Jeju Markets and Street Food
Jeju markets are at the heart of local culture. They’re lively, colourful, and full of flavour.
Whether you’re looking for fresh produce, quick snacks, or local crafts, Jeju’s traditional markets offer an easy, authentic way to experience island life.
Even if you’re not adventurous with Korean cuisine, sampling street food is one of the best (and safest!) ways to explore local flavours and Jeju specialties. And there are plenty of kid-friendly sweets on offer for families!
Let’s explore some of the most popular markets on Jeju Island, along with what to eat, and how to make the most of your visit.
Popular Jeju Markets & What They Offer
There are a variety of Jeju markets available to explore on your next visit. Here are some of our favourites and what you can expect from each.
Dongmun Market (Jeju City)
Jeju’s oldest and best-known traditional market, Dongmun offers a mix of fresh produce, seafood stalls, local snacks, and souvenir shops. It’s popular with locals who frequent it to grab their fruit and veg, as well as tourists.
Must-Try Foods: Seafood pancakes, grilled abalone, tangerine chocolate, fried fish skewers, and freshly pressed tangerine juice.
When to Visit:
- Early morning: Best for produce, seafood, and fewer crowds
- Evenings: Ideal for street food, atmosphere, and photography
Daily hours: 8:00 am – 9 pm for the main market. The night market usually starts around 5pm and offers a few more stalls.
Top Tip: Most vendors prefer cash cash (₩), though some will accept debit and credit cards. ATMs are available around the market.
Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market
Located in the southern city of Seogwipo, this is a friendly, easy-to-navigate market that blends everyday local life with tourist-friendly food stalls. It’s less hectic than Dongmun and great for families.
Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market is generally open every day, from around 7:00 am to 9:00 pm in summer. In winter it closes at 8:00 pm.
Must-Try Foods: Abalone porridge, spicy rice cakes, handmade chocolates, traditional rice cakes, and Jeju mandarin treats.
Family Tip: Many vendors offer small tasting samples or sell snack-sized portions – perfect for kids or travellers who want to try a bit of everything without committing to a full meal.
Five-Day Markets (오일장)
Jeju’s five-day markets – known as oiljang – rotate around the island every fifth day (e.g., 2/7/12/17/22/27). These are some of the best places to experience authentic rural island culture. And a great place to pick up fresh produce at great prices if you’re staying longer and planning to do some cooking!
Best For:
- Buying seasonal fruit (especially mandarins in winter) from local vendors
- Pickling spices, homemade snacks, and Jeju crafts
- Affordable street food and simple home-cooked dishes
How to Find Them:
Ask your accommodation host for the nearest market day, or search “오일장” in NAVER Maps/Google Maps. Seogwipo and Jeju City host the largest, but smaller town markets offer an even more local feel. For example, the Mosuelpo 5-day market that we frequently visit!
Popular Street Snacks to Try
- Hotteok: Sweet pancakes filled with brown sugar, nuts, and cinnamon.
- Twigim: Mixed fried vegetables, squid, or shrimp.
- Gamgyul Ice Cream: Creamy mandarin soft serve, perfect on warm days.
- Bingtteok: Jeju’s mung-bean pancakes – crispy and savoury.
- Black Pork Skewers: A Jeju specialty if you want something more substantial.
- Kkwabaegi (꽈배기) – a twisted, sugar-coated Korean doughnut. It’s soft, chewy, slightly crispy – and widely available at most markets. If you’re travelling with kids – they’re sure to love these!
Top Tips for Visiting Jeju Markets
Many market stalls on Jeju Island are run by small family businesses, often passed down through generations.
Be sure to ask before taking photos, and remember that buying direct (even something small like a piece of fruit or a snack) is directly supporting local livelihoods.
If you’re visiting during tangerine season (November–January), it’s worth buying a box directly from farmers – the taste is unmatched!
