This week on Jeju: A to Z, Todd Thacker takes a brief look at the island’s largest traditional market. Dongmun Market, which is located in the Tapdong area of old Jeju City, is a bustling shopping area with something for everyone.

There are at least a dozen busy traditional markets around Jeju Island. They provide communities with fresh local seafood, produce, fruit, and more. But when it comes to sheer size and energy, the Dongmun Traditional Market is second to none.

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300+ merchant stalls feature local foods, clothing, souvenirs

Located in Tapdong and not far from Jeju International Airport, this market boasts over 300 stalls. Merchants set up in the early hours of the morning often with wares they caught that day or grew themselves that season.

It’s a crowded, noisy, and bustling place, to be sure. But unlike modern department stores with prepackaged groceries, buyers can chose their local produce freely and even haggle over the price.

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Night market began daily operations last year

With funds from the government, Dongmun Market’s facilities were recently upgraded and signage is now in multiple languages. A smaller night market began daily operation last year.

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Enjoy Jeju abalone mixed rice, omegi rice cake, citrus bread

You’ll probably feel hungry while you’re shopping, but don’t worry. You can find all sorts of hearty, delicious Jeju comfort foods here, like a bowl of savory abalone mixed rice.

If you want something lighter, then how about Jeju omegi ddeok rice cakes, or gyulhareubang bread, which is shaped like a Jeju stone grandfather statue and filled with Jeju citrus.

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Todd Thacker

Just a note of caution to travelers on a tight schedule. Dongmun Market is quite large, so if you’re traveling in a group, be sure to have a prearranged meeting place. You may well find yourself lost amidst all the amazing sights, sounds, and shopping. We wouldn’t want you to miss your flight home!

Todd Thacker KCTV