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South Korea/Things to Do in Seoul, solo trip

Gwangjang Market (solo trip)

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How Solo-Friendly is Gwangjang Market?

90%Solo-Friendly
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What makes it 90% Solo-Friendly: A solo visitor can slip through busy aisles, join food tours, photograph vendors, and eat cheaply on a stool; crowds, noise, and shared seating seldom hinder a single adult.

Google
Reviews4.2/ 5
(from 43,071 reviews)
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Positives:

  • No Admission Fee: You can roam all aisles and photo spots for free.
  • Shared Seating: Communal tables let you join locals and chat easily.

Challenges:

  • Crowded Aisles: Stalls and walkways narrow during peak hours (11 AM–2 PM).
  • Limited English Menus: Few stalls list English; use translation app or point at dishes.
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What is Gwangjang Market?

  • A historic covered market in Seoul established in 1905, comprising over 5,000 stalls across interconnected alleys
  • A leading center for textiles and traditional Korean clothing, hosting extensive hanbok, fabric and vintage apparel vendors
  • A renowned food market featuring long, dedicated alleys serving classic Korean street-food specialties

What is so special about Gwangjang Market for solo trip?

  1. Explore Seoul’s oldest market solo with flexible pacing
  2. Taste top street snacks at communal tables
  3. Discover colorful hanbok textiles without pressure to buy
  4. Enjoy free entry, people-watching, and vibrant photo ops

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: A 2-3 hour visit lets you sample top stalls and explore shops without rushing.

(View Gwangjang Market on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in Gwangjang Market

Self-guided Food Crawl:

Walk the food alleys and sample signature snacks at your own pace.

Tip: Start at North Gate 2 and follow locals to busy stalls for fresh dishes.

Raw Beef Tartare at Cho Yonsoon:

Try yukhoe (raw beef) seasoned with pear and sesame oil.

Tip: Order a small plate (12,000 KRW) and mix it with rice to ease the raw flavor.

Mayak Gimbap & Tteokbokki:

Grab bite-sized gimbap rolls and spicy rice cakes.

Tip: Order 2 rolls (3,000 KRW each) and pair with soju by the cup (3,000 KRW).

Browse Hanbok Fabrics:

Explore second-floor shops selling colorful hanbok cloth.

Tip: Touch satin samples and ask for small offcuts as souvenirs.

People-watching & Photography:

Capture market life: neon signs, vendor calls, busy tables.

Tip: Bring a wide-angle lens or smartphone for alley shots.

When is the best time to visit Gwangjang Market (Seoul, South Korea)?

Visit in spring or fall for mild weather. In summer go early (8–10 AM) to avoid heat and humidity. Winters are cold; layer up.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Seoul on Trip.com

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Reviews of Gwangjang Market (Seoul)

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Murphy Tseng

Murphy Tseng

Jun 2025

This is a very local market. There are many traditional foods right here. You also can buy very comfortable blanket and pillow. Those shop will vacuum them and then you can bring back to your country very easily. Thumb’s up.

Wendel Tse

Wendel Tse

Jun 2025

This is a very popular and crowded market, with scooters honking behind you every few minutes. There are sections for fabrics, housewares, fresh meats and produce, and much more. There are many stalls with stools and benches for locals and visitors to enjoy fast, local street foods. Don't miss the freshly fried mung bean vegetable patties, with or without meats or seafood.

The Travel Hunter

The Travel Hunter

Jun 2025

Gwangjang Market is a must-visit spot in Seoul for food lovers and culture seekers. The bustling atmosphere is full of energy, with rows of food stalls offering authentic Korean street food like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), mayak gimbap, and the famous mandu kal-guksu featured on Netflix. The market is lively, friendly, and filled with the delicious aroma of freshly cooked dishes. It’s a grea...

Aniruddha Haldar

Aniruddha Haldar

May 2025

What a vibe! Amazing range of foods and Flavours to try! Even run a a tour for adventurous foodies! Did not do it just walked around sampling! Awesome experience! Reasonably helpful to non locals as well! And good to see a bunch of locals having their regular meals here as well- always a good endorsement for quality taste and value!

Earn S.

Earn S.

Apr 2025

I was a bit worried it would be a tourist trap since it’s a famous market, but it’s actually great — and definitely not a tourist trap! I loved it. It’s a super fun place to try all kinds of food and see different things. I noticed a lot of locals coming to eat too, not just tourists. Some of the stalls are even featured in Netflix shows. I tried the dumplings, mung bean pancake, desserts, oden,...

Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Bindaetteok (mung bean pancake)KRW 8,000
Mayak gimbap rollKRW 3,000
Soju by the cupKRW 3,000
Mandu dumplingsKRW 6,000
Bottle of water or coffeeKRW 2,000
Total EstimatedKRW 22,000

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

How to Maximize Your Visit to Gwangjang Market

  1. Arrive Early: Get there by 9 AM to beat the crowds and see fresh prep.
  2. Carry Small Bills: Have 1,000 KRW and 5,000 KRW notes for exact change.
  3. Download a Map: Save an offline map to locate key stalls without data.
🚗 Planning to explore multiple Seoul attractions? A rental car often costs less than daily taxi trips. Check Trip.com for deals. New users save up to 8% OFF.

Map of Gwangjang Market

Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

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Looking for other Things to Do besides Gwangjang Market (Seoul)?

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About Gwangjang Market

Opening Hours

Monday:9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Tuesday:9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Wednesday:9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Thursday:9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Friday:9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Saturday:9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Sunday:9:00 AM – 10:30 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+82 2-2267-0291

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