Jeju Dongmun Market Tour

Jeju Dongmun Market is one of the most iconic traditional markets on Jeju Island, located in Jeju City, not far from Jeju International Airport. This market is not only a daily shopping place for locals but also a great spot for tourists to explore local culture, taste authentic food, and pick up souvenirs. If you plan to travel to Jeju, Dongmun Market is undoubtedly a must-visit attraction. In this article, I will share my shopping experience at Dongmun Market, including its features, food, souvenirs, and some useful shopping tips. Market Overview Dongmun Market was established in the 1950s and has a long history, making it one of the main markets in Jeju City. The market is not very large, but it is full of local life. From the outside, the market's buildings look a bit old, but that is part of its charm, as if it takes visitors back to Jeju's past. Inside the market, stalls and shops are everywhere, and some areas may be slippery due to moisture, but these details give a genuine feel of Jeju. The market's design is relatively simple, usually arranged in a long strip, with some areas being open-air stalls and others indoor stalls. Dongmun Market offers a wide variety of goods, from fresh local ingredients and seafood to souvenirs, clothing, and even Jeju's unique specialties. Local Delicacies One of the main attractions of Dongmun Market is its food. The market's culinary culture is rich and diverse, whether you want to taste traditional local snacks or challenge some unique dishes, the stalls here can meet your needs. 1. Jeju Black Pork: Jeju's black pork is famous for its tender texture and rich flavor. There are many shops in Dongmun Market specializing in black pork, where you can taste it in barbecue or hot pot form. It is recommended to try the local black pork barbecue, which has a unique taste, tender texture, and rich flavor. 2. Jeju Abalone Porridge: Abalone porridge is one of Jeju's classic dishes, with a rich broth and the fresh taste of abalone infused into the soup, making it mild and suitable for any seafood-loving tourist. 3. Sashimi (회): Dongmun Market also offers fresh seafood, especially sashimi. The seafood here is very fresh and diverse, and you can choose your favorite fish or seafood, which will be cut and seasoned on the spot. 4. Seafood Pancake (해물파전): This snack is a classic Korean snack, and Dongmun Market's seafood pancakes are particularly popular. Fresh seafood and vegetables are mixed together and fried to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a great taste. 5. Desserts and Snacks: The market also has many stalls offering Korean specialty desserts, such as red bean cakes, rice cakes, and Korean candies. These desserts are not only delicious but also very attractive in appearance, making them an indispensable part of local daily life. Buying Souvenirs In addition to food, Dongmun Market also has many suitable souvenirs, especially Jeju's specialty products. Here are some recommended souvenirs: 1. Jeju Orange Products: Jeju Island is the largest orange-producing area in Korea, and Jeju's oranges are sweet and fragrant, so many souvenirs are orange-themed. At Dongmun Market, you can find various orange products, such as orange jam, dried oranges, orange perfume, and orange-flavored candies, which are very popular among tourists. 2. Jeju Stone Sculptures: Jeju has a very famous cultural symbol—the Jeju Stone Men (돌하르방), which are traditional guardian statues usually carved from stone. You can find various stone sculpture souvenirs at Dongmun Market, and these small stone sculptures are perfect as travel mementos. 3. Seaweed and Seafood Products: Jeju Island's seaweed products are also very famous, and local seaweed, seaweed, dried seafood, etc., are popular shopping choices. In the market, you can choose fresh seaweed or dried seafood, which can be used as ingredients for Korean cuisine at home and are also a good way to remember Jeju. 4. Korean Handicrafts: At Dongmun Market, you can also find some exquisite Korean traditional handicrafts, such as Korean pottery, textiles, and wooden decorations. These crafts have a strong local flavor and are great for both gifts and personal use. Shopping Tips 1. Bargaining Skills: Most stalls at Dongmun Market allow bargaining, but note that prices will not drop too low. Usually, vendors will give a higher starting price, and tourists can negotiate with the shop owner based on their needs and budget. 2. Carry Cash: Although most shops accept credit cards, some small stalls and traditional stores may only accept cash. Therefore, carrying some cash will be more convenient. 3. Look for Unique Items: Dongmun Market offers a wide variety of goods, but there are also some unique and locally characteristic items. If you want to choose memorable items, you can do some research beforehand to understand Jeju's specialties, making it easier to find your favorite items. Conclusion Jeju Dongmun Market is a shopping place that combines Jeju's local culture, traditional food, and unique souvenirs. Whether tasting food, choosing souvenirs, or experiencing local life, Dongmun Market offers a wealth of options. Although the market is not large, it is full of warmth and Jeju's unique charm. For tourists, Dongmun Market is not just a shopping place but also a great place to get a deep understanding of Jeju. If you have the chance to visit Jeju, don't miss this vibrant and charming market.