Steam, Scents, and Street Life: A First‑Timer’s Guide to Gyeongdong Market

 Hi, Friends! 👋

 Today I visited Gyeongdong Market in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul. 

This market first started in the 1960s—after the Korean War, farm produce from all over the country gathered around Cheongnyangni Station, and that’s how the market took shape. 😗😘

On the way to Gyeongdong Market, you’ll also pass through the herbal medicine market. Here’s how to get there:

• Subway (easiest) : Line 1 or Gyeongui–Jungang Line → Cheongnyangni Station. Take Exit 1 or 2 and walk 8–10 minutes toward Jegi-dong; follow signs for “Gyeongdong Market” or “Herb Market.” / Line 1 → Jegi-dong Station. Take Exit 2 or 3; the market and the Seoul Yangnyeongsi (herbal medicine street) are just a few minutes away on foot.

• Bus : Search “Gyeongdong Market” or “Seoul Yangnyeongsi” in your map app. Many buses run along Dongil-ro and around Jegi-dong/Cheongnyangni with stops right by the market.

• Taxi : Tell the driver “Gyeongdong Market (Gyeongdong Sijang), Jegi-dong.” Drop-off near the Seoul Yangnyeongsi entrance is convenient.

• Map keywords : “Gyeongdong Market,” “Seoul Yangnyeongsi,” “Jegi-dong Market,” “Cheongnyangni Market.”

 Each alley in the market sells different things, and right at the first entrance there’s a big butcher shop. I often buy fresh beef or pork here—and as usual, the line was long today. The prices are good and the portions are big, so I usually buy in bulk, divide it up, and freeze it. 😮😮😮

 Then, if you pass the seafood alley and head into the second lane, you’ll see signs for Starbucks and “Geumseong Jeonpasa.” Sure, Starbucks is everywhere, but this one in the middle of the market is special—it was converted from a 1960s movie theater.

 They kept the theater entrance and ticket booth as-is and turned it into a café, so the space feels really special—and it’s become a well-known spot even outside Seoul. People say this Starbucks actually brought more young visitors to the traditional market on purpose. Until then, traditional markets had this image of being “for grandmas,” not really a place young people went. 😂😂😂

 Shall we take a look inside? They remodeled the old theater seating into tiers of tables and chairs, and the area where the screen used to be is now the counter. I went and honestly thought the idea was brilliant. On the side wall, you can see the nicknames of people who ordered via the app pop up, so you can grab your drink right away. 🍵🍵

 This Starbucks is pretty much always busy, so weekday mornings are your best bet for a calmer visit. If you step out because there’s no seating, head up to the third floor’s “Youth Mall.” It’s a cluster of shops started by young entrepreneurs, and there are tons of different food options to check out.

 And if you head into the third alley, that’s the food alley. You can grab street snacks at the market stalls—things like tteokbokki—and enjoy makgeolli and noodle dishes, too.🍜🍜🍜

 There’s a famous spot here for naengmyeon and makguksu. I tried the makguksu and it was so good. Next time, I’m going back for the naengmyeon.

 And the donuts here are amazing! There’s always a long line, but they’re totally worth it—and the turnover is fast, so you can usually snag a freshly fried one. I highly recommend trying them hot. The bakery across the way also has lots of big, super affordable breads. 🍞🍩🍞🍩

 I’m a big rice-cake fan, so I picked up four packs of tteok from this food alley. It’s way cheaper than other markets, so whenever I come here, I end up buying a lot. 💗💗

 It’s also close to the Cheongnyangni fruit market, so it’s a great spot to score fruits and veggies on the cheap. Around 5–6 pm, when the market is winding down, you’ll see even bigger discounts—perfect time to snag those end-of-day deals.

 The weather was so nice that I had a blast wandering the market and grabbed some tasty snacks to take home. If you’re visiting Seoul, Namdaemun Market is great—but how about checking out Gyeongdong Market too, where lots of locals actually shop?