Ed champions the five-day markets (오일장) as the antidote to touristy Dongmun and Olle markets — fresh produce, fair prices, no crowds, and an authentic window into local Jeju life.

Sora explains how these rotating markets date back to the Goryeo dynasty, with vendors traveling between villages on a 5-day cycle (dates ending in 2 and 7, or 3 and 8, etc.).

Their favorites:

• Sehwa (near Haenyeo Museum, statue commemorating anti-Japanese resistance)
• Seongsan (shooting location for Our Blues)
• Hallim (famous gimbap lady with a waiting list)
• Seogwipo (lots of food options).

Check dates before you go — they're only open one day then gone for four.

Takeaways

• Five-day markets (오일장): Rotate on fixed dates (e.g., 2nd, 7th, 12th, 17th, 22nd, 27th of each month)
• Much more authentic than touristy Dongmun/Olle markets — fresh produce, local vendors, fair prices
• Vendors are mostly grandmas/grandpas; arrive early (6-7am), leave by 3-4pm regardless of official hours
• Sehwa Market: Near Haenyeo Museum, statue commemorating anti-Japanese resistance — combine with museum visit
• Hallim Market: Sora's favorite; famous gimbap lady (book first, stroll for an hour, then pick up)
• Seogwipo Market: Watch grandmas bargaining in Jeju dialect; sit and eat while observing local life
• Goseong Market: Near Seongsan, small, K-drama "Our Blues" filming location

Must-try foods:

• 빈떡 (bintteok, Jeju-only buckwheat crepes)
• 꽈배기 (kkwabaegi, twisted donuts)
• 호떡 (hotteok)
• 떡볶이 (tteokbokki)
• 순대 (sundae, blood sausage — not ice cream!)
• 뻥튀기 (ppong-twigi, puffed rice discs)
• 짜장면 (jajangmyeon) 

Handy Korean with Sora Ssaem (쌤)

Review of previous phrases for market use:

• 이거 얼마예요? (igeo eolmayeyo?) — How much is this?
• 이거 주세요 (igeo juseyo) — Please give me this
• 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) — Thank you
• 맛있어요 (mashisseoyo) — It's delicious
• 안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo) — Goodbye (to someone staying)

Sora's tip: Get straight to the point, but always say 감사합니다, 안녕히 계세요 when leaving.

Next Steps

1. Five-day market guide: vamosajeju.com/market
2. 14-part DIY Jeju email series: vamosajeju.com/start
3. Follow: @vamosajeju on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook