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When people think of Yangyang, famous surfing beaches usually come to mind first. But here is the real magic of traveling here: right next to those modern, trendy spots is the Yangyang 5-Day Market. It is a lively traditional market where you can experience the warm, real-life culture of Korea.

Living in Sokcho, I visit Yangyang very often. Since Sokcho and Yangyang used to be the same region long ago, they are close neighbors and very easy to visit. If your travel dates match the market days—held every 4th, 9th, 14th, 19th, 24th, and 29th of the month—dropping by to feel the cozy, nostalgic energy of a traditional Korean market is a wonderful experience!

Instead of a typical tourist list, I want to share the true charm of the Yangyang 5-Day Market through a local's eyes, including its history, easy bus routes from Sokcho and Yangyang, parking tips, and the best local food.

1. The History and Origin of the 5-Day Market


Long before modern supermarkets existed, 5-Day markets played a very important role in Korean daily life.

  • What is a 5-Day Market? It is a market that opens every 5 days (on dates ending in 4 and 9). Traveling merchants moved from town to town following this schedule to sell their goods.

  • Historical Roots: These markets started long ago in the Goryeo Dynasty and became very popular during the late Joseon Dynasty. Traditional peddlers called bobusang traveled between these connected markets to trade items.

  • Modern Value: Even though big supermarkets are everywhere today, these traditional rural markets survive as precious cultural places where local farmers sell fresh goods and neighbors connect.

2. Basic Information & Local Tips


  • Market Days: Every 4th, 9th, 14th, 19th, 24th, and 29th of each month (6 times a month).

  • Operating Hours: Usually opens around 9:00 AM and starts to close down around 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

  • 💡 Local Tip: Visit early in the morning to see the fresh vegetables, fruits, and the market at its most active time. If you go late in the afternoon, many vendors will already be packing up.

  • Location: 9, Nammun 5-gil, Yangyang-eup, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do (near Yangyang Market and Namdaecheon Stream).

  • Seasonal Highlight: If you visit in autumn, you can find fresh Yangyang pine mushrooms (songi) right on time for the local mushroom festival.

3. How to Get There from Sokcho and Yangyang (Bus Guide)


Whether you are staying in Sokcho or downtown Yangyang, taking public transportation to the market is very easy.

  • Taking City Bus No. 9:

    • Bus No. 9 starts its first run from the Jangsa-dong Garage in Sokcho (around 7:02 AM), travels to Imcheon-ri in Yangyang, and loops back to Sokcho. It runs about 24 times a day.

  • Taking City Bus No. 9-1:

    • You can catch Bus No. 9-1 near the Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal or downtown. It runs about 32 times a day between Sokcho and Yangyang, making it very convenient.

  • Travel Time: Even if you start from downtown Sokcho or the bus terminal, you can reach the market in just 20 to 30 minutes.

4. Parking Guide: Free vs. Paid Options




If you are driving, here is where you can park your car easily.

① Namdaecheon Stream Public Parking Lot (Recommended: Free)

  • Location: 328, Nammun-ri, Yangyang-eup (near the upper stream of Yangyang Bridge)

  • Fee: 24 hours free (about 111 parking spaces)

  • Tip: Free every day, making it great for staying as long as you like. Search for "Namdaecheon Stream Yangyang Bridge Upstream" on your navigation app.

② Yangyang Traditional Market Public Parking Lot (Paid / Closest to Market)

  • Location: 3-23, Nammun-ri, Yangyang-eup

  • Fee: 200 KRW per 10 minutes / Max 6,000 KRW per day

  • Hours: Paid from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Free from 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM).

  • Discount Tip: You can use paper parking discount coupons given by market stores at the automated payment machine to save money.

  • Note: It can get very busy around lunchtime on market days, so going early or using the free Namdaecheon lot is recommended.

5. Must-Try Market Food & Shopping Highlights


On market days, countless outdoor stalls open up along the streets, offering amazing local food.

  • Hearty Meals: Try chewy Gamja Ongsimi (potato dumpling soup), spicy handmade knife-cut noodles (jang kalguksu), or pine mushroom kalguksu in the market's restaurant alley.

  • Traditional Street Snacks: Crispy twisted donuts (kkwabaegi), spicy kimchi-stuffed memil jeonbyeong (buckwheat crepes), savory susu bukkumi (sorghum pancakes), famous squid sundae, and freshly fried chicken.

  • Specialty Food: Try local treats like pine-mushroom dakgangjang (sweet crispy chicken).

  • Fresh Farm & Seafood Products: Fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, and in autumn, wild pine mushrooms and fresh local fish.

6. Hidden Sights Around the Market



  • Traditional Blacksmith Shop: Deep inside the market, you can watch a local craftsman shape iron tools the old-fashioned way. (Keep children at a safe distance while tools are being made.)

  • Children's Play Area & Lively Vibe: There is a small play space for families, and the friendly voices of local merchants make the market fun to walk around.

7. Simple Tips for Your Visit


  1. Plan Your Walk: Visit the food alley for meals, street food stalls for snacks, and vendor areas for fresh food to save time.

  2. Bring Some Cash: Most places accept cards, but having a little cash makes buying small snacks much faster and easier.

  3. Combine With Nearby Trips: After exploring the market, you can easily visit nearby places like Naksansa Temple or Naksansha Beach.

Related Yangyang & Sokcho Travel Guides

2026 Information Note: Transportation times, bus timetables, and visitor policies may change. Check the latest local resources before you go.

Sunny | Sharing Local Stories from Sokcho, Korea

Sharing the true charms of Yangyang and Sokcho through a local's eyes.