Numerous convenience stores and large retailers are playing a big part in our daily lives today; however, there are still a lot of traditional markets that are continuing their histories. In particular, near the Humanities and Social Science Campus of SKKU there are two well-known traditional markets: the Gwang-jang Market and the Tong- in Market. Both markets represent the past images of Korean traditional markets very well and people can enjoy various sights and different foods there. Therefore, it is a great place for all Kingos, not only Korean students but also foreign students, to feel the unique culture of Korea. The Sungkyun Times (SKT) now introduces the Korean traditional markets near SKKU, as well as foods that can be enjoyed there.
Gwang-jang Market: Connecting the Past and the Present
About Gwang-jang Market
Gwang-jang Market is a traditional market that opened in 1905, h a v i ng over 100 years of tradition and history. It was the first permanent market in Seoul and it has 5,000 stores and 20,000 merchants in total. Gwang-jang Market was selected as one of the top 100 tourist destinations in Korea because of its wonderful second-hand shops, various hanbok stores and delicious foods. It is a place not only for Seoul citizens but for tourists from other regions and countries, so tourist guides who provide interpretation guidance are also available there.
Foods to Enjoy at Gwang-jang Market
1. Yukhoe (Korean-style Raw Beef)
Yukhoe, beef sliced and spiced with seasoning, is the most popular and representative food of Gwang-jang Market. It can be found in many other markets but Yukhoe at Gwang-jang Market is served with an egg yolk and chopped pear and large portions, so it is said to be the best of all.
2. Bindaetteok (Mung Bean Pancake)
Bindaetteok is a Korean traditional food which is made of pork and mung-bean sprouts mixed with ground mung-bean dough. At Gwang-jang Market, it is easy to find many stores selling Bindaetteok at a reasonable price. Because it goes well with the Korean traditional alcohol Makgeolli, there are many people in the streets enjoying Bindaetteok with Makgeolli. Moreover, crispy and fried Bindaetteok suits the taste of most people.
3. Other Street Foods
Besides Yukhoe and Bindaetteok, a lot of street foods can be found at every corner of the Gwang-jang Market. Kingos can enjoy a variety of foods such as special Kimbap with mustard sauce, Tteokbokki which is a Korean traditional rice cake snack, and sweet Susu Bukkumi made with sorghum and red bean paste.
Tong-in Market: Filled with Human Kindness in Korean Traditions
About Tong-in Market
Tong-in Market opened in 1941 near Hyoja-dong as a public market for Japanese residents in the area during the Japanese colonial era. After the Korean War, as the population in Seochon swiftly increased, shops selling local products and restaurants were set up to form the Tong-in Market of today. One of the most charming things of Tong-in Market is that people can buy food using special coins. There is a Dosirak (lunchbox) café in the middle of the market, which has been operating since 2012. At the café, people normally exchange 5,000 into 10 yeopjeons, Korean old brass coins which have a square hole in the middle, and an empty lunch tray. With yeopjeons, people can walk through the market and buy whatever food that they want at the stalls that accept yeopjeons, instead of real money. After filling the tray with food, they can come back to the Dosirak café and eat over there, with prepared rice and soup if they want.
Foods to Enjoy at Tong-in Market
1. Gireum Tteokbokki
Gireum Tteokbokki is the most popular food in Tong-in market, which has been sold for the past 32 years. Unlike normal Tteokbokki, Gireum Tteokbokki is pan-fried without sauce and just covered in red pepper powder. It is crunchy on the outside but chewy on the inside, so people of all ages can enjoy it.
2. Hyoja-dong Dakkochi
Korean chicken skewers, Dakkochi, are a common Korean street food. Developing special flavors to draw all kinds of people, Hyoja-dong Dakkochi has become very popular within the market. It offers six different flavors: wine cheese, hot and spicy chicken, cheese, grilled chicken with salt, sesame leaves, and mozzarella cheese. It is easy to feel full because Hyoja-dong Dakkochi is 30cm long and served with generous amounts of ingredients, while each stick costs only 3,000 to 4,000.
3. Other Foods
There are many kinds of side dishes, which cost mostly two yeopjeons, such as Jeyuk Bokkeum (Korean spicy pork stir-fry), Gamjajeon (potato pancakes), Tteok-galbi (grilled short rib patties), and vegetables. Kingos can choose whatever they want and get rice for two yeopjeons or 1,000 at the Dosirak café to enjoy with the side dishes, which will make Kingos feel as if they are eating homemade food.