With its extensive selection of produce, seafood, meat, fruits, and medicinal herbs, the market offers a rare glimpse into the everyday culinary traditions of Korea.
During the winter months, the smells of steaming sundae-guk (blood sausage soup) and simmering fishcakes fill the air, drawing in shoppers seeking warmth and comfort.
One of the market’s signature offerings, yakimandu (fried dumplings), is prepared in full view - watch as the dough is kneaded, shaped, filled, dried, and finally fried to a crisp golden brown.
Just outside the main market, a lively stretch known as “Chicken Street” tempts visitors with stalls selling freshly fried chicken and jokbal (braised pig’s trotters), staples of Korea’s late-night food scene. The affordability of these dishes encourages takeout, as locals stop by for a quick and satisfying meal.
Meanwhile, traditional comfort foods such as juk (rice porridge) and naengmyeon (cold noodles) offer a taste of Korea’s diverse culinary landscape. Juk, a thick, slow-simmered porridge, comes in flavors ranging from sweet pumpkin and red bean to hearty beef and abalone.
Kyungdong Market’s naengmyeon is particularly known for its spiciness, with the fiery bibim-naengmyeon (spicy cold noodles) proving more popular than the traditional chilled broth version.
Adding to the market’s charm is Starbucks Kyungdong 1960, a uniquely designed Starbucks housed within a restored wooden theater from the 1960s. The venue’s tiered seating preserves the essence of its theatrical past, allowing visitors to sip their coffee while imagining the performances that once graced the stage.
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