10 Best Street Food Markets In Seoul, South Korea - Updated 2024

food markets in seoul
Stephen
Stephen 
Updated
| 5 min read

Glittering with breathtaking state-of-the-art skyscrapers and modern digital subways, Seoul is a lovely city and the capital of South Korea. From spiritual places like Buddhist temples and iconic sites like palaces and street markets to expansive modern shopping malls and an iconic rooftop park, it is easy to see why the capital is one of the most exciting and popular tourist destinations in the country. Some iconic places in the city are Bukchon Hanok Village and Gyeongbokgung Palace. The glamorous Myeong-dong epitomizes the beauty of the city. Boutique hotels and Airbnb vacation rentals in Seoul provide tourists with amazing accommodations as well. For an exciting culinary experience, check out the best street food markets in Seoul, South Korea.

1. Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town


Are you looking for a place to go shopping and enjoy some of the best food to try in Seoul? You have an opportunity to explore the beautiful Korean culture and a variety of their sumptuous meals at Singdangdong Tteeokbokki Town, found in the heart of Sindang-dong, Jung-gu. As its name might hint, this is a marketplace popular for finger-licking tteokbokki. Boasting several dozens of colorful food joints, this is where tourists come to mingle with the locals as they do their shopping. Lovers of Korean culture come from all over the world just to be a part of the Tteokbokki Festival and the Tteokbokki Contest.

Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town

Address: 10-18 Dasan-ro 33-gil, Sindang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

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2. Gwangjang Market (from USD 42.0)

Located in Changgyeonggung-ro, in the Jongno-gu region, the Gwangjang Market and previously known as Dongdaemun Market, is one of the busiest, oldest, and largest traditional markets in South Korea. It’s also a place of interest to many tourists coming to the country due to its uniqueness and richness in local culture and traditions. Many locals come here to earn a living by selling locally prepared Korean delicacies with fresh, hand-picked ingredients for the best flavors and taste. Wondering what to buy in Seoul? The market boasts more than 200 food joints and vendors selling mouthwatering seafood menus. The market also has clothing stalls and souvenir shops.

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Seoul: Gyeongbok Palace, Bukchon Village, and Gwangjang Tour

Duration: 4 hours

5 reviews

3. Namdaemun Market (from USD 42.0)

Visit Namdaemun Market if you’re looking for fun things to do in Seoul. Found in the heart of Seoul, just a stone’s throw away from the “Great South Gate” is South Korea’s largest and oldest traditional market which dates back to the 15th century. The market is always a beehive of activity with people coming to shop for clothing and various household items. You can also buy groceries at very inexpensive rates for fresh goods. Apart from being a major tourist attraction in the city, the market is also a good place to come and satisfy your appetite with an exciting selection of Korean snacks and delicacies like the mouthwatering dumplings.

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Seoul Tour with Palgakjeong, Changdeokgug and Namdaemun Market

Duration: 4 hours

14 reviews

4. Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market

As the evening approaches every Friday and Saturday between 18:00-23:00, a night market springs up at Yeouido Hangang...

Posted by Seoul Korea on Monday, 2 May 2016

Are you the type of person who likes doing things at night, even going shopping late night? In the romantic city of Seoul, there’s a place for people like you where you can go shopping and dining even at night - Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market. Found on the peaceful, lovely Hangang River. This night market in Seoul is used to host events such as traditional cultural performances. There are food trucks around serving various international cuisines and stalls specializing in local delicacies as well as Chinese and Japanese dishes. You can also purchase handicraft items as souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones.

Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market

Address: 8-4 Euljiro 7(chil)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Website: Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market

Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 6pm - 1am (closed from Mon - Thu)

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Seoul Tour Guide

연경바람

연경바람

Discover a vibrant mix of past, present, and future of Korea on a journey you'll never forget. Our tours unlock the secrets of Korean history and culture, offering a profound understanding of the people who make this nation unique. Explore ancient temples, bustling markets, and iconic landmarks, each whispering stories of Korea's fascinating past. Immerse yourself in traditional practices, s... Read more

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5. Yeouido World Night Market

Street Vendors
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jonathan McClelland used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Found in Yeongdeungpo-gu area in Seoul, South Korea, Yeouido World Night Market is one of the several night markets in the city boasting a good number of food joints serving different South Korean treats. For a couple looking to enjoy cool Seoul vibes, this night market is a nice place to go for a romantic walk as you interact with the locals. If you’re a beer person, make sure to pass by at one of the food trucks and order a plate of fried chicken with beer. This will leave your taste glands tingling. Enjoy the magical views of the city.

