Jeju Olle Market: Window into the way citizens live

‘Korea Tourism Organization’ announced total 16 traditional markets in Korea which are good to visit for foreign travelers. Among 35 traditional markets except for in Seoul, only 16 markets are finally selected on the basis of attractiveness in Tourist areas such as accessibility, what to eat, what to enjoy and tourist attractions near the markets.

Today, among the 16 traditional markets, I would like to introduce ‘Seogwipo Daily Olle Market’ located in Jeju Island. Seogwipo is the city, located in southern part of Jeju Island. Near the market, there are a few of attractions together such as Cheonjiyeon waterfall, Yeomiji Botanical Garden, Teddy Bear Museum, etc.

You can see the Jeju Island’s citizens, buying the products from the vendor for their today’s dinner with family in the market.

Every traveler would like to feel the citizens’ real life and culture of the country. So that’s why foreign visitors try to visit the local market or street market at first. In case of the Jeju Island, ‘Seogwipo Daily Olle Market’ is the one which foreign travelers can feel the humanity of Jeju Island’s citizen. ‘Seogwipo Daily Olle Market’ is first opened in 1965 and for around 50 years, the market has become the one of precious space among the Seogwipo city’s people. Now the market is the space for communication and citizen gathering. It’s always crowded with people with lively noises and sounds. Vendors make sounds louder to advertise their products and the citizens also make noises to haggle over the price. That makes the atmosphere of the market brighter and more energetic.

Also, the special products for visitors are prepared of course, such as Hanrabong, Jeju Island Chocolate, fresh tangerine juice and Korean traditional clothes, etc. It must be the favorite stop for tourists who find a perfect gift to tack back home.

The best thing in this market is all products from Jeju Island are gathered altogether. The Olle market deals in agricultural products such as Tangerine, Hanrabong and other fruits and vegetables, fishery products and Jeju Island traditional clothes as well. All stuffs in the ‘Seogwipo Daily Olle Market’ are arranged neatly on the shelves. Especially, fresh seafood is always prepared for citizens. So, a lot of people come to the market and buy the best seafood.

Now the market is being created as the pivotal shopping center through establishment of night market, launching local specialties, and composition of the cultural space, etc. So, it must be the best market for not only citizens, but also travelers to access and enjoy the real life of local market.

This kind of traditional market is not also just Korea’s history, but also the particular part of the present and future. Experience the traditional culture and people’s modern lives together here.

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Address 277-1, Seogwi-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, Korea

Hours Always Open 07:00 am ~ 21:00 pm (07:00~20:00 pm During Winter Season)

Map

By Hanna, Kwak

Photos by Hanna Kwak

www.koreatourinformation.com Staff Writers

lee2@seoulcitytour.net