korea's traditional markets exploring tour tips

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Special Travels in Korea: Exploring Traditional Markets

Korea's traditional markets have different charms from modern shopping malls. Where you can see a variety of food, traditional crafts, clothes, and accessories in one place, the traditional market is a place where you can experience Korean culture and daily life in depth. In this article, we introduce Korea's representative traditional markets, and guide you through must-eat food in the market and nearby tourist attractions.


a representative traditional market

1. Namdaemun Market (Seoul)

Introduction: Namdaemun Market is one of the largest traditional markets in Korea, located in the heart of Seoul. You can buy various products such as clothes, accessories, home appliances, food, and more at low prices.
Features: Various stores and stalls are concentrated, so you can enjoy shopping and food at the same time.
Food: Kalguksu, bindaetteok, sundae, tteokbokki
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Namsan Seoul Tower, Myeongdong, Deoksugung Palace
2. Gwangjang Market (Seoul)

Introduction: Gwangjang Market is famous for tasting Korean traditional food and street food. Especially, it is famous for bindaetteok and kimbap, and you can enjoy a variety of traditional Korean food in one place.
Features: In addition to traditional food, there are many stores that sell hanboks, handicrafts, and more.
Food: Pancake, drug gimbap, yukhoe, sundae
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Cheonggyecheon Stream, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), Euljiro Alley
3. Busan International Market (Busan)

Introduction: Busan's representative traditional market, where you can experience a variety of seafood and food. Formed after the Korean War, this market has a long history and tradition.
Features: A seafood market, a variety of food, and a variety of industrial products and clothes are available at a low price.
Food: seed hotteok, fish cake, tteokbokki, sashimi
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Jagalchi Market, Yongdusan Park, BIFF Square
4. Jeonju Nambu Market (Jeonju)

Introduction: Nambu Market, where you can feel Jeonju's traditions and culture, is also famous for its night market. In particular, it is considered a must-go course for a trip to Jeonju because it is close to the Hanok Village.
Features: You can meet various traditional foods and crafts from Jeonju.
Food: Jeonju bibimbap, bean sprout and rice soup, makgeolli, cheese baguette
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Jeonju Hanok Village, Gyeonggijeon, Jeonju Hyanggyo
5. Shilla Market (Gyeongju)

Introduction: The Shilla Market in Gyeongju is where you can taste local specialties and traditional foods. Visiting the Shilla Market in the historic city of Gyeongju will give you a richer travel experience.
Characteristic: A traditional market with Silla-era relics, you can hear various historical stories.
Food: Hwangnam Bread, Gyeongju Bread, Chalbori Bread, Tteokgalbi
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Rock, Daerungwon

Tips for exploring traditional markets

1. cash reserve

Description: In traditional markets, cash payments are more common than card payments. It's a good idea to have cash on hand as small payments dominate.
2. comfortable clothes and shoes

Description: The market is crowded with many shops and street stalls, so you walk a lot. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes so that you can walk comfortably on long walks.
3. market price bargaining

Clarification: In traditional markets, price bargaining may be possible. Get the fun of bargaining the right price to buy products at a lower price.
4. Eco bag ready

Description: You may need a lot of plastic bags when purchasing a variety of items. Get an eco-bag to enjoy shopping while protecting the environment.

conclusion

Korean traditional markets are not just places to buy things, but are also living and historical places where you can experience Korean traditions and culture. Experience various foods and traditional crafts in Korea by visiting various traditional markets such as Namdaemun Market, Gwangjang Market, Busan International Market, Jeonju Nambu Market, and Silla Market. Exploring traditional markets is a valuable opportunity to deeply understand Korea's daily life and communicate with the locals.