How to Enjoy Seoul’s Gwangjang Market Like a Local: Must-Try Dishes and Insider Tips

A guide to must-eats, common tourist traps, and how to make the most of your night at one of Korea’s most beloved markets

Gwangjang Market is noisy, messy, and sometimes overwhelming.
But it’s also one of the most flavorful, vivid, and unforgettable places you’ll ever visit in Seoul.

Whether you're a local revisiting it after years or a traveler stepping in for the first time, there’s something deeply satisfying about a night spent here — with sizzling pans, plastic stools, and the aroma of sesame oil wafting through the narrow alleys.

I recently revisited Gwangjang Market with a friend, and it reminded me why this place still stands at the top of every must-visit list in Seoul.

The Two Foods You Simply Cannot Miss

Yukhoe (Korean Steak Tartare with Raw Octopus)

If Gwangjang Market is famous for one thing, it’s yukhoe.
Served with fresh pear, a raw egg yolk, sesame oil, and often topped with live octopus (san-nakji) — it’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s absolutely worth trying.

The texture combination is surprising at first: cool, slick beef, crunchy pear, slippery octopus, and nutty oil. But trust me, once you’ve had one bite, it becomes oddly addictive.

Bindaetteok (Mung Bean Pancake)

Right next to the yukhoe stalls, you’ll often smell the unmistakable aroma of bindaetteok.
Crispy on the outside, warm and hearty on the inside, this pancake made of ground mung beans and vegetables pairs perfectly with a small bowl of makgeolli (Korean rice wine).

It’s heavy, flavorful, and especially comforting on a summer night after a long walk through the city.

A Word of Warning: Avoid the Center Aisle Stalls

If you head down the main aisle of Gwangjang Market, you'll find a long line of food stalls packed with tourists.
They look lively, but they’re not where locals go to eat — and for good reason.

Here’s why you should avoid these stalls:

• Overpriced: Many of the stalls charge higher-than-average prices
• Low consistency: Quality and hygiene can vary significantly
• Pushy upsells: Some sellers may add side dishes or items without clearly asking

You're better off finding a tucked-away shop down one of the side alleys. These places are often run by seasoned vendors, have more seating, and serve food with more care and better flavor — for less money.

Local Tips: How to Eat Like a Pro

• For yukhoe, skip the flashy stalls and look for the older restaurants deep inside the alleys
• The best bindaetteok spots tend to be near the western entrance, closer to Jongno
• Want a drink? Go indoors — it’s quieter, and billing is more transparent
• Bring cash: Card isn’t accepted everywhere, and some places offer better prices for cash payments
• If you're not sure, watch where the locals are eating — they know what’s good

Why Is Yukhoe So Popular Here?

Gwangjang Market has a long-standing reputation for high-quality raw beef.
Since the early 20th century, it’s been a gathering point for traditional butchers and food craftsmen. Many stalls here still use hand-trimmed Korean beef, carefully seasoned the traditional way — with sesame oil, garlic, salt, and sometimes soy sauce.

The addition of live octopus has become a tourist favorite — and for some, a viral photo opportunity — but it actually started as a local delicacy.

Considering a Food Tour? Here's What I Found

I haven’t personally joined a guided food tour, but after revisiting Gwangjang Market and doing a bit of research, I found a highly-rated program that seems perfect for first-time visitors or anyone traveling with foreign friends.

Here’s what the tour includes:

• Skip-the-line access to top stalls
• Local guide (English-speaking)
• Classic dishes like yukhoe and bindaetteok
• Traditional alcohol tasting (soju, makgeolli)
• Korean drinking games and stories
• Small group setting (so it’s not awkward if you’re solo)

Learn more and check availability here:
Seoul Night Market Food Tour with Local Guide

Q&A: What Visitors Often Ask

Is Gwangjang Market safe to eat at?
Generally yes, especially at busy stalls with high turnover. Stick to well-reviewed places, and avoid lukewarm or pre-prepared foods if you’re unsure.

Can I bring a foreign friend here?
Absolutely — yukhoe, bindaetteok, and the market itself are memorable experiences. Just be ready to explain what’s on the plate.

Where are the best spots to take photos?
Try the sign-lit alley entrances at night, a steaming grill of bindaetteok, or the moment your yukhoe arrives with that golden yolk on top.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a Michelin star restaurant to have a memorable food experience in Seoul.
Sometimes all it takes is a plastic stool, a hot plate, and a bite of something totally unexpected.

Gwangjang Market is chaotic, yes — but it’s also alive.
It’s where the real Seoul comes out at night. So if you’re looking for flavor, character, and a touch of adventure, head there hungry.

Affiliate Disclosure

This post includes an affiliate link to a food tour I genuinely believe could enhance your experience.
I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you book through this link. Thank you for supporting independent travel content.