Sinpo International Market (신포국제시장) is a well-known traditional market in Incheon, mainly known for “Dakgangjeong,” a fried chicken specialty. It is a representative market of Incheon, a city known for its history, culture, and traditions.
Traditional and safe, the market has little appeal to foreign tourists. If you’re looking to experience a Korean traditional market and ambiance, this is the place to go.
The Sinpo International Market is South Korea’s oldest vertical market. Traditional markets in Korea are not simply a place to shop, as they may be found throughout the country. Visitors may experience the market’s human warmth and distinct characteristics.
The Sinpo International Market has been operating for decades since Japan occupied Korea. Throughout the last few decades, many tourists and international merchants have come to Incheon by ferry and cruise ship, making the local market a worldwide shopping destination. For those visiting the market or looking to hire a local guide, the information desk and office provide extra services (translation services, trade and shopping information, etc.)
Going Down Alleyways
There are several gates to the Sinpo International Market, and the businesses are split into sectors depending on their categories.
It’s a brilliant idea to utilize the map and look for multicultural food alleys, repair alleys, fish alleys, noodles alleys, Youth Mall, Snowflake Village, and other similar locations.
Incheon has plenty of restaurants for tourists, but it also sells a wide range of products and side dishes, making it a popular tourist attraction and a traditional market visited by locals. You can discover sashimi stores and chicken shops as you wander through the alleys, which will take you back to the fish markets and chicken markets of the past.
The only park in the country situated in a traditional market is Sinpo International Market’s, Lighthouse Park.
It’s a seaside location with a lighthouse and a beach, making it ideal for capturing mementoes. The Youth Mall and Snowflake Village also have photo areas dedicated to snow and winter themes, so it’s an excellent spot to capture memories.
Shop Till You Drop
The Sinpo International Market, which began as a few vendors selling vegetables to Japanese, Chinese, and Western settlers who flocked to the location after Incheon Port opened in the late 1800s, is home to over 140 merchants.
Dakgangjeong, mandu (dumplings), and egg tart are among the most popular dishes sold at the market. However, it also sells shoes, clothing, and fish.
In the backstreets of Sinpo International Market, you’ll find a plethora of famous fashion brands. There are numerous designs to select from, from apparel to shoes and more.
Where to Eat
Original Sinpo Dakgangjeong
If you go to the Sinpo International Market and don’t know what to eat, try their most popular dish, spicy fried chicken! The length of people waiting for dakgangjeong says it all.
You won’t have to wait long because each order takes very little preparation time.
The restaurant serves only two dishes: original fried chicken and spicy fried chicken.
The spicy chicken is excellent. The meat is delicate, the skin delicious, and the sauce full of flavor. It’s sour, sweet, and hot. Because of it, this restaurant has lasted for 36 years!
Yoo Sung Bunsik
Yoo Sung Bunsik is a restaurant that offers sundae, steamed buns, mandu, kimbap, tteokbokki, and other traditional Korean foods.
Their menu includes tteokbokki, sundae, and fried foods. The tteokbokki is regarded as a signature dish, and it’s made with delicious chewy tteok. You can enjoy three types of traditional treat food for a low price!
Sandong Mandu
There are many foreign restaurants, as well as a variety of international cuisines, in this market. Sandong Mandu is a renowned Chinese restaurant that has operated for over 40 years.
The restaurant’s most famous dish is Gonggalppang (공갈빵). Because there is a long line, each person can only consume two pieces!
So, what’s in there? Air! It is hollow on the inside, and it contains a delicious layer. This crispy sweet bread is supposed to taste excellent with ice cream!
Sinpo Uri Mandu
The most popular branch of this eminent dumpling store is the Sinpo International Market. After the rush hour, this shop is always packed with people.
Assorted Mandu is a popular dish at the restaurant, with pork, kimchi, and shrimp dumplings. This is a must-try if you enjoy traditional Korean mandu!
What to Eat
Sulppang
Sinpo International Market has an excellent selection of local specialties, including sulppang, a type of steamed rice cake that is highly popular in Korea.
Green Tea Hotteok
A Korean dish similar to a pancake, hotteok is usually filled with a sweet filling and eaten as street food. However, there has been an increase in popularity for the green tea variety. In the winter, hotteok may be found on street vendors all around Korea, particularly in the colder areas.
Fish Cake
There are several different varieties of fish cake at the Sinpo International Market, and they’re inexpensive, with each stick costing only 1,000 won.
You may either eat them immediately or take them home and reheat them later.
Traditional Korean Sweet Snacks
You can find most of these snacks in the local supermarket; if you want to try the best and most traditional Korean cuisine, however, you’ll have to go to Sinpo International Market. Every day they are cooked fresh!
Rice Cakes
Sweet rice cakes are available in a variety of colors.
Finally, the market offers a variety of other goods such as fruits and vegetables, fresh foods, daily necessities and more.
And there you have it – your local’s guide to Sinpo International Market! If you’re looking for a bit of everything, this is the place to go. There’s something for everyone in this vibrant market, from food to fashion and more. So what are you waiting for? Get exploring!
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