If you’re new to Korea, chances are you’ve only explored big-name supermarkets or convenience stores. But there’s a beloved local treasure you shouldn’t miss: Korea’s Traditional Markets.
Traditional markets offer a unique shopping experience that combines affordability, freshness, and community warmth—all in one place. As someone who lives alone near a traditional market, I can tell you firsthand: it’s not just a shopping trip, it’s a connection to Korean daily life.
Today, let me share with you five reasons why every foreigner should visit a traditional market in Korea.
1. Buy Just the Amount You Need – Perfect for Solo Living
One of the best things about traditional markets is that you can buy in small quantities. Unlike supermarkets where onions or fruits are bundled in sets, here you can purchase just one or two pieces. For solo travelers, students, or those who don’t cook often, this is incredibly convenient—and budget-friendly.
2. Lower Prices & Wide Variety of Goods
Traditional markets are generally cheaper than big supermarkets, and they offer a surprisingly wide variety. You can find everything from fresh produce, seafood, meat, and side dishes to clothes, shoes, and daily essentials. Many vendors are open to bargaining, so you might end up with more for less.
Sometimes, you’ll even receive a little extra—an extra piece of kimchi or a bonus apple—just because. That’s the kind of local kindness and generosity traditional markets are known for.
3. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Most market vendors get their stock fresh from wholesale markets at dawn. This means the fruits and vegetables are incredibly fresh—often even fresher than supermarket options. That’s why many locals, including the elderly, continue to shop at traditional markets.
4. Early Hours – Great for Morning People
Traditional markets tend to open earlier than most stores, with many opening as early as 5 or 6 AM. By 10 AM, they’re bustling with life.
Visiting the market early in the morning, grabbing a hot fish cake skewer (eomuk) and sipping warm broth—this is the kind of authentic Korean experience you won’t find in a chain store.
5. A Warm and Human Shopping Experience
“Come, have a taste!” This simple phrase captures the spirit of traditional markets. Vendors greet you with genuine warmth, and even if you don’t speak Korean, a smile and a bit of body language go a long way.
Here, shopping isn’t just a transaction—it’s about people, warmth, and connection. You’ll walk away not just with fresh groceries, but with a deeper sense of Korean culture and community.
Bonus: Traditional Markets Are Everywhere!
You don’t need to visit only the famous ones like Gwangjang Market, Tongin Market, or Namdaemun Market in Seoul. Almost every neighborhood in Korea has a local market where residents shop daily.
While large supermarkets have become more common, traditional markets still play a big role in Korean life—and I sincerely hope they never disappear.
So next time you need groceries, skip the convenience store and explore your local traditional market. You'll find fresh ingredients, friendly faces, and prices that make sense—plus an experience that feels authentically Korean.
Personally, I prefer shopping at traditional markets over big stores like E-Mart or Lotte Mart.
However, traditional markets are sometimes farther away, and they usually don't have parking as convenient as large supermarkets.
But if there’s a traditional market nearby, I always choose to go there first—especially when I’m buying food. The freshness and the experience just feel more special. 🧡
