores
What to know before you go
Save the address before leaving: 88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Check current opening hours, holiday notices, and weather or crowd conditions before you go.
A simple way to plan your visit
Plan Gwangjang Market (광장시장) with one or two nearby stops, and leave enough time for walking, photos, and small changes in weather or crowd levels.
Watch before you go
Local tip
Arrive earlier in the day if you want a quieter visit and better flexibility for nearby cafes, shops, or transit.
