Gwangjang Market, Seoul, South Korea

Gwangjang Market 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul Directions: Take the subway Line 1 to Jongno 5-ga Station, exit 8. Or Line 2 or 5 to Euljiro 4-ga Station, exit 4.

Why go: For the food. And for those whose hobby is shopping, go to Gwangjang Market for the silk, traditional Korean clothing (hanbok), and vintage clothing.

When we went: We arrived at 8PM hungry. Looks like a lot of people were hungry too. Almost all of the stalls and benches were occupied with students, professionals, and couples out on a date. I didn't see any tourists...or maybe I was too focused on the sound and smell of food cooking to notice.

What to try: Bindaetteok 빈대떡 or mung bean pancakes (KRW5000). These are made of ground mung beans, kimchi, pork or beef, and vegetables, and served with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce and onions. Bindaetteok is best paired with makgeolli or traditional rice liquor. Mayak gimbap 마약김밥 (KRW3000) are small seaweed wrapped rice rolls stuffed with carrots, pickled radish, and spinach. Mayak means drugs or narcotics...but no, these aren't laced with drugs. These are just really addictive. Sundae 순대 or blood sausage...if you dare. Bibimbap 비빔밥, a bowl of rice topped with vegetables, egg, and some meat, and mixed with gochujang (chili paste). Tteokbokki 떡볶이, a snack made with rice cake, fish cake, and very spicy red chili sauce. And all the different jeon or pancake-like dishes you can find in the market. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).