Cover The best street food markets to hit up in Seoul (Photo: Getty Images)
The best street food markets to hit up in Seoul (Photo: Getty Images)
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The city isn’t just known as the fashion and beauty capital, it’s where delicious street food awaits
The South Korean capital of Seoul is always jam-packed with eager tourists looking to hop on the latest skincare and fashion trends. While shopping is a must in this city, street food takes the crown as the ultimate Korean experience. Kimchi, tteokbokki, hotteok—these quintessential Korean snacks can be found in almost every corner of the city.
Yes, Seoul is one big open-air restaurant. Leave your shopping bags and divert your focus to Seoul’s mesmerising street food on your next visit to the South Korean capital.
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1. Namdaemun Market
Proudly known as one of the oldest markets in Seoul, Namdaemun Market existed well before any of us were born, established during the Joseon period in 1414 (that’s how you know the food will be good). Divided into alleys, the ones that must be conquered are Kalguksu Alley (noodles), Streetfood Alley, and Galchi Jorim Alley (fish-based dishes). Each corridor is focused on its namesake, making a trip to the market easier for those with a food goal in mind.
Address: 21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
2. Gwangjang Market
Made famous by the popular South Korean reality show Running Man, Gwangjang Market houses a number of television-famous dishes. Always infused with steam from a plethora of delectable eats, the market is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike when it comes to hunting for the best bites in Seoul.
Popular snacks include the crispy Bindaetteok (Mung Bean Pancake), doughy Kalguksu (Korean knife-cut noodle soup), and the cult favourite doughnut twists. The market is also home to the Netflix ‘knife-cut noodle lady’, who appeared on episode six of Netflix: Street Food Asia—head to Cho Yonsoon’s Korean Noodles early to beat the crowd.
Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
3. Tongin Market
Fancy creating your own lunchbox with food from different stores? Dosirak Cafe in Tongin Market is where the magic happens. Food hunters start with an empty lunchbox, thereafter scouring the market to fill the box up with whatever mouth-watering snack you desire. Possible food options for your lunchbox include tteokbokki (rice cakes), dakkochi (chicken skewers), kimbap, and naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles).
Address: 18 Jahamun-ro 15-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
4. Dongdaemun Market
Undisputedly the liveliest neighbourhood in Seoul, Dongdaemun is famous for shopping and eating. Specifically tailored for hungry insomniacs, Dongdaemun Market welcomes patrons deep into the night. The market’s food alley, Meokja Golmok, is a favourite haunt for supper groups and worn out shoppers. The alley’s specialties include grilled fish and whole chicken soup.
Address: 272 Jong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
5. Myeongdong Night Market
Another shopping mecca in the city, Myeongdong Night Market is also hailed as a street food paradise. Step into the market and you’ll find rows of bustling street food stalls ready for customers. Tteokbokki, hotteok (Korean pancakes), grilled abalone, sundae (Korean blood sausage), and osent (fish cakes) are among it's wide selection of traditional street food. Fans of the Netflix hit Squid Game will be thrilled to find ppopgi (or dalgona) in the market—have a go at eating around the pattern without breaking it.
Address: Jung-gu, Chungmuro 2(i)-ga, 8-3-ga, Seoul, South Korea
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