Feel home at the Hwagae Traditional Market in Hadong, Gyeongnam

Chosun.com Media Report Team media@chosun.com

There are many traditional markets in Korea filled with tradition and history. The lively scenes of bargaining creates a down-to-earth atmosphere nowhere to be seen in supermarkets or department stores.

Hwagae Traditional Market, one of Korea's five main traditional markets in Hadong County, Gyeongnam, is located at the boundary of Gyeongnam and Jeonnam.

<Ways to get to Hwagae Traditional Market, one of Korea's five main markets.>

The market grew even more famous after a song from Korean singer Cho Young-nam, "Hwagae Traditional Market" hit the local music charts. The lyrics goes as follows: "Hwagae Traditional Market that follows the Seomjin River dividing Jeonnam and Gyeongnam...Come take a look. It may look like an ordinary market in the outskirts, but it has all that you need~"

An information map is provided at the right side of the market's entrance. The map shows two Hwagae Traditional Markets, one that is currently open and another across the bridge that was used in the past.

A blacksmith's shop in the traditional market provides an exotic scene worth seeing. Nuggets of iron are hammered down into the shapes of a knife and hoe with a clamorous sound that resonates through the alleys.

A sign in front of the blacksmith's shop reads: It's already been 50 years since Mr. Tak Su-ki first held his first iron hammer, and still, he's making tools by moving back and forth from the fire pot and anvil." Here, you can view his work and even purchase them.

<A blacksmith is making a tool at his shop.> 

Herbal medicines are all around you once you step into the market. Shop owners offer cups of brewed tea, but you don't have to refuse because they're all free.

A local film called "Yeokma" (1967) was also filmed in the market, where photos showing some of the shots are lined along the lanes.

<Photo Three. Medicinal herbs>

After a tour around the traditional market, it's now time to treat yourself to a mouthwatering local delight, corbiculas! The fingernail-sized clam is best cooked in soup.

According to Dongui Bogam, Korea's traditional medical textbook, corbiculas are good for one's eyes, fatigue, liver and stomach. Those that are collected from Seomjin River are especially nutritious and soft.

<Clockwise from the bottom left: Corbicula soup; Seomjin River; and a filming site's direction post.>

If you ever plan on visiting the Hwagae Traditional Market in Hadong, Gyeongnam, go in late March to early April, when spring is in full bloom. Various cherry blossom-themed festivals are waiting just for you!

※ Ways to get there
If you're starting from Seoul, take a 4.5 hour-ride from Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal to Hwagae Express Bus Terminal. When you arrive, cross the bridge and you'll find yourself at the destination. If you're starting from Busan, take a 2 hour-ride from Busan Seobu Bus Terminal to Hwagae Express Bus Terminal.


※ Information
-Address: Tap-ri, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongnam
-Contact:  +82-55-880-2383

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