Traditional markets become must-visit place for foreign tourists, young consumers

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

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Sat, September 23, 2023 | 08:03

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Traditional markets catch on with foreign tourists, young consumers

Posted : 2023-05-26 16:50

Updated : 2023-05-29 15:45

Foreign tourists order a bowl of patjuk, or Korean adzuki-bean gruel, at Gwangjang Market in downtown Seoul, Dec. 21, 2022. Yonhap

By Kim Jae-heun

Thai tourist Rob Gorman, 34, visited Mangwon Market in Mapo District, western Seoul, three weeks ago when he came to Korea.

"I saw my friend post a picture of this Korean tradition market on social media before and I wanted to go there so bad," Gorman said. "When I visited Mangwon Market earlier this month, I enjoyed so many foods there and I especially liked the vibe, which was very unique Korean style that I cannot experience anywhere else."

Taiwanese office worker En En Vorachit, 33, also picked Gwangjang Market in downtown Seoul as his most memorable experience in Korea during his visit two months ago.

"There was so much variety of Korean foods that I never knew before, although I come to Korea often and I have tried many of them already. I really liked bindaetteok (Korean mung-bean pancake) and yukhoe (Korean-style raw beer tartare) in particular. The food prices at Gwangjang Market were also very cheap. I am willing to revisit one day," Vorachit said.

High school students walk through Mangwon Market in western Seoul's Mapo District, March 9. Korea Times file

Traditional markets in Korea are gaining popularity among foreign tourists who want unique travel and authentic Korean food experiences.

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has also introduced 15 representative traditional markets across the country on Google including Mangwon Market, Gwangjang Market, Tongin Market and Namdaemun Market.

"Traditional markets show various unique scenes. There are also energy, food smells and interesting items that (tourists) can't experience anywhere else," a KTO official said.

Many of the stores at traditional markets adopt English menus with food pictures to help foreign tourists understand and order what they want. Visitors can also pay with credit cards and online payments.

Young local consumers are also finding traditional markets attractive too.

Yesan Market in South Chungcheong Province, and Gyeongdong Market in Seoul are the two most popular places.

The number of visitors to Yesan Market has been increasing since January after the market was remodeled in collaboration with local food firm The Born Korea, led by Korean celebrity chef Paik Jong-won.

According to Yesan City, 5,000 visitors from all over the country visit the market on weekdays and more than 10,000 on Saturdays and Sundays.

jhkim@koreatimes.co.kr