Gwangjang Market Day Trip (2026): Food, K-Beauty & Rooftop Views

요즘 광장시장은 평일에 가도

외국인 관광객이 정말 많은데요.

시장 골목에 서서 한국 사람처럼 능숙하게

떡볶이와 호떡 등 먹는 모습이 인상 깊더라구요?

That's why I've put together a fantastic

Gwangjang Market (광장시장) one-day course that's perfect to enjoy with both Korean and international friends!

If you're wondering what to do at Gwangjang Market, make sure to check this out.

01. Gwangjang Market Basic Information and One-Day Course

Gwangjang Market is a market located about a 2-minute walk from Exit 8 of Jongno 5-ga Station (종로5가역),

and it's also close to Exit 7.

Popular foods include yukhoe (육회, beef tartare), bindaetteok (빈대떡, mung bean pancake),

and mayak gimbap (마약김밥, addictive mini gimbap).

Operating hours vary by store,

so please check the individual store hours before your visit.

For parking, you'll need to use the public parking lots around the market,

but since nearby parking lots are always crowded, regardless of weekdays or weekends,

I highly recommend using the subway if possible!

Here's the Gwangjang Market one-day course I recommend.

If you follow the sequence of eating, experiencing, and relaxing,

the route is short yet incredibly fulfilling, isn't it?!

You can eat, enjoy, and have a wonderfully full day at the market,

making it perfectly comfortable to explore with international friends!

📌 Recommended One-Day Course

02. Gwangjang Market Yukhoe

There are so many great yukhoe restaurants in Gwangjang Market.

But honestly, no matter which one you go to,

I don't think the price and taste differ significantly.

Rather than endlessly waiting in a long line,

I recommend just stepping into any available restaurant and trying their yukhoe.

The place I visited was Jinju Yukhoe 3rd Branch.

Actually, I went straight in because it was so close to Jongno 5-ga Station,

and as soon as I sat down, a refreshing bowl of beef and radish soup (sogogi muguk) was served as a complimentary starter,

which instantly whetted my appetite!

For the Yukhoe Bibimbap (육회비빔밥), the yukhoe was so fresh and delightfully chewy,

that every spoonful brought an incredible burst of umami.

It had plenty of chicory,

and the sweet and sour *chojang* (초장) dressing

was the perfect seasoning to mix with the yukhoe and rice.

The Yukhoe Tangtangi (육회탕탕이) featured a fresh egg yolk,

octopus, and even pear,

creating a wonderful harmony of sweetness and savory richness!

First off, with its plump, sizeable octopus,

it felt like I was enjoying a nourishing dish, perfect for boosting energy.

It was definitely the ideal menu for day drinking, haha!

They say yukhoe is quite similar to Western beef tartare,

so foreigners tend to find it less intimidating!

However, octopus can be a hit or miss for some people,

so if you're going with foreign friends, I recommend starting with the yukhoe and yukhoe bibimbap.

First and foremost, when you come to Gwangjang Market (광장시장),

you absolutely must try the popular yukhoe!

03. Olive Young Gwangjang Market Branch (올리브영 광장마켓점)

Now that our stomachs are full, it's time to shop!

Inside Gwangjang Market, the Gwangjang Market (광장마켓) area

features unique stores like Olive Young and Starbucks,

alongside arcades and clothing shops.

It opened on April 30th this year,

and it's distinctly different from a regular Olive Young store.

The entire store is decorated with a retro aesthetic,

offering plenty to see even if you're just browsing, not shopping!

Unsurprisingly, when I visited, the place was bustling with international visitors!

K-Beauty is already incredibly popular with travelers from all over the world,

but what makes this spot truly special are the interactive experiences and fascinating things to see.

It's not just a shopping destination; it's an exciting, unique stop on your journey!

If you're visiting Gwangjang Market (광장시장) with an international friend,

make sure to pair this with a stop at one of the incredible yukhoe (Korean beef tartare) restaurants!

I have a feeling your female friends, especially, will absolutely adore it!

04. Starbucks Gwangjang Market Branch (스타벅스 광장마켓점)

Each of the three floors at Starbucks Gwangjang Market Branch is uniquely designed,

making it a joy to explore every level!

The 3rd-floor rooftop is particularly charming, offering a picturesque view of Gwangjang Market as you sip your coffee – truly atmospheric!

You'll find quite a few signature menu items sold exclusively at this location, making your visit even more special!

Popular choices include the Golden Mandarin Hop Fizzio,

the Starbucks Honey Hotteok Latte (a delightful twist on the famous Korean sweet pancake!), Siru Honey Cake,

and Siltarae Baumkuchen. There's a flavor for every palate!

They also have limited-edition merchandise, like adorable

Hanbok Bearista keychains, which beautifully reflect Gwangjang Market's rich textile culture!

But what really caught my eye was their incredible cocktail menu!

They offer three distinct cocktails along with green olives,

Honestly, though, everyone around me was enjoying coffee, so I felt a little self-conscious ordering a cocktail, haha!

Imagine unique cocktails blending refreshing drinks with liqueurs, such as the vibrant

Purple Mango Dragon Fruit Piña Colada,

the sophisticated Hibiscus Tea Cosmopolitan,

or the zesty Pink Grapefruit Rum Tonic! They're truly an exotic delight!

Despite my initial hesitation, the store is so spacious and the staff incredibly friendly,

that next time I visit, I'm absolutely going to order one of those amazing cocktails

without a second thought!

Just sticking to coffee and not trying a cocktail left me constantly thinking about them –

they were practically sparkling in my mind's eye!

As a cool bonus, for every item sold at this store,

₩300 (~$0) from a shared growth fund is accumulated

and used directly to help revitalize Gwangjang Market!

Isn't it wonderful to enjoy your coffee knowing you're also making a small contribution to the local community?

If you're planning a trip to Seoul with international friends,

how about a visit to Gwangjang Market (광장시장) in Jongno (종로)

following the course we've outlined? 😊

📌 Key Takeaways?

✅ Gwangjang Market is close to Exit 8 of Jongno 5(o)-ga Station (종로5가역).

✅ Gwangjang Market has many fantastic Yukhoe (Korean beef tartare) restaurants, so be sure to try it!

✅ Yukhoe, similar to beef tartare, is incredibly popular with international visitors.

✅ Olive Young Gwangjang Market branch (올리브영 광장마켓점) and Starbucks Gwangjang Market branch (스타벅스 광장마켓점) are

perfect for a unique and fun course in Jongno.