“After a long time, I visited Seoul’s Jongno Gwangjang Market. I parked in my own parking spot, armed with the previously researched operating hours. My goal? To enjoy some delicious treats at Nuna’s Bindaetteok, including yukhoe (Korean beef tartare) and ‘ma-yak’ kimbap (exceptionally delicious kimbap), along with some makgeolli.
Even though it was just past 9 in the morning, many shops were already open and brightly lit. The place I was headed to, Tongkeun Nuna’s Bindaetteok, also started serving from 9 AM.
For parking at Gwangjang Market, there isn’t a dedicated parking lot. You can opt to park at Jongmyo Park’s parking lot, which is about a 5-10 minute walk away, or use the public parking lots near Cheonggyecheon Stream, which is a better option. However, I recommend using public transportation, as it’s the most convenient way to get there. You can simply take Line 1 of the subway to Jongno 5-ga Station, exit from exits 7 or 8, and you’ll be right there.
Gwangjang Market’s operating hours vary, but most shops inside the market open from 9 AM and continue bustling until late into the night.
Gwangjang Market offers much more than just yukhoe, bindaetteok, and ‘ma-yak’ kimbap; you can find a variety of street food, Korean dishes, and meat menus such as kalguksu, barley rice, bibimbap, sundae, tteokbokki, and odeng. It’s rightfully known as a paradise for foodies.
Apart from the Bindaetteok place I visited, there are several other bindaetteok stalls along the main streets and alleys. They offer similar menus or operate in a similar style.
Returning after a while, I noticed menus displayed outside the shops in various languages like English, Chinese, and Japanese. With the increasing number of foreign tourists visiting Dongdaemun Gwangjang Market, it seems the market is adapting to a more global audience.
Just looking at it makes me crave the ‘ma-yak’ kimbap, also known as ‘kkoma kimbap’ (little kimbap). I’ve missed you; today, I’ll enjoy you to the fullest. The range of food is so extensive that choosing can be challenging due to the colorful street food.
The portions are substantial.
I ordered a yukhoe set menu, which included a generous serving of yukhoe, egg yolk, various vegetables like fernbrake and water parsley, mixed with sesame oil. It’s hard to resist the mouthwatering aroma.
I don’t usually eat yukhoe, but Gwangjang Market’s version has a smooth texture and a taste that’s hard to resist.
‘Kkoma kimbap’ is a must-try menu in Gwangjang Market. The name ‘ma-yak kimbap’ suits it perfectly.
Beef and radish soup is best enjoyed hot; I recommend drinking it all at once.
The nokdu bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and gogiwanja (meat dumplings) are great additions to the yukhoe, making it a cost-effective set.
Gwangjang Market’s bindaetteok places typically open from 9 AM, so there’s no need to worry about coming here early. Plus, if you use the nearby public parking lots, you won’t have parking concerns. However, please remember not to drink and drive.
- Menu:
- Set Menu (Recommended)
- Nokdu bindaetteok, gogiwanja, yukhoe, and complimentary beef and radish soup: KRW 25,000
- Nakjitangtangi (Octopus Soup): KRW 16,000
- Kkoma kimbap (aka ‘ma-yak kimbap’): KRW 3,000
- Nuna’s Gogiwanja (2 pieces): KRW 6,000
- Nuna’s Nokdu bindaetteok: KRW 5,000
- Set Menu (Recommended)
- Makgeolli Selection:
- Daebak, Jangsu, Sunhee, Albam, Jipyeong, Guksundang, Neurinmaeul, Babambabam, Honey Verdi Makgeolli.”
