ntroduction to Korean Traditional Five-Day Markets
Korean traditional five-day markets are periodic markets held every five days. These markets have historically played a crucial role in the trade of agricultural products, seafood, and everyday necessities. Serving as a hub for economic activity and cultural exchange in rural areas, five-day markets are still beloved by many people today.
Characteristics of Five-Day Markets:
- Regular Schedule: Five-day markets are typically held every five days. For instance, they may occur on the 1st, 6th, 11th, 16th, 21st, and 26th of each month, or on the 2nd, 7th, 12th, 17th, 22nd, and 27th. The exact schedule can vary by region.
- Variety of Goods: These markets offer a wide range of products, including fresh agricultural produce, seafood, livestock, traditional crafts, clothing, and daily necessities. They are excellent places to buy fresh produce directly from farmers or seafood caught by local fishermen at affordable prices.
- Local Specialties: One of the main attractions of five-day markets is the abundance of local specialties. For example, in Gangwon Province, you can find mountain vegetables and potatoes, while Gyeongsang Province is known for its seafood, and Jeolla Province for its variety of fermented foods like jeotgal and jang (sauces and pastes).
- Traditional Food: The markets are also famous for their traditional foods. You can enjoy a variety of traditional Korean dishes such as rice cakes, pancakes, fritters, noodles, blood sausage, and pig’s trotters. Many people visit five-day markets specifically to taste these local delicacies.
- Cultural Exchange: Beyond being a place of trade, five-day markets are important social spaces where local residents meet and interact. They provide an opportunity for people to exchange information, catch up with friends and neighbors, and stay informed about local happenings.
Historical Background of Five-Day Markets:
The origins of five-day markets date back to the Joseon Dynasty. In the agrarian society of the time, there was a need for venues where farmers could trade their produce and purchase daily necessities. These periodic markets started to be held on a regular schedule, which laid the foundation for today’s five-day markets.
Five-Day Markets Today:
In modern times, the importance of traditional markets has somewhat declined due to the rise of large supermarkets and online shopping. However, five-day markets remain popular and continue to be cherished by many. Recently, various policies have been implemented to promote and support these markets as part of efforts to preserve traditional culture and boost local economies.
Visiting a five-day market offers a great opportunity to experience the unique culture and traditions of each region. If you have the chance during your travels, stopping by a local five-day market to experience Korean traditional market culture firsthand can be a delightful and enriching experience.
Guide to Yangyang 5-Day Market (O-il-jang)
Overview: The Yangyang 5-Day Market is a traditional market held in Yangyang County, Gangwon Province, South Korea. It is called “O-il-jang” because it operates on days ending in 4 and 9 of each month (e.g., the 4th, 9th, 14th, 19th, 24th, and 29th). This schedule creates a vibrant, bustling atmosphere as vendors and shoppers from the surrounding areas gather to trade a wide variety of goods.
What to Expect:
- Variety of Goods:
- Fresh produce: Locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
- Seafood: Fresh catches from the nearby East Sea.
- Meat and Poultry: High-quality local products.
- Traditional Korean foods: Kimchi, pickles, and homemade side dishes.
- Handicrafts: Traditional Korean crafts, pottery, and souvenirs.
- Clothing and Accessories: Both traditional and modern styles.
- Miscellaneous: Household items, tools, and more.
- Special Attractions:
- Wild Vegetable Fritters: A local delicacy available only on market days.
- Traditional Snacks: Try various Korean street foods like tteokbokki, hotteok, and more.
- Handmade Goods: Unique, handcrafted items by local artisans.
Parking Information:
- Namdaecheon Parking Lot (Free):
- Located next to Namdaecheon River.
- Offers a convenient, albeit slightly dusty, parking option.
- Yangyang Traditional Market Public Parking Lot (Paid):
- Located next to the market.
- Rates: 200 KRW per 10 minutes or 6,000 KRW for a full day.
- Operating hours: 7 AM to 9 PM.
- Includes designated parking for disabled individuals and separate restrooms.
Transportation Tips:
- Arrive Early: To avoid traffic and secure a good parking spot, it’s best to arrive early in the morning.
- Use Public Transport: If possible, use public transportation to avoid parking hassles.
Experience the Market:
- Explore Thoroughly: There is much to see, so take your time to explore every corner of the market.
- Bargain: Don’t hesitate to bargain with vendors for the best prices.
- Enjoy the Atmosphere: The market is a lively place filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of traditional Korean commerce.
Local Insights:
- The market is an excellent place to experience local culture and meet the friendly residents of Yangyang.
- Take the opportunity to try seasonal fruits and specialties that are often fresher and cheaper than in supermarkets.
Conclusion: Visiting the Yangyang 5-Day Market is a delightful experience that offers a glimpse into traditional Korean market life. Whether you’re looking to buy fresh produce, enjoy delicious street food, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere, this market is a must-visit when you’re in the area.
Market Day at Yangyang Market in Gangwon Province
When the dates ending in 4 and 9 come around each month, the Yangyang 5-day market (O-il-jang) takes place, causing traffic congestion in the surrounding areas.
In the past, parking was a major issue, but recently, with the addition of the Namdaecheon parking lot and a new parking building, the problems of parking and traffic congestion have significantly decreased.
Convenient Parking for Yangyang Market Day
I recently visited the Yangyang Traditional Market public parking lot. It felt like almost a year since my last visit.
I usually visit once a year. Initially, I used the public parking lot next to Namdaecheon (which is free).
A few years ago, a new paid parking building was constructed next to Yangyang Market.
Please refer to the map for each location.
If you prefer not to pay, use the Namdaecheon parking lot. For a small fee, you can conveniently park at the Yangyang Traditional Market public parking lot.
Yangyang market address
Yangyang Namdaecheon Sports Park Parking Lot 226-2, Nammun-ri, Yangyang-eup, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
I arrived early in the morning, so despite it being market day, there were many available spaces.
There are designated parking spaces for disabled individuals on the first floor, and separate restrooms are also available.
Parking Rates for Yangyang Traditional Market Public Parking Lot
- 200 KRW per 10 minutes
- 6,000 KRW for a full day
- Operating hours: 7 AM – 9 PM
For reference, the Namdaecheon parking lot is free (but you might have to deal with some dust).
There is a system for pre-paying the parking fee, with a separate payment machine on the first floor. You can also pay at the exit if you don’t pre-pay.
Namdaecheon Parking Lot
From Namdaecheon parking lot, walk up to the public parking lot.
On the days the Yangyang 5-day market is held, the whole market comes alive.
With umbrellas set up all over the market, it’s a place where you could find almost anything.
In the center of the market, there was a stall called “Spring Days Are Gone.”
On market days at Yangyang, you can enjoy unique treats like wild vegetable fritters.
For more details, refer to my separate blog post about “Spring Days Are Gone.”
That day, I was not only enjoying the market but also deeply immersed in the wild vegetable fritters.
Yangyang Market Day Parking Operation Hours Contact information for the market vendors association is also available.
Yangyang Market Day 5-day Market Parking Information
✔ Yangyang Market hosts a traditional 5-day market on the 4th and 9th of each month. You can conveniently park at the free Namdaecheon parking lot or the new, paid parking lot at the traditional market.
✔ There is plenty to see at the market, so it’s worth exploring every corner thoroughly. (Notably, the fruit stalls and fritter vendors inside are famous.)
Please check out my various posts related to Yangyang Market on my blog.
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