Bangsan Market – 방산시장


Bangsan Market is a traditional market located in the Jugyo-dong neighborhood of Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea. The market is famous for its pressed wrapping paper and includes more than 550 stores.

The name of the market comes from the location’s former condition during the Joseon Dynasty. At that time the area was not well maintained, and therefore became infamous for its bad smell. People began calling this place Bangsan, bang being Korean for fragrant.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Bangsan Market has been designated a tourist destination since 2011. The government decided to keep the feel of a natural traditional market rather than modernize it. The government stated that it will continue to improve the market’s image.

Seoul Jungbu Market – 서울중부시장


At Jungbu Market, a wide assortment of dried food such as laver, seaweed, anchovies, yellow corbinas, squid, pollack, and dried filefish fillets are available at low prices. Known for both wholesale and retail sales, Jungbu Market offers goods at prices 20-30% lower than those found at other markets.

Each store only sells one or two types of seafood products, allowing for easy price comparison and top quality goods. Popular products include dried filefish fillets, laver, and Pollack. As of late, processed food has also started to make its way into the market.

The market is also a popular site for buying food items used in ancestral rites and general home goods. The market opens at 4am and most stores close around 5pm. By 6pm the market grounds are quiet and inactive, so make sure to go before 3pm so that you have enough time to shop and look around.