Mangwon Market in Seoul, Korea: Seoul's Hidden Gem

 

When talking about Seoul's famous markets, names like Namdaemun, Gwangjang, and Kyungdong might come to mind. These markets are well-known for their size and the diverse range of goods they offer. However, there's a smaller, yet equally charming market I'd like to introduce: Mangwon Market. Although it's not as large as the others, Mangwon Market offers a glimpse into the traditional Korean market scene, along with a plethora of delicious food choices.

 

 

Situated in the Mapo District of Seoul, Mangwon Market is conveniently located just a five-minute walk from Mangwon Station, making it easy to get to. For those driving, there's the Mangwon Public Parking Lot and the Mangwon Market Roadside Public Parking Lot available for use.

 

Mangwon Market has become increasingly popular thanks to coverage on TV and social media, and it's especially beloved by tourists who are keen on exploring local food scenes. At this market, you can sample a variety of traditional Korean dishes and snacks without breaking the bank. Plus, a short stroll to the nearby Mangridan-gil will let you dip into the modern hip culture of Korea.

 

Top 7 Food

Let's dive into the top 7 food experiences that make Mangwon Market a must-visit on your Seoul itinerary:

 

Songine Bunsik (Songi's Korean Snack bar):

Songine Bunsik is celebrated for its wide range of Korean street food at wallet-friendly prices. The Tteokbokki here, a spicy and sweet rice cake dish, is particularly beloved and tastes even better when accompanied by Sundae (a type of Korean sausage) and fried snacks. It's the perfect spot to savor hearty and delicious snacks while getting a taste of true Korean street food culture. Songine Bunsik, with its warmth and hospitality, is definitely a spot not to miss at Mangwon Market.

 

HunHun Hotteok:

Hotteok is a Korean pancake that is baked in oil by kneading glutinous rice or flour with sugar inside

HunHun Hotteok captivates tourists with a variety of flavors and styles. The Ppuringkle Hotteok, a signature dish, takes the traditional hotteok to a new level with its unique topping. The combination of sweet, savory, and slightly salty flavors creates an unforgettable taste experience.

 

Starting as a small, temporary setup, HunHun Hotteok has grown in popularity and now stands as a full-fledged shop. Initially run by a family, it now employs several part-timers to keep up with demand. Located underground, the shop also offers a cozy space where customers can enjoy hotteok comfortably, even on the chilliest winter days.

 

Uirak: (Uirak means that the sound of rain is pleasing to the ears.)

Famous for its crispy and soft pepper fritters, Uirak offers a unique spicy-sweet taste that visitors love. Beyond soft pepper fritters, the shop serves up a variety of fritters, providing a novel tasting adventure. The food is not only affordable but served in generous portions, making it a joyful food exploration spot in Mangwon Market.

 

Conveniently located within the market, Uirak is easy to find and offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy delicious fritters amidst the lively market atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a quick snack while browsing the market or a comfortable meal to sit down and enjoy, Uirak's offerings are perfect for any occasion.

 

Tong-kko:

Situated within Mangwon Market, Tong-kko presents an innovative concept by combining fried chicken and skewers, earning adoration from its visitors with its unique menu. It reinvents the traditional fried chicken by serving it on skewers, offering a novel and convenient dining experience.

 

Tong-kko's menu extends beyond simple chicken dishes, featuring a variety of seasoning and flavor combinations, including seasoned chicken skewers and fried chicken skewers. This creative approach provides a refreshing experience for those seeking a break from traditional chicken dishes and adds another layer of appeal to Mangwon Market.

 

Q's Dakgangjeong:

Dakgangjeong, a sweet and spicy crispy chicken dish, is a beloved snack and meal option in Korea. Q's Dakgangjeong stands out by not only offering the traditional flavors of Dakgangjeong but also introducing innovative variations that cater to a wide array of palates.

 

Known for its diverse flavors, Q's Dakgangjeong delights customers with everything from traditional sweet and spicy to inventive flavors like white cream cheese mustard. Freshly fried and perfectly seasoned, the Dakgangjeong here offers a depth of flavor that's hard to forget.

 

Mangwon Tteokgalbi:

Tteok-galbi is a dish that is baked with minced ribs seasoned. Mangwon's tteok-galbi is famous for its texture and flavor. Traditionally cooked, the dishes here boast a deep, rich taste, and the meat is soft, moist, and perfectly seasoned, giving you a taste of Korea.

 

Served with various side dishes, the Tteokgalbi at this spot enhances the meat's flavors, allowing visitors to enjoy a traditional Korean meal in the bustling atmosphere of Mangwon Market.

 

BASAK MACHA (Deep fried market)

This gem in Mangwon Market offers handmade Tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) crafted by Yang Su-hyun, a chef formerly of a seven-star hotel. Recognized in the Blue Ribbon Survey 2019, this spot is known for its high-quality cutlets, including the king-size loin Tonkatsu and Quattro cheese roll Tonkatsu.

 

 

Not to be missed is the famous marshmallow ice cream, served with a captivating torch show. Open daily (except for Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays) from 11 AM to 8 PM, this is a must-visit for those looking to indulge in handcrafted Tonkatsu and more.