Visiting traditional markets

Traditional markets offer street food, side dishes, dried seafood, herbal ingredients, clothing and household goods. Each market has its specialties, such as mung bean pancakes and mini gimbap at Seoul's Gwangjang Market or seafood at Busan's Jagalchi Market. It is a great way to see everyday local life up close.

More and more stalls accept cards, but small street vendors and some shops still take cash only. Carrying a little cash makes things easier, and some sellers suggest bank transfers, which may be tricky for visitors. ATMs are often available near markets.

Prices are usually fixed, so instead of hard bargaining, it is fine to ask politely for a small discount when buying several items. Some vendors may throw in a little extra as a goodwill gesture. Food stalls generally sell at set prices.

You can sit on the stools in front of a stall and eat right there or get it to go. Point at what you want to order; some stalls have you pay after eating, others before. Locals usually eat at the stall rather than walking around with food, which also helps keep crowded aisles clean.

Gwangjang Market in Jongno, Seoul, is one of the city's oldest traditional markets, famous for its food alleys serving mung bean pancakes (bindaetteok), beef tartare (yukhoe) and mini gimbap. It also has many fabric and hanbok shops. The food section gets very crowded in the evening.

Yes. At big fish markets like Busan's Jagalchi or Seoul's Noryangjin, you can buy seafood and take it to a restaurant inside the market to be served raw or cooked. Whether a table or preparation fee applies, and how much, varies by restaurant, so ask first. Prices change daily, so confirm before you order.

Most markets open during the day and close in the evening, but hours vary by shop. Some markets have regular closing days, and many stalls close on major holidays. Certain markets run night markets, which offer a different atmosphere after dark.

Some traditional markets, such as Bupyeong Kkangtong Market in Busan, run night markets, and seasonal night markets pop up in cities too. Many operate only on certain days or during specific periods. Check local government or market announcements before you go.

Food items like seasoned laver (gim), citron tea (yujacha), dried seafood, traditional snacks and hangwa sweets are popular souvenirs. Some stalls sell handicrafts and hanbok accessories too. If you take food home, check your country's import rules first. Vendors are usually happy to pack items securely.

Ask before photographing vendors or shoppers up close. Narrow aisles get congested, so step aside rather than stopping in the middle to shoot. Lingering for a long time to film without buying anything can bother stall owners, so be considerate.

Many markets have public restrooms, often in the customer service center or parking building. Market maps show where they are. Toilet paper is not always stocked, so carry tissues just in case. Nearby subway stations are another reliable option. Map apps can help you locate them.

Busy stalls tend to turn over food quickly. Choosing popular spots that cook to order is a good rule of thumb. If raw dishes do not agree with you, stick to cooked food, and see a doctor if you develop symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea.

At Tongin Market in Seoul, you can buy old-style brass coin tokens and use them to fill a lunchbox with dishes from different stalls. It is a fun way to sample many market foods in small portions. Hours and procedures can change, so check before you go.

Many traditional market vendors still pack items in plastic bags, but bringing a reusable bag is convenient and eco-friendly. Large supermarkets and similar big stores are restricted from handing out single-use bags, so you will usually need a reusable bag or alternatives such as paper bags. If you plan to shop a lot, carry a foldable bag.

Yes. Pointing and showing numbers with your fingers works for most orders, and many vendors show prices on a calculator or phone. Learning a few phrases like 'igeo juseyo' (this one, please) and 'eolmayeyo?' (how much?) makes it more fun.

Onnuri vouchers are gift certificates usable at traditional markets, available in paper, card and mobile forms. They are mainly used by residents; travelers can simply pay with cash or cards. They are accepted only at participating shops marked with the sign.

Many shops vacuum-seal or tightly pack kimchi for travelers. On flights it may be treated like a liquid, so carry-on may be restricted; if you check it in, make sure it is well sealed to prevent leaks. Also check your home country's food import rules.

Well-known markets include Jagalchi and Gukje in Busan, Seomun in Daegu, Nambu in Jeonju and Dongmun in Jeju. Each region has its own signature foods and local products, so a market visit is a trip in itself. Some run night markets too, so check schedules.

Check the amount and your change on the spot when you pay. Korean banknotes differ in color and size, which helps, though they can be confusing at first. Asking the vendor to show the total on a phone calculator is perfectly acceptable.

Weekday mornings and early afternoons are relatively quiet, good for browsing at your own pace. Evenings and weekends are crowded in the food alleys but full of energy. Fish markets are liveliest in the early morning during auctions. Markets are packed just before major holidays.