Enjoying Korea's Five-Day Markets: Meet traditional markets in Pyeongtaek

 

In each region in Korea, there is an event called the five-day market. The five-day market is an event where the traditional markets open every five days and is a representative Korean event filled with olden atmospheres. It's a place crowded with people because of the diverse household products and plentiful food sold. Among these, today we'll be introducing the markets in Pyeongtaek. Shall we go together to the five-day markets and experience Korea's unique culture?

First is the Anjung Market in Pyeongtaek. The Anjung Market is open whenever the date falls on a 1 or 5 (1st, 5th, 11th, 15th etc.) and features 411 stores, so there is plenty of food and shopping! The hand-made kal-guksu at Anjung Market is particularly famous. Koreans often eat kal-guksu with kimchi on top, so when visiting the Anjung Market, try it with kimchi together! Anjung Market is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. :)

Second is the Pyeongtaek Tongbok Market, which you can visit all-year round. Tongbok Market is open every 5 days and when the date is a 5 or 0 (5th, 10th, 15th, 20th etc.). Tongbok Market's Youth Forest is a place made by re-using empty stores and has many lively items that young people will like! It is also recommended to come here with your children!

 

Third is the Seojeong-ri Market, which opens on when the date falls on a 2 or 7 (2nd, 7th, 12th, 17th etc.). It's famous for hand-made dumpling soup, where you can eat hand-made dumplings boiled in broth. As there are different types of dumplings, please try it after choosing dumplings according to your preference. The kimchi dumpling might be a little bit spicy. When visiting, please note that Seojeong-ri Market is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Last is the Songbuk Market. Songbuk Market is open when the date falls on a 4 or 9 (4th, 9th, 14th, 19th etc.) and is filled with plenty of food such as dried fish, vegetables, fruits, fried food, and so on. Interestingly enough, at Songbuk Market you can also find unique ingredients that can be used when brewing alcohol. It'll be good to also browse ingredients and goods that you don't normally come across!

Feel the warmth and affection unique to the Pyeongtaek traditional markets! Since they sell various foods including rice cakes, rice snacks and other Korean food, go try them and make some enjoyable memories!