Mangwon Market is quickly gaining a reputation as the new go-to destination for locals and tourists alike, drawing comparisons to the renowned Gwangjang Market. While they may not be identical, many are singing the praises of Mangwon Market, claiming it offers even better deals and experiences than its esteemed counterpart.
Mangwon Market
Tel : +82-2-335-3591 | Website
9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Address: 14, Poeun-ro 8-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 마포구 포은로8길 14
Despite its smaller size, Mangwon Market packs a punch with its wide array of offerings, ranging from fresh meats and seafood to fruits, vegetables, and traditional snacks. One of its main draws is the popcorn chicken with sauce (two flavours for ₩9,000; approximately RM33.30), although during our visit, it fell a bit short of expectations as it lacked the desired crunchiness. However, hidden gems like hotteok can be found with a bit of navigation. Thanks to Naver Maps, we located a spot tucked away underground where young men skillfully prepared delicious hotteok. (Look to your left while looking outside the market after following the instructions, then look for the staircase going downwards.) The cheese powder version stood out as a favorite, although the classic corn variety also hit the spot. To quench our thirst, we indulged in a refreshing mango smoothie, although the coffee didn’t quite meet our high expectations (total was ₩8,000; approx. RM29.60).
Studio Lightfull 라잇풀 스튜디오
I stumbled upon this charming shop in the Mangwon area after watching a TikTok video—I can’t recall who posted it, but I’m glad I came across it. The shop offered an array of delightful items, all crafted by the artist herself, who had traveled the world to draw sketches and paintings. It was evident that this was a dream come true for her, and I couldn’t help but feel inspired by her passion and dedication. I ended up purchasing some of her creations as souvenirs and wished her all the best on her artistic journey.