Gukje Market materialized during the Korean War as a place for people to earn a living and has since grown to a main attraction where you’ll find locals and tourists alike haggling over every day wares, gifts, cigarettes, panties, etc. You can find virtually anything here including a craft coffee shop nestled somewhere between the pantyhose and kitchen pots stalls. Despite being a tourist destination, I never felt harassed by vendors, which was pleasantly refreshing since in the past, I had experienced enough anxiety to steer clear from touristy areas in other countries. Take a 30-minute walk through the alleyways, but be sure to leave a trail of breadcrumbs so you can find your way back.
Façade
Interior. I usually blur out strangers’ faces because I don’t want to be responsible for any break-ups or black eyes.
Fresh ddukbokki (떡볶이)
Dried fish (duh). I’d eat it straight, though not sure what is the correct way to consume. I could ask a Korean person, but that would require effort.
Mini watermelons: Vendors freshly extract and blend the meat, then return the juice to its original home for you to drink. Naturally super sweet and refreshing! The drink costs ₩8000 for me, but probably ₩4000 for everyone else who doesn’t look like a sucker.
Garlic stems are my FAVORITE vegetable! Well, one of them. I only wish I had a kitchen to stir fry them with dollops of garlic, Chinese style. You’ll find all sorts of crispy fresh vegetables at the market.
I save the best for last. My friend talked sense into me when I nearly bought a jar of salted shrimp so I could take it with me to all the restaurants. I eat this on everything, EVERYTHING—eggs, kalbi, french fries…