Gwangju 1913 Songjeong Station Market, a historic gateway

Overview

Gwangju 1913 Songjeong Station Market is a traditional market that has been together with Gwangju Songjeong Station since 1913, and it is one of Gwangju's representative attractions that has revived an old market culture in a modern way. It is a place that showcases the symbolism of local commerce and the Gwangju regional economy as an example of revitalizing a traditional market that once declined due to the spread of large discount stores. Located in the Gwangju Songjeong Station area, it offers the atmosphere of a city gateway, making it a good place to experience local history and everyday market culture all in one spot. It is highly worth visiting for foreign travelers who want to experience a space where Gwangju's past and present come together.

Highlights

• Traditional market opened in 1913
• Market next to Songjeong Station
• One-thousand-won bowl of noodle soup
• Souvenirs with Jeolla dialect
• Open at night

Best Time to Visit

1913 Songjeong Station Market is generally open from around 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, but some shops often open around 11:00 AM. For foreign travelers, visiting between 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM, when most stores are operating steadily, is the most convenient.

The most recommended seasons are spring and autumn. The weather is neither too hot nor too cold, making it nice to stroll through the market at a relaxed pace.

By time of day, around 11:00 AM is relatively quiet, but some shops may still be closed. From after lunch until before evening, more stores are open and the atmosphere is at its most stable. Evenings and weekends can be somewhat crowded as visitor numbers increase.

If you want to avoid congestion, weekday afternoons are best. If you want a livelier atmosphere, Friday evening or weekend afternoon is suitable, but there will be more people.

How Long to Stay

If you're just taking a quick look around, 30 to 45 minutes is enough, and a typical visit that includes snacks and souvenir shopping takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. If you are stopping by together with Gwangju Songjeong Station or adding nearby sightseeing, it is convenient to allow around 2 to 3 hours.

How to Get There

1913 Songjeong Station Market is very close to Gwangju Songjeong Station, so it is easy to reach by public transportation.

Subway

Take Gwangju Subway Line 1 and get off at Gwangju Songjeong Station. After exiting the station, the market is just a short walk away. For foreign travelers, it is convenient to check the exit signs inside the station for directions to Songjeong Station Market.

Bus

The following bus routes are available: Songjeong 19, Songjeong 29, Songjeong 98.

Getting off at the Gwangsan-gu Office bus stop makes access easy. Alternatively, get off at Gwangju Songjeong Station (stop number 5159) or Geumgang 1-gil (stop number 5799) and walk for about 4 to 5 minutes.

On Foot

If you have arrived at Gwangju Songjeong Station, the market is nearby and easy to reach on foot. If you follow the main road in front of the station, you can easily find the market entrance. The distance is manageable even if you have luggage.

Photo Spots

• In front of the main entrance sign of 1913 Songjeong Station Market
  Location: Around 13 Songjeong-ro 8beon-gil, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, near the market entrance
  Photo tip: With the inside of the market behind you, frame the entrance sign from the front, or stand beneath the sign and face toward the market alley to capture a stronger atmosphere.
  Recommended time: Late morning to early afternoon. The sign and alley are bright, and it is not too crowded, making photography easier.
• Central market alley
  Location: The central passage just inside the main entrance
  Photo tip: Stand facing the end of the alley and include the shop signs on both sides in the frame. It is a great place to capture the market's unique retro atmosphere.
  Recommended time: Afternoon. The alley feels lively, which adds a nice travel-photo vibe.
• Alley around Seobom Studio
  Location: Near 33 Songjeong-ro 8beon-gil, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, about a 4-minute walk from Exit 2 of Gwangju Songjeong Station
  Photo tip: Facing into the alley, you can capture the charming small-shop atmosphere. For portrait shots, use the building wall as a background for a clean look.
  Recommended time: Morning to early afternoon. The alley is relatively quiet, making it good for photos.
• Connection section toward Songjeong Station
  Location: The road from Exit 2 of Gwangju Songjeong Station to the market
  Photo tip: Capture the street scenery while walking toward the market, or with the station behind you as you enter the market to create a sense of the start of a trip.
  Recommended time: Morning. The light is soft, and it is the most convenient time for photos along the route.

Night View

1913 Songjeong Station Market becomes most atmospheric after sunset, when warm night lighting comes on. Thanks to the lights and signs stretching along the alleys, the whole market turns into a photogenic space, and the night view is especially well known as a signature shooting spot for travelers.

The atmosphere is bright and lively, yet pleasant for a casual stroll. There are also outdoor rest areas, making it easy to take a short break, and in the evening it is a nice place to enjoy the market's retro charm along with its food stalls.

The recommended visiting time is from just after sunset until around 9:00 PM. During this period, the lighting is at its best and the shop atmosphere is lively, making it ideal for combining photography with a walk through the night market.

Official large-scale night event information should be checked regularly, but in general you can expect a lively night-market-like scene and a food-stall atmosphere in the evening. Because it is close to Gwangju