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Did you know that Costco first landed in Korea back in 1994? When asked by a reporter from the Seattle Times which Costco store rakes in the most cash worldwide, the chairman said, "It's Korea. It's fantastic. I tear up just thinking about it." Imagine that! Costco is practically a superstar in Korea, with 19 stores spread all over the country—not just in Seoul. Last year alone, their sales in Korea exceeded 6 trillion won! (equivalent to more than 4.6 billion US dollars) That’s a lot of bulk-sized kimchi jars.😅

In Korea, many hypermarkets compete for shoppers' love, but traditional markets? Not so much anymore. Here’s the scoop: they're seen as a bit too messy, which raises hygiene concerns. Also, customer service? Nonexistent, just like the bullet speed refunding system for defective items. Plus, the products can seem old-fashioned, so the younger crowd isn’t really impressed. As a result, it looks like Koreans are giving traditional markets the cold shoulder, leaving them for foreigners to explore like they’re on some sort of Seoul safari.

One market that's become a must-visit for tourists is Gwangjang Market. Thanks to the 2019 Netflix series Street Food Asia, it gained even more fame. Celebrities like Conan O’Brien, Brie Larson, and Sam Smith have all been spotted enjoying the delicacies there, turning it into a paparazzi hotspot.

However, here's the kicker—it's all a bandwagon effect! You know, that thing where you see someone jaywalking on a red light, and you just follow along, blissfully unaware. Some foreigners may like Gwangjang Market, but others can’t stand it. I've heard complaints ranging from "interesting" hygiene practices to it feeling less like a traditional Korean market and more like a tourist trap.

But please, don’t let Netflix reel you in too much. Gwangjang isn’t the only game in town. Other traditional markets worth checking out, like Mangwon Market near Hongdae or Tongin Market by Gyeongbok Palace, have their own charm. So, skip the Netflix hype and explore other traditional markets in Seoul—you might just find your new favorite spot!✔️