Korea is a street food paradise, but if you really want to taste the best, you need to venture beyond the typical tourist spots. Forget Myeongdong and Gwangjang for a moment—let’s explore Korea’s lesser-known but absolutely delicious street food alleys and markets. I’ve personally wandered through these places, hunting for the best flavors, and now I’m sharing my favorites with you!
1. Tongin Market’s Dosirak Café – Seoul
Tongin Market Lunchbox Cafe 통인시장
@melissaschwedhelm
📍Location: 18 Jahamun-ro 15-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
🕒 Hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
This traditional market, near Gyeongbokgung Palace, offers something unique—the Dosirak (lunchbox) Café. Instead of paying cash, you exchange money for old-style brass coins and use them to pick street food from various stalls. It’s a fun, interactive way to try multiple dishes at once.
Insider Tip
Get the tteokgalbi (grilled short rib patties) and the freshly made bindaetteok (mung bean pancake). If you want to enjoy your meal comfortably, head upstairs to the Dosirak Café seating area!
Details
📍Location: 18 Jahamun-ro 15-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
🕒 Hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
This traditional market, near Gyeongbokgung Palace, offers something unique—the Dosirak (lunchbox) Café. Instead of paying cash, you exchange money for old-style brass coins and use them to pick street food from various stalls. It’s a fun, interactive way to try multiple dishes at once.
Insider Tip
Get the tteokgalbi (grilled short rib patties) and the freshly made bindaetteok (mung bean pancake). If you want to enjoy your meal comfortably, head upstairs to the Dosirak Café seating area!
2. Cheongpa-dong Jokbal Alley – Seoul
Cheongpa-dong 천파동
@melissaschwedhelm
📍 Location: Cheongpa-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
🕒 Hours: Most shops open from 4:00PM – midnight
For late-night foodies, Cheongpa-dong Jokbal Alley is heaven. This narrow street is filled with restaurants serving jokbal (braised pig’s trotters). It’s slow-cooked for hours with soy sauce, garlic, and spices until it’s tender and flavorful.
Insider Tip
Order bossam (boiled pork wraps) along with jokbal for the ultimate experience. Many places offer free refills of vegetables and sauces, so take advantage of that!
Details
📍 Location: Cheongpa-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (Gongdeok Station Exit 5)
🕒 Hours: Most shops open from 4:00PM – midnight
For late-night foodies, Cheongpa-dong Jokbal Alley is heaven. This narrow street is filled with restaurants serving jokbal (braised pig’s trotters). It’s slow-cooked for hours with soy sauce, garlic, and spices until it’s tender and flavorful.
Insider Tip
Order bossam (boiled pork wraps) along with jokbal for the ultimate experience. Many places offer free refills of vegetables and sauces, so take advantage of that!
3. Yukhoe Alley at Nambu Market – Jeonju
Nambu Market 남부시장
@melissaschwedhelm
📍Location: 125 Paldal-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju
🕒 Hours: Winter Season (March to October) Friday & Saturday night market runs 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Summer Season (November to February) Friday & Saturday night market runs 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Jeonju is famous for bibimbap, but Yukhoe Alley in Nambu Market is where you can experience some of the best raw beef dishes in Korea. The yukhoe (Korean steak tartare) here is incredibly fresh, seasoned with sesame oil, pear slices, and an egg yolk on top.
Insider Tip
Pair it with a bowl of hot beef soup (gukbap) from a nearby stall—it balances the raw beef flavors perfectly. Also, visit during the weekend night market when food vendors line the streets with creative street food.
Details
📍Location: 125 Paldal-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju
🕒 Hours: Winter Season (March to October) Friday & Saturday night market runs 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Summer Season (November to February) Friday & Saturday night market runs 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Jeonju is famous for bibimbap, but Yukhoe Alley in Nambu Market is where you can experience some of the best raw beef dishes in Korea. The yukhoe (Korean steak tartare) here is incredibly fresh, seasoned with sesame oil, pear slices, and an egg yolk on top.
Insider Tip
Pair it with a bowl of hot beef soup (gukbap) from a nearby stall—it balances the raw beef flavors perfectly. Also, visit during the weekend night market when food vendors line the streets with creative street food.
4. Abai Village Market – Sokcho
Abai village 아바이마을
@melissaschwedhelm
📍 Location: Abai Village, Cheongho-dong, Sokcho
🕒 Hours: Most stalls open 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tucked away in Sokcho, Abai Village is known for its North Korean-style food, brought by refugees during the Korean War. The must-try here is Abai Sundae, a giant blood sausage stuffed with glutinous rice, tofu, and vegetables. Unlike regular sundae, this one has a mild, savory taste that pairs beautifully with a spicy dipping sauce.
Insider Tip
Take the tiny Gaetbae Ferry from downtown Sokcho to Abai Village—it’s a short, unique boat ride where passengers pull the ferry across the water using a rope!
Details
📍 Location: Abai Village, Cheongho-dong, Sokcho
🕒 Hours: Most stalls open 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tucked away in Sokcho, Abai Village is known for its North Korean-style food, brought by refugees during the Korean War. The must-try here is Abai Sundae, a giant blood sausage stuffed with glutinous rice, tofu, and vegetables. Unlike regular sundae, this one has a mild, savory taste that pairs beautifully with a spicy dipping sauce.
