One morning in Korea, I strolled around Mangwon Market, a traditional market in Seoul. It’s located at the back of Mangon Station exit no two but could easily be missed from the main street.
I was there for no particular reason. I just wanted to explore and immerse in the hustle and bustle of the traditional market. If you are a long-time reader, it wouldn’t be surprising, as you might have already known that I have yet to find a market that I didn’t feel inclined to explore. It was the same case with the Mangwon Market.
Korean Cooking
I saw different types of Korean cooking paste sold inside the market, each with different spicy levels. Speaking of spicy, I also saw a stall selling dried chilli – each with a different level of spiciness. It’s not surprising since Koreans, like Indians, love spicy food.
Another food Koreans love, even more so than Indians, is garlic. Korea consumes most garlic per capita than any other country in the world. So it made sense when I reminisced about the food I ate throughout the trip, including a bowl of garlic banchan (it was delicious!).
Seafood in Mangwon Market
Though I am into all kinds of markets, seafood markets, in particular, have fascinated me to no end. I can’t explain, but I have always been curious abt seafood markets and seafood in the markets since I was young.
Amma used to take the young me to a fish market, navigating a slippery fish market and seeing varieties of dead fish. She would teach how to identify the freshness of the fish and which ones to avoid.
There is a sense of morbid calmness in a fish market. It’s the same feeling I got observing the fascinating sea creatures being sold in Mangon Market.
Snacking in Mangwon Market
The best part of Mangwon Market was the plethora of snacks. The choices were endless.
From a stall managed by a couple. The husband busily poured tTeokbokki into the styrofoam bowls while the wife rhythmically made Gimbap on the spot.
The market also offered plenty of Korean delicacies, from blood sausage to Jokbal (braised pig’s trotters).
I learned from a Korean friend that Jokbal is considered Korean junk food. The locals typically have it with cold noodles and beer for a late-night supper. That sounds good.
Banchan Stalls
I know it should be evident from the beginning, but it took me a while to realize the concept of the banchan stall and, more importantly, that it’s abundant in every market in Korea. Of course, it’s! How could I assume that all banchan are homemade? That was so ignorant of me.
I didn’t spend too much time in Mangwon Market, but it made a lasting impression on me. So I’d strongly urge you to visit a local market wherever you travel, especially in Korea. And if you are strapped with time, Mangwon Market is a good start. It’s in a central location, easily accessible and got the best Hotteok (Korean Honey Pancake) sold in the last stall near the exit.
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