9+ most famous & best markets in Seoul & South Korea

Where should you go if you want to eat delicious food and explore the culture in Korea? Let’s explore traditional Korean markets with Klook with 9 top, most famous and best markets in Seoul & South Korea below!

When it comes to Korea, people often think of the sparkling modern landscapes of Seoul, majestic mountains or poetic beaches. However, if you really want to understand Korean culture and people, there is no better place to start your journey than at traditional markets.

From the narrow and bustling alleys of Namdaemun Market to the stalls selling fresh seafood at Jagalchi Market, Korean markets are not only places to buy and sell, but also cultural centers, where locals interact, share and enjoy cuisine.

Let’s join Klook on a journey to explore top markets in Seoul in particular and Korean markets in general to experience all the interesting things of the land of Kim Chi.

Gwangjang Market – Seoul (#best markets in Seoul)

When mentioning famous markets in Korea, it is impossible not to mention Gwangjang Market in Seoul. Located right in the heart of the bustling capital, this market is one of the oldest and most famous traditional markets in Korea.

Gwangjang Market was established in 1905, with the goal of becoming a trading center for goods from all over Seoul. Over the past century, this market has continuously developed and expanded, becoming a familiar destination not only for locals but also for international tourists. With more than 5,000 stalls spread over a large area, Gwangjang Market offers a wide range of items from food, clothing, fabrics, to handicrafts.

One of the most prominent features when exploring Gwangjang Market is the food area. Here, you will enjoy famous Korean street foods, from spicy Tteokbokki rice cakes, crispy Bindaetteok pancakes, to cool Naengmyeon cold noodles. Each dish here is not only delicious but also imbued with the identity of Korean culinary culture.

Namdaemun Market – Seoul

Established in the 14th century, Namdaemun Market is not only a bustling shopping center but also a unique cultural destination, where you can feel and experience the authentic local lifestyle.

Strolling through the small and bustling alleys, you will be fascinated by the richness and diversity of the items on sale. Enjoying street food is an experience not to be missed when you come to this market. Here, you can find countless typical Korean dishes. Each dish is prepared on the spot, bringing fresh and attractive flavors. In particular, the barbecue area and small stalls with hot dishes are ideal stops for those who want to explore Korean cuisine.

In addition, Namdaemun Market is also famous for its clothing and accessories stores. You can find quality fashion items at affordable prices, from clothes, shoes, bags to accessories such as hats, scarves and jewelry. Shops selling children’s goods, household goods and handicraft products are also very popular, giving you many options for shopping and souvenirs.

Yak Ryeong Market – Seoul

When entering Yak Ryeong Market, you will immediately be attracted by the fragrant aroma of traditional dishes. The food stalls here are always bustling with busy chefs preparing typical Korean dishes right before your eyes.

Yak Ryeong Market is not only a place with attractive cuisine but also a paradise for those who love to hunt for discounted items and cheap goods. The stalls here sell a variety of products from household items, clothing, accessories, to handicrafts at very reasonable prices.

You can find quality fashion items, cute home decor items, or lovely souvenirs at affordable prices. Discount stalls often have promotions, helping you shop comfortably without worrying about the price.

Noryangjin Fish Market – Seoul (#top markets in seoul)

Noryangjin Fish Market was established in 1927 and has become a symbol of the Korean fishing industry. This market operates 24 hours a day, with hundreds of stalls selling all kinds of fresh seafood from all over the country. Strolling through the market, you will be fascinated by the countless types of fish, shrimp, crab, squid, clams and many other types of seafood.

When coming to this market, don’t miss the opportunity to experience a culinary tour to enjoy fresh seafood right on the spot. After choosing your favorite seafood, you can bring them to restaurants or processing stalls right in the market to have them prepare the dish to your liking.

In addition, Noryangjin Fish Market also has an area specializing in selling processed seafood products such as dried fish, dried squid, seaweed and many typical spices. These products are not only great ingredients for you to bring back and prepare Korean dishes at home, but also Korean gifts for relatives and friends.

Mangwon Market – Seoul

Mangwon Market is not too big but is full of diverse stalls, from fresh food, household goods, clothes, to attractive street food.

The highlight of Mangwon Market is the combination of tradition and modernity. Besides traditional stalls, you can also find coffee shops, restaurants and modern fashion stores.

In addition, the vendors at the market are very friendly and hospitable, always ready to chat and introduce their products. This is a great opportunity for you to learn more about the culture and lifestyle of local people.

Exploring Mangwon Market, you will have the opportunity to experience a very different Seoul – a simple, close and cultural Seoul.

Gyeongdong Market – Seoul

Gyeondong Market is also known as Seoul Medicinal Herb Market. Not only is it famous for its traditional herbs and medicines, but it is also an important cultural center, where traditional Korean medicine knowledge is preserved and spread.

Established in 1960, Gyeondong Market has rapidly developed and become one of the largest medicinal herb markets in Korea. It sells all kinds of herbs, roots, mushrooms and traditional medicine products. When you come to the market, you can find rare medicinal herbs, from ginseng, lingzhi, cordyceps to herbs used to treat many different diseases.

The special thing when exploring Gyeondong Market is that you will have the opportunity to approach traditional Korean medicine in the most intimate and practical way. The stall owners here not only sell medicinal herbs but also share knowledge and experience about the uses and benefits of each herb. 

