A Food Lover’s Guide to the Best Street Food Markets in Korea
Ultimate guide to best street food markets in Korea, where locals and tourists alike come to snack, savour, and explore
Korea’s bustling street food scene is one of the most flavorful and exciting ways to experience the local culture. From Seoul’s sizzling tteokbokki stalls to Jeju’s fresh seafood bites, there’s a vibrant world of flavors waiting to be discovered.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the best street food markets in Korea, where locals and tourists alike come to snack, savour, and explore.
1. Gwangjang Market (광장시장) – Seoul
One of the oldest traditional markets in Korea, Gwangjang Market is beloved for its authentic dishes like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak kimbap (mini seaweed rice rolls). It’s the perfect introduction to Korean comfort food.
Top street foods:
Bindaetteok
Mayak Kimbap
Soondae (blood sausage)
Japchae (glass noodles)
📍 Location: Jongno-gu, Seoul �� Hours: 9 AM–10 PM
2. Myeongdong Street Food Alley – Seoul
In the heart of Seoul’s shopping district, Myeongdong’s food alley is packed with innovative snacks and fusion bites. Try everything from cheese-laden lobster to crispy tornado potatoes.
Top street foods:
Lobster with cheese
Tornado potato
Tteokbokki
Nutella hotteok
📍 Location: Myeongdong 8-gil, Seoul �� Hours: Late afternoon to late night
3. Seomun Night Market – Daegu
Daegu’s famous Seomun Market transforms at night into a bustling food street with a wide variety of savory treats. From flame-grilled skewers to creative Korean burgers, it’s a foodie hotspot.
Top street foods:
Galbi skewers
Tteokgalbi burgers
Kimchi fried rice Spicy boneless chicken feet
📍 Location: Jung-gu, Daegu �� Hours: 7 PM–12 AM
4. Jeonju Nambu Market – Jeonju
Jeonju, the birthplace of bibimbap, offers gourmet street eats with a local twist. The night market is especially lively and popular among young foodies.
Top street foods:
Deep-fried gimbap
Spicy stir-fried octopus
Local makgeolli
📍 Location: Wansan-gu, Jeonju �� Hours: Weekend evenings
5. Tongin Market – Seoul
What makes Tongin Market unique is its coin system. Use traditional brass coins to fill a lunchbox tray with goodies from dozens of vendors!
Top street foods:
Braised tofu
Tteokbokki
Korean omelette
Namul (seasoned vegetables)
📍 Location: Jongno-gu, Seoul �� Hours: 11 AM–5 PM (Closed Mondays)
6. Jagalchi Fish Market – Busan
Korea’s largest seafood market, Jagalchi offers ultra-fresh ocean delicacies. While it’s more of a fish market than a traditional street food alley, you’ll still find ready-to-eat options and stalls serving freshly grilled or steamed seafood on the spot.
Top street foods:
Grilled clams
Sannakji (live octopus)
Grilled mackerel
Seafood jeon (savoury pancake)
📍 Location: Jung-gu, Busan �� Hours: 5 AM–9 PM
7. Nampo-dong International Market – Busan
Right near Jagalchi, Nampo-dong adds a street food twist to Busan’s seafood game. Known for its legendary Ssiat Hotteok, this market is a must-visit.
Top street foods:
Ssiat hotteok (seed-filled pancake)
Fish cake skewers
Tempura vegetables
Fried squid
📍 Location: Jung-gu, Busan �� Hours: 9 AM–10 PM
8. Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market – Jeju Island
Jeju’s southern gem, this market in Seogwipo is known for island-style eats. From grilled abalone to juicy black pork skewers, it showcases the island’s unique food identity.
Top street foods:
Grilled abalone
Black pork skewers
Hallabong (Jeju citrus) juice
Seafood pancakes
📍 Location: Seogwipo-si, Jeju �� Hours: 7 AM–9 PM
9. Dongmun Traditional Market – Jeju City
Located in northern Jeju, Dongmun Market blends traditional food stalls with modern street food innovations. It’s perfect for night owls and seafood fans alike.
Top street foods:
Fried shrimp and squid
Hallabong ice cream
Tteokbokki Jeju-style
📍 Location: Jeju-si, Jeju Island �� Hours: 6 AM–10 PM
Final Bite
From sizzling skewers in Seoul to seafood specialties in Jeju, Korea’s street food markets are a feast for the senses.
Whether you're a casual snacker or a die-hard foodie, these spots offer unforgettable flavours and cultural insight with every bite. So grab your chopsticks and get ready to explore the best street food markets in Korea—one delicious stall at a time.
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