Gwangjang Market to Myeongdong: A One-Day Food and Sightseeing Route

 


This central Seoul route combines a traditional market, an urban stream, local streets and one of the city’s best-known shopping districts.


9:30 AM — Start at Gwangjang Market


Arrive before the main lunch rush. Compare stalls before ordering. Popular choices include bindaetteok, gimbap, kalguksu and dumplings. Raw beef and live seafood are optional; choose cooked food if you have health concerns.


Ordering Tip


Confirm the price before ordering. Some stalls accept cards while others may prefer another method, so carry a small amount of Korean won as backup.


11:30 AM — Walk Along Cheonggyecheon


Leave the market and follow the stream west toward Euljiro. It provides a quieter break after the busy market.


12:30 PM — Explore Euljiro


Euljiro mixes printing shops, older buildings and newer cafés. Check the floor number and Korean address in Naver Map or KakaoMap.


2:00 PM — Continue to Myeongdong


Walk or take a short subway ride. Myeongdong is useful for shopping, cosmetics and snacks. Compare prices because tourist-area pricing varies.


3:30 PM — Optional Myeongdong Kyoja


Try kalguksu and mandu at Myeongdong Kyoja, a restaurant featured by the MICHELIN Guide. Peak meal times may involve a queue.


5:00 PM — Choose Your Evening


Continue toward Namsan for a city view, stay in Myeongdong for shopping, or walk toward Seoul City Hall and Deoksugung.


Practical Advice


Wear comfortable shoes. Weather, market holidays, restaurant hours and crowd levels change, so avoid planning the route too tightly.


Sources:

MICHELIN Korea: https://guide.michelin.com/ae-az/en/article/travel/why-you-should-visit-south-korea-in-2025

Lonely Planet: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/top-things-to-do-in-seoul

Visit Seoul: https://english.visitseoul.net/

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