VISIT JEJU

Jeju has two types of traditional markets, each with its own unique characteristics. Permanent markets are those that open in the same place every day. Examples include Dongmun Market and Seomun Market in Jeju City, as well as the Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market on the south side of the island. Five-day markets are those that open once every five days. For example, the Traditional 5 Day Market in Jeju City takes place on days with dates ending with a 2 or a 7 (2nd, 7th, 12th, 17th, etc.) while, the Seogwipo Hyangto 5-Day Market occurs on dates ending with a 4 or a 9, and Sehwa Haenyeo Folk 5-Day Market takes place on dates ending in 5 or 0.

Jeju Dongmun Traditional Market is the largest permanent market in Jeju City. It is conveniently located in the old town area near to many hotels and Chilseong-ro shopping street. The market itself sells everything people need. This includes fresh meat, fish, fruit and vegetables, clothes, pots and pans, and more. There are also plenty of sections aimed at tourists, and you can buy souvenirs such as mandarins, chocolates, tarts, and more. The best part of many markets is the opportunity to try local food. Dongmun Traditional Market is no different and visitors have plenty of chances to grab some Jeju fare. Tteokbokki—a spicy rice cake dish favored due to its warming and slightly sweet flavor—is a popular choice. If you don’t want a full meal, hotteok—a type of pancake with a hot, sugary filling—is sure to fill the spot. In the evenings, the area transforms into a night market with stalls selling a variety of meals, drinks, and desserts. It’s a fun food experience and a good way to try a variety of interesting dishes.

Jeju Seomun Market is also located in downtown Jeju. The market highlights are the butchers that sell meat you can take to a nearby restaurant to cook. Just head to one of the stalls and choose the meat you want to buy. Look out for succulent cuts of Jeju Black Pork such as Samgyeopsal (pork belly) or tender cuts of Hanwoo Korean beef. Once you’ve made your selection, the butcher will point you to a restaurant that provides a grill and lots of delicious side dishes to go with your meal. Here you can also order a variety of Korean soups and drinks. Seomun Market is one of the best ways to enjoy a quality Korean barbecue on Jeju, and a visit makes for a truly unforgettable experience.

The Traditional 5 Day Market is the largest 5-day market on Jeju. The market is still used by many Jeju residents due to its reputation for selling well-priced quality goods. As such it is always busy and has a bustling atmosphere. At the market, you’ll find all the seasonal fruit and veg you could want, as well as plenty of meat and freshly caught fish. There is also a huge selection of Korean side dishes and fermented goods. As with Dongmun Traditional Market, the selection isn’t just limited to food. Other stalls sell a huge variety of items including house plants, pets, shoes, clothes, and more. If all the shopping makes you hungry, there are plenty of places within the market where you can stop for a bite to eat. Look out for corn dogs, fried squid and vegetables, tteokbokki, grilled meat, fried chicken, and more.

The bustling atmosphere of a traditional market is a unique experience for any tourist. But, when it comes to buying, you probably don’t have much use for seasonal veg, side dishes, or fresh meat. The good news is there are plenty of worthwhile items for tourists to buy in the markets. Here are some of our favorite souvenirs to look out for.

All the markets have big stalls with a selection of locally grown fruit. You can eat fruit without much preparation, making it an easy way for tourists to taste the island’s produce. Jeju is known for its mandarins, and different types grow depending on the season. The market is sure to have the best ones available at any time. Depending on when you visit, you may also find persimmons, mangos, blueberries, and more. 

If you want something that still has a Jeju flavor but will travel better than fruit, keep an eye out for various Jeju snacks. Dehydrated orange slices are a delicious treat that you can easily put in your suitcase without worrying about them going bad. Look for chocolate covered ones if you have a sweet tooth. You can also buy fruit-flavored chocolates, tarts, or traditional Jeju snacks like gwajeul, a sweet biscuit made from rice and mandarin, and Olle kkulppang, a type of snack in which a red bean filling is coated in peanuts and various seeds. If you have some space in your suitcase, look out for big jars of tea and marmalade made from Jeju mandarins.

Those who want a souvenir that will outlast your hunger pangs have plenty of options. All the markets sell various products you can buy to remember your time on Jeju. Look out for Jeju-themed magnets, candles, keyrings, diffuser oils, statues, and more. These items can make great gifts for friends and family at home, or act as lasting reminders of your trip. 

If you want to get the full traditional market experience, then joining in with a cooking class is the way to go. Bell-Ah-Bell(BAB) Tour provides a food-focused activity in which participants visit the market, purchase ingredients, and then take part in a cooking class to turn the goods into delicious Jeju meals. The experience takes place in Jeju Dongmun Traditional Market and a kitchen nearby. During the tour, the guides teach participants about the food and culture of the market and share a little about the area’s history. In total, the trip takes around three hours, with the market section lasting 90 minutes.

Address: 2nd Floor Cooking Studio Baejigeun, 27 Gwandeok-ro 17gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

Contact: 010-9244-8067

Admission: Adults KRW 55,000 / Children Aged 7 to 12 KRW 28,000

Business Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. / Wednesday, Friday 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Website: https://blog.naver.com/vegiroooot/221988621504