Gwangjang Market
광장시장
Market in Jongno-gu. Open 09:00–23:00, closed Sundays. Plan about 1.5 hours. 3 min walk from Jongno 5(o)-ga Station.
Good to know
About
Information: Korea Tourism Organization (TourAPI)Gwangjang Market was the first permanent market in Korea and continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination today. The name Gwangjang means "to gather from afar and keep altogether." The market began as a small trading center that brought in goods from nearby regions, but has now grown into a large wholesale market selling a variety of goods, including upholstery, imported goods, groceries, dried fish, traditional goods, and more. The most popular section of the market is the food street connected to the East Gate, North Gate 2, and South Gate 1. The food street caters to a wide range of patrons due to the plethora of menus available. It is also one of the most recommended tourist attraction for international travelers.
Our guide
Gwangjang Market's hours come in three ranges, and all three include 10:00–18:00. The latest range runs to 23:00, but our data does not say which stalls that covers.
On a Sunday, when the market is closed, Gwangjang's neighbours fill in: Seosulla-gil Road is an 11-minute walk, and Euljiro Nogari Alley, 13 minutes away, is listed as open from noon until 03:00.
Getting to Gwangjang Market: from Seoul Station 19 min on Line 1 and from Myeongdong 23 min on Line 4 then Line 1, both to Jongno 5-ga Station; from Hongik Univ. 29 min, Gangnam 45 min.
Travel times are estimates from our transit model, Oct 2026.
Pairs well with
Within a 20-minute walk.
Where to stay near Gwangjang Market
Areas with the shortest trip here, on foot or by public transit.
From each area’s main station, on foot or by public transit. Our estimates (Nov 2026).
Compare all 34 areasFree · No sign-up