Tongin Market – Seoul

Located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, Tongin is one of the famous traditional markets in this city. Because it is a small market, Tongin has a unique feature, which is that you will pay for everything here with coins instead of cash or bank cards.

The dish you cannot miss when coming to Tongin Market is making your own lunch box according to your preferences. To do this, you need to buy a dosirak (traditional Korean lunch box) and use coins to exchange for dishes from the stalls in the market. Shopping at the market is an interesting cultural experience for you to better understand Korea.

In addition, with its location near Gyeongbokgung Palace, Tongin Market is also an ideal destination when you want to combine exploring Korea’s historical and cultural heritage with experiencing unique street food.

Jagalchi Fish Market – Busan

Jagalchi Fish Market is one of the oldest fish markets in Busan, established in 1920. With its bustling coastal location, Jagalchi Market is not only a place to buy and sell fresh fish but also a destination that attracts many tourists who want to experience the unique culture of Busan people.

Famous for its large scale and variety of seafood, at Jagalchi Market, you can find all kinds of seafood such as tuna, salmon and shrimp, clams, oysters, squid of all sizes. Every early morning, fishermen from all over Busan’s seas flock to the market to sell fresh seafood at competitive prices. Not only a seafood market, Jagalchi also has eateries and coastal restaurants famous for fresh seafood and specialties.

In addition to the diversity of seafood, the atmosphere at Jagalchi Market is always vibrant and bustling. Laughter, sales calls, and the fragrant smell of grilled seafood spread everywhere, creating a lively space. Remember to add Jagalchi to your list of destinations in Busan!

Gukje Market – Busan

Famous for its grand scale and variety of products, Gukje Market is a must-see destination for visitors to Busan. The market is known as a “shopping paradise” with 6 separate areas, 12 buildings and 24 shopping spaces, offering a diverse and exciting shopping experience.

Stepping into Gukje Market, you will be overwhelmed by the abundance of items on sale. From clothes, fashion accessories, souvenirs to household items and food, you can easily find everything you need here. Each area in the market is divided by type of item, making it easy to search and shop.

Currently, the Ariran area and the Street of Light area are considered shopping places chosen by many tourists. Meanwhile, the Gourmand area is a culinary paradise with famous spicy noodles and attractive snacks.

Seomun Night Market – Daegu

Seomun Night Market became a prominent destination of Daegu city when it opened in 2016. With more than 80 stalls, this night market is a destination you cannot miss on your journey to explore Daegu.

At the market, you can find attractive street food, essential consumer goods to sophisticated handicrafts, sparkling jewelry and eye-catching fashion accessories.

In particular, this place is also a gathering place for typical dishes from many regions around the world. You can enjoy traditional Korean dishes with rich flavors, discover the quintessence of fresh Japanese cuisine, or experience the sophistication of each Chinese dish. Not only that, you can also find familiar Western dishes such as pizza, spaghetti, or hamburgers.

In addition, Seomun Night Market also regularly organizes exciting entertainment activities such as street art performances, folk games and interesting competitions. You can participate in these activities and conveniently learn more about the unique cultural features of Korea.

The markets are the soul of daily life, where the precious traditional cultural values ​​of the Korean people are preserved. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to set foot in Korea, do not forget to take the time to stroll through the famous markets. Let yourself be immersed in the vibrant atmosphere, let your taste buds be satisfied by the delicious food, and let your heart flutter with the simple yet culturally rich moments here.

The post first appeared on Klook Vietnam and was translated and edited by Living Nomads. If you find any images or text that belong to you, please contact us, so we can credit you or give us permission to use them. Thank you very much!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Seoul you can refer to

• Private Incheon International Airport Transfers (ICN) for Seoul
• Private Incheon Airport Transfers (ICN) for Seoul
• Incheon International Airport (ICN) Limousine Bus Transfers for Seoul (Gangnam District)
• Klook Exclusive Seoul 5 Day Pass
• Discover Seoul Pass (BTS Edition Available)
• [SALE] Instant Ticket! Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS) 2/3/4/5 Days to travel around the cities in Korea
• Private Incheon Airport (ICN) and Gimpo Airport (GMP) Transfers for Seoul by S.A Tour
• Everland Private Car Charter with Admission Ticket by Wondertrip
• KAL Limousine Bus Ticket for Seoul
• [Limited Offer] AREX Incheon Airport Express Train One Way Ticket in Seoul
• Bukchon Oneday Hanbok Rental Experience (4/24 Hrs)
• Nami Island, Petite France, Garden of Morning Calm, and Gangchon Rail Bike Day Tour from Seoul
• Seoul City Sightseeing Bus (Downtown Palace Namsan Course/Seoul Panorama Course)
• [Limited Offer] Incheon International Airport (ICN) Luggage Services (Between Airport and Hotel) by Safex
• 4G Prepaid SIM Card (SK Airports Pick Up) for South Korea
• [Sale] Hanbok Experience (Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung Store) with Korean Hairstyling
• [SALE] South Korea 4G Pocket WiFi (KR Airports Pick Up) from KT Olleh
• 4G WiFi (MY Airport Pick Up) for South Korea (Unlimited Data)
• 4G Portable WiFi for South Korea from Uroaming (Unlimited Data)

Are you finding more top things to do in Seoul: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here.