Garak Market
(가락시장)
Garak Market is the wholesale market where all the restaurants in Seoul get their veggies, meats and anything else. It’s the source of nearly all the foods that end up on the plate in front of you. It’s in eastern Seoul away from most tourist attractions, so it’s a bit of a trek for the average tourist. But if you do end up going, you’ll see a true local’s market. The other markets are definitely authentic, but there are also many vendors that cater to tourists, which can take away from the authenticity. Garak Market, on the other hand, caters to the local businesses that come here to source their food. Garak Market is divided into sections according to different foods types, such as seafood, meats, vegetables and fruits, etc. The best time to visit is between 6PM and 9PM, when the food auctions take place.
The fish market experience is the same as Noryangjin Market, where you buy your seafood from a vendor and take it out to restaurants out back that will slice up and cook your food for a nominal fee.
Tip: Watch out! It’s a hive of activity with forklifts zipping in and out the market. Be careful not to get hit.
