How about a trip to the East Sea where you can feel the authentic local vibe?

#DomesticTravel

Whether I travel domestically or internationally, I believe one of the best ways to truly experience a place is to visit a traditional market! 🤔
On this trip to Donghae, I visited two markets, ate well, explored them, and felt like a Donghae citizen for a moment. So, I'm going to share with you my experience!

1-11 Bukpyeong Folk Market
📍486-1 Gumi-dong, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do
If you remember going to the market with your mom when you were young, raise your hand 🙋🏻♀️
The market is open on the 3rd and 8th of every month, so if you visit on those days, you can truly experience the market atmosphere.
Just like the market days we remember from our childhood, you'll find everything from food to daily necessities!

Especially, from the most important meals to desserts, you can get everything you need in one place, with a retro feel! I arrived, had cold janchi noodles for lunch, then grabbed a sweet and cheap coffee to go, strolled around the market, and even picked up some popcorn to eat on the way back down.

12-18 Donghae Bada Central Market
📍12 Jungangsijang-gil, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do, New World Shopping Mall, Building B
This indoor(?) market is open 365 days a year, so you can visit regardless of the weather or time of day!
This place is also a food paradise, with everything from snacks and fried foods to delicious sweet and sour chicken!
My favorite was the squid sashimi, freshly sliced to order. Just looking at it made my mouth water! 🤤

The real winner was the Mukho local souvenir shop at the entrance. You can buy Donghae souvenirs and even snap a photo of your receipt here, a true treat of your trip. It's close to Nongoldamgil and Mukho Port, two of the East Sea's most popular tourist destinations, making it a great place to combine your trip. I also heard that a night market is held here every Saturday starting in September!

My personal recommendation is to wander around the Bukpyeong Folk Market, grab a snack or meal for lunch, then head to Mukho to enjoy your Mukho adventure. Then, in the evening, explore the Donghae Central Market and pick up some late-night snacks to enjoy at your accommodations or enjoy the night market!

For those living in the Seoul metropolitan area, there are tours that combine traditional market visits. Please refer to the information below. 🫶🏻

⛱️City Tour with Traditional Market Visits
✔️Dates include the 3rd and 8th of each month between June and November
✔️City tour includes tourist attractions such as Dojjaebigol Sky Valley, Bukpyeong 5-Day Market, Chuam Beach, and Hanseom Beach
✔️Departs at 7:00 AM from Seoul City Hall Station and Jamsil Station