Insider Tip
Take the tiny Gaetbae Ferry from downtown Sokcho to Abai Village—it’s a short, unique boat ride where passengers pull the ferry across the water using a rope!
5. Daein Night Market – Gwangju
Daein Market 대인시장
@melissaschwedhelm
📍Location: 4-10 Jungang-ro 160beon-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju
🕒 Hours: Night market runs Friday–Sunday, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Gwangju’s Daein Market transforms into an exciting night market on weekends, blending traditional street food with an artsy, local vibe. Some must-try dishes include cheese-topped tteokbokki, spicy grilled pork belly skewers, and deep-fried vegetables dipped in soy sauce.
Insider Tip
Many artists set up stalls here, selling handmade crafts and paintings. Grab some food and take a leisurely stroll through the art market for a unique experience.
Details
📍Location: 4-10 Jungang-ro 160beon-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju
🕒 Hours: Night market runs Friday–Sunday, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Gwangju’s Daein Market transforms into an exciting night market on weekends, blending traditional street food with an artsy, local vibe. Some must-try dishes include cheese-topped tteokbokki, spicy grilled pork belly skewers, and deep-fried vegetables dipped in soy sauce.
Insider Tip
Many artists set up stalls here, selling handmade crafts and paintings. Grab some food and take a leisurely stroll through the art market for a unique experience.
6. Seomun Market’s Mayak Gimbap & Flat Dumplings – Daegu
Seomun Market 서문시장
@melissaschwedhelm
📍 Location: 45 Keunjang-ro 28-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu
🕒 Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM (some stalls open late)
Seomun Market is one of Korea’s oldest traditional markets, but the real hidden gems here are mayak gimbap (addictive mini seaweed rice rolls) and napjak mandu (flat dumplings). The combination of sweet, tangy mustard sauce drizzled over the dumplings is something you won’t forget.
Insider Tip
Look for the busiest stall—locals know where to go! Also, if you visit in winter, don’t miss the hot and comforting patjuk(red bean porridge).
Details
📍 Location: 45 Keunjang-ro 28-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu
🕒 Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM (some stalls open late)
Seomun Market is one of Korea’s oldest traditional markets, but the real hidden gems here are mayak gimbap (addictive mini seaweed rice rolls) and napjak mandu (flat dumplings). The combination of sweet, tangy mustard sauce drizzled over the dumplings is something you won’t forget.
Insider Tip
Look for the busiest stall—locals know where to go! Also, if you visit in winter, don’t miss the hot and comforting patjuk(red bean porridge).
7. Mangwon Market – Seoul
Mangwon Market 망원시장
@melissaschwedhelm
A haven for foodies, brimming with hidden gems and unexpected culinary delights. Less touristy than the popular Gwangjang Market and more affordable.
Insider Tip
Try the spicy marinated crabs (yangnyeom gejang) from a small banchan (side dish) shop—locals rave about its bold, savory flavor! The most popular snack to get here is the deep-fried and braised chicken.
Opening times:
10:00-21:00 (Varies by store)
Fee
Free
Closest Subway Station:
Mangwon Station Exit 2
Details
📍 Location: 14 Poeun-ro 8-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
🕒 Hours: Most stalls open 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
A true hidden gem, Mangwon Market is a local favorite, often overshadowed by bigger markets like Gwangjang. Here, you’ll find amazing crispy fried chicken, freshly made hotteok (sweet pancakes), and hearty rice bowls. The market has a lively yet relaxed vibe, making it perfect for a casual foodie adventure.
Insider Tip
Try the spicy marinated crabs (yangnyeom gejang) from a small banchan (side dish) shop—locals rave about its bold, savory flavor!
8. Bupyeong Kkangtong Market – Busan
Bupyeong Kkangtong Market
@melissaschwedhelm
📍 Location: Bupyeong 1-gil, Jung-gu, Busan
🕒 Hours: Night market runs 7:30 PM- midnight
While Jagalchi Market is famous for seafood, locals flock to Bupyeong Kkangtong Market for street food. The name Kkangtong (meaning canned goods) comes from its history as a hub for imported goods during the war, but today it’s known for spicy tteokbokki, grilled shellfish, and eomuk (fish cakes).
Insider Tip
Try the syrup-filled hotteok—it’s crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and the perfect sweet treat after spicy food.
Details
📍 Location: Bupyeong 1-gil, Jung-gu, Busan
🕒 Hours: Night market runs 7:30 PM- midnight
While Jagalchi Market is famous for seafood, locals flock to Bupyeong Kkangtong Market for street food. The name Kkangtong (meaning canned goods) comes from its history as a hub for imported goods during the war, but today it’s known for spicy tteokbokki, grilled shellfish, and eomuk (fish cakes).
Insider Tip
Try the syrup-filled hotteok—it’s crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and the perfect sweet treat after spicy food.
Final Thoughts: Your Next Food Adventure in Korea
Exploring Korea’s hidden street food and markets isn’t just about eating—it’s about experiencing local culture in a way that guidebooks rarely capture. Whether you're navigating through Jeonju’s yukhoe alley, slurping mayak gimbap in Daegu, or sipping makgeolli in Sokcho, these food spots will make your trip unforgettable.
If you want a personalized foodie itinerary, let’s plan your next adventure together! I’d love to help you discover the best-hidden gems based on your tastes and preferences. Happy eating! 😋
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