Garak Market | Wholesale Market In Seoul
If you want to have a different and unique local experience then Garak Market Seoul is the place to be. It is located in Songpa-gu and the first wholesale market for fruits, vegetables, fish and meat in Seoul and the rest of Korea. This is the market where most restaurants get their fresh ingredients. Stroll past the many vendors and enjoy freshly made dishes. Read on to learn more about Garak Wholesale Food Market in Seoul.
Garak Market is one of the largest wholesale markets in South Korea, located in the southeastern part of Seoul. The market was first established in 1985 as a place for farmers to sell their produce. Over the years, the market has grown to become a hub for all kinds of goods, including clothing, accessories, household items, and electronics.
In the 1990s, the market underwent a massive expansion, with the construction of new buildings and facilities. Today, Garak Market occupies a vast area of over 542,000 square meters and is home to more than 17,000 shops and vendors. The market has played a significant role in the development of Seoul’s economy, as it is a major source of employment and revenue for the city.
Despite its size and success, Garak Market has also faced challenges over the years, such as competition from online shopping and the need to adapt to changing consumer preferences. However, it remains a vital part of Seoul’s cultural and economic landscape, attracting both locals and tourists alike.
Things To Know About Seoul
- Getting around: when going around Seoul it is recommended to get a T Money transport card. This card can be used on the subway, bus and in taxis.
- What to wear: this depends on the time of the year you’ll be visiting Seoul. Check what clothes to wear in Korea here.
- Seoul itineraries: use our example itineraries to plan your ultimate Seoul trip.
- Travel discounts: sites like Klook and Trazy offer big discounts for activities, museums and events for foreign travelers.
- Luggage storage: need a place to store your luggage when visiting Garak market or Seoul. Check the luggage storage options in Seoul.
About Garak Market
The market is huge, covering over 540 000 square meters and has more than 17 different buildings. The market opened first back in 1985 with agricultural and fish products. Later in 1986, livestock was added and in 1988 direct sales shops opened.
1. Agricultural Market
There are 3 main parts of the the market: agricultural, fish and livestock. The agricultural market covers 90% of all the transactions made at the market, so you can imagine how big it is. The number of different stalls is around over 1300 and daily transactions take place among wholesalers and clients. The prize of fruits and vegetables can vary day to day, based on the freshness and demand.
2. Fish Market
If you want to see the fish auctions, you’ll have to get up early or don’t sleep. These start at Garak fish market around 2 am and last until 5 am as the fish is delivered straight from the sea. Visiting the auction is a truly unique experience in Seoul. The prices of the fish are 10 to 20% cheaper that market prices.
3. Livestock Market
The meat market (livestock) covers the smallest part of the market, it is located in building 2 and is 1/3 the size of the fish market. The indoor market is filled with various sales stalls, butcher shops and convenience stores. Here auctions take place twice a day at 10.30 and 14.30.
Other sections of Garak wholesale food market include a supermarket where you can can buy everything big sized, a kitchen supply shop and restaurants on the top floor. In the restaurants you can have the fish prepared which was bought in one of the stalls. Many of the the fish stalls owners have their own little restaurant, so if you mention you want to eat it on site, they’ll take you to their restaurant and cook a delicious meal. If you are looking for a huge grocery store in Seoul, then this is the place to be.
Practical Information
Listed below is all the practical information need to visit the market.
1. Opening Times Garak Wholesale Market
The agricultural and fish section is open 24 hours, but the most exciting time to visit is during the auctions. Garak fish market auctions take place from 2 to 5 am and agricultural auctions take place during the day. The livestock market is open from 4 am to 10 pm.
The market is closed on sundays, New Year’s Day, Seollal and Chuseok. The livestock market is also closed on public holidays.
2. Getting To Garak Wholesale Market
The market is located at exit 2 of Garak Market Station on line 3 or line 8. Check Kakaomaps for time tables and travel time.
Other Things To Do In The Area
Garak market Seoul is not the only thing to do in the area. Garak Market Station is 2 stops away from the vibrant Jamsil where you’ll find the huge Lotte complex with Lotte World, Lotte Tower, Lotte Aquarium and Lotte Department Store.
1. Munjeong Rodeo Street
If you need to get some new clothes, make your way to Munjeong Rodeo Street. The street is filled with brand stores selling their products with up to a 70 percent discount. The main brands represented in on the street are Hollister, K2, Black Yak, North Face and Abercrombie & Fitch.
2. Memorial Stone for the Origin of Munjeong Village
At the end of the Munjeong Rodeo Street stands a memorial stone which explains the history of the area. The stone is only in Korean, so for those who don’t know Korean, the stone might not be interesting.
3. Lotte World
Quite different from Garak market and only 2 stops away. Lotte World is a huge indoor and outdoor theme park around Seokchon lake. The park is owned by the Lotte company and has loads of fun rides for young and old. The park can be visited any time of the year and during any kind of weather as the indoor part has 4 floors filled with different rides and roller coasters. More info here.
4. Lotte Tower
Lotte Tower, also owned by the Lotte company is the highest tower in Korea and the 5th highest tower in the world. The tower is 555 meters high and the observation decks are located on the 117th to 120th floors. From Lotte Tower you can see all over Seoul and even spot Garak Market. The views are amazing, especially at sunset. More info here.
5. Lotte Aquarium
The aquarium is located in the Lotte Department store and houses over 55 000 animals from 650 species. The most impressive animals are the belugas, a kind of white whales. Other animals include sharks, turtles, sea lions, penguins and many colourful fish. The aquarium can be compared to COEX aquarium, but is a bit smaller. More info here.
6. Olympic Park
The Olympic Park was built for the 1988 summer Olympics in Korea. The park is beautiful all year around and houses three museums: the Baekje museum, the Olympic Museum and Seoul Olympics Museum of Art.
Frequently Asked Questions
Garak Market is a large wholesale market located in the southeastern part of Seoul, South Korea. It is one of the largest food markets in the country and offers a wide range of fresh produce, seafood, meat, and other food items.
At Garak Market, you can find a variety of fresh and affordable produce, such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The market also has a large seafood section, offering various types of fish, shellfish, and crustaceans. Additionally, you can find meat, poultry, and other food items, such as grains, nuts, and dried goods.
Garak Market is open every day of the week, except for Sundays. Its operating hours are from 12:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with different sections of the market opening and closing at different times. The early morning is the best time to visit if you want to see the market in full swing, as this is when most of the fresh produce and seafood are being unloaded from the trucks.
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Hi, I’m santi…
is there any trader who importing vegetable from other countries?
thanks