Yeouido World Night Market

Address: Yeouidong-ro, Yeoeuido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 6pm - 1am (closed from Mon - Thu)

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6. Myeongdong Street Food Alley

Seoul-Myeongdong-03
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user by thelearnr used under CC BY 2.0

If you find yourself experiencing an irresistible carving of Korean food and you are in Seoul spending some time with your loved ones, there’s one place that will satisfy that craving and leave you licking your fingers – Myeongdong Street Food Alley. Located in the bustling city, this is a place where both the young and the old come to spend time window shopping and just relaxing. This street is lined with beautiful eateries which is the main reason most people come here – to indulge. With mouthwatering foods in Seoul such as tteokbokki, kimbap, twigim, and mandoo among others, your taste glands will be in for a treat.

Myeongdong Street Food Alley

Address: Myeongdong-gil, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

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7. Cheonggyecheon Time Slip Market

Cheonggyecheon Time Slip Market
Source: Pixabay

Sitting along the Cheonggyecheon River in the downtown area of Seoul is a colorful, vibrant traditional market that is always bustling with activities all the time – the Cheonggyecheon Time Slip Market. This is one of the funky night markets where you will find many food trucks lined along the river all selling different local and international delicacies. With the goblin lights gorgeously illuminating the place, the market is usually a dazzling paradise at night. Grab a snack or a drink and relax with your better half along the stream and admire as it calmly flows and faintly glows under the city lights.

Cheonggyecheon Time Slip Market

Address: 14, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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8. Tongin Market (from USD 75.0)

Are you a foodie person and are just crazy about Korean food? Before your vacation is over, visiting the Tongin Market situated in the heart of Seoul should be on top of your to-do list. From mouthwatering Korean barbeque to a wide variety of sumptuous traditional street foods, you will be spoiled for choices. The aroma that will greet you when you walk the market will make you want to salivate at the sight of the colorful delicacies on display. You also get the opportunity to mingle with the locals and learn a thing or two about the charming Seochon neighborhood.

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Walking tour for foodies at Tongin Market : Korean BBQ and traditional St. Food

Duration: 3 hours

5 reviews

9. Banpo Romantic Moonlight Market

Street Food Stall
Source: Photo by user Benjamin Shaw used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Enjoy a romantic vibe in Seoul with your soulmate as you explore one of the hidden gems in the city – Banpo Romantic Moonlight Market. Newlyweds and couples from all over South Korea frequently visit this market in order to share magical moments and exchange vows under the dazzling lights on the fountain. This is one place that is blessed with romantic night views and a romantic atmosphere making it a paradise where love birds come to create everlasting memories. There are food trucks all over the place that ensure you don’t stay with an empty belly. The market also has art and flea regions.

Banpo Romantic Moonlight Market

Address: Banpo 2(i)-dong, Seoul, South Korea

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10. Dongdaemun Night Market

Night Market [Dongdaemun / Seoul]
Source: Photo by Flickr user d'n'c used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Have you ever heard the saying that goes let your food be your medicine and your medicine should be your food? This means that when you eat healthily, you stay healthy and that’s why a visit to Dongdaemun Night Market is a priority for any vegetarian living in Seoul. This eye-catching night market is usually bustling with vendors and buyers from all walks of life all with one aim – to enjoy the romantic vibe of Seoul. Among all the markets that sell street food in Seoul, this is the most well-known and features a wide range of food eateries, retail malls, and wholesale malls.

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Experience a lovely vibe in Seoul, South Korea

Blessed with beautiful, inspirational culture and traditions, South Korea is a wonderful destination for people looking to discover new things and try out different cuisines. Korean snacks and delicacies are very popular all over the world and that’s why the city of Seoul is usually vibrant with street food markets.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Stephen is an avid content writer with a passion for adventure. He enjoys traveling and has visited several countries around the world. So far, South Africa stands out as his most exciting...Read more

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