"Six Pieces of Tteok, Nine Pieces of Sundae... 16,000 Won Is Too Expensive" Gwangjang Market Faces Another Price Gouging Controversy

Six Pieces of Tteok for 4,000 Won, Nine Pieces of Sundae for 7,000 Won
"Portions Are Too Small for the Price... Far Too Expensive"

Gwangjang Market in Jongno-gu, Seoul, which has been at the center of ongoing price gouging controversies, is once again under fire. This time, the controversy was sparked by a video posted by a YouTuber who ate tteokbokki and sundae at Gwangjang Market, claiming that the portions were far too small for the price and that he had to make a bank transfer because card payments were not accepted.

YouTuber A recently shared a video titled "After the Price Gouging Controversy, Has Gwangjang Market Really Changed?" documenting his visit to the market.

A video posted by a YouTuber who ate tteokbokki and sundae has sparked controversy around Gwangjang Market. YouTube screenshot

Visiting the market with an acquaintance, A looked at the menu boards at the street stalls, where prices ranged from 3,000 to 7,000 won, and commented, "It's not that expensive." Despite the ongoing controversies, the video showed Gwangjang Market still packed with crowds.

When A visited a stall to eat street food, he ordered bindaetteok (5,000 won) and tteokbokki (4,000 won), but was told by the vendor that a minimum purchase of 5,000 won per person was required, so he added sundae, which was priced at 7,000 won. In the video, A and his acquaintance appeared surprised at the small portions they received. With only six pieces of tteok and nine pieces of sundae, A commented with a wry smile, "I guess we each get three pieces of tteok."

A remarked, "The portion is way too small for 4,000 won. Honestly, it's just too expensive." The vendor also informed him that card payments were not possible, so A completed the transaction via bank transfer. He added, "I was told there are fewer people at Gwangjang Market today," and wondered, "How many people usually come here?"

YouTuber "Strange Snack Shop" expressed frustration after experiencing unfriendly service from some merchants at Gwangjang Market in Jongno-gu, Seoul. YouTube screenshot

Gwangjang Market has become a must-visit destination for foreign tourists, known for its wide variety of food and its lively local atmosphere. However, it has been the subject of controversy due to "unreasonably high prices" and "unfriendly service." Recently, the market made headlines after a popular YouTuber posted a video claiming he was charged 10,000 won for sundae that was listed as 8,000 won. In response, the street vendors' association imposed a 10-day suspension on the stall in question.

General store owners in Gwangjang Market, who have suffered damages from the price gouging controversies involving some street stalls, have decided to file a compensation claim against the street vendors. The "Gwangjang Market General Merchants Association," representing general stores, plans to file a lawsuit within the year against the "Gwangjang Traditional Market General Merchants Association," which is mainly composed of street vendors, seeking damages of around 300 million won. The amount claimed reflects the estimated economic losses suffered by the general store owners.