Markets in Korea are still part of everyday life, and compared to the UK they are thriving. How is it that these old establishments remain THE BEST place to experience Korean culture, food, and life? We explain!
I really love visiting markets in Korea, due to the vibrant colors, cheap vegetables, and delicious street food that is available to purchase for a reasonable price.
Danyang is one of my favorite markets to visit because it is located inside and outside and it has various items to buy as well as very delicious garlic bread and ice cream. I noticed that Korean markets offer a sense of community which markets in the UK typically do not.
I have also noticed that some of markets stalls here have been featured on TV channels such as SBS, MBC, and KBS. I think that this is pretty cool as these channels have featured local businesses which otherwise would not have been shown which is pretty cool right?!
When I visited Danyang Market I tried the famous garlic bread which I have to say despite waiting in line for over 30 minutes on a cold day, it was really worth it. The locals were telling me about the different types that I should try, but as they were really sweet and big, I was only able to eat one.
Korean supermarkets can be expensive for fruits and vegetables, so even in Daegu, I use the local markets for buying fruit and vegetables as I would rather get better quality items and also support locals rather than big chains. I have found that even as a foreigner I have been accepted well, and have gained a sense of community which I would not in a supermarket. I have also been seen as a regular as well which is really nice, and as a result have built a community.
These markets are also popular for the lunchtime rush, with many markets offering various fresh and hot food items. Here you can fill up for a very cheap price, among the various lunchtime items is the gimbap, as it's easy to carry and light to eat. I highly recommend that you try this when you visit a Korean market.
Also a lot of the time, Korean markets offer a place for people to gather. and a place for people to trade items and tell stories. This tradition has happened for centuries and is continuing which I think is great.
Let's check out a snapshot video of Danyang Market!
Korea’s markets remain a vibrant part of the social and commercial scene today. From the gigantic Jagalchi Seafood Market in Busan (which is the largest fish market in Korea and a MUST-visit place) to the technology-driven Yongsan Electronics Market in Seoul to the tiny neighborhood markets that dot cities and towns all across Korea, they are a place to truly appreciate the “smell of the people.” By bringing together the people who grow and make things with the people who will use them, markets build a sense of unity and tie together people and products into one community, and these have overtime became a place for tourists to visit and enjoy as well as locals.
Let us know in the comments below your opinion on Korean markets and your favorite one to visit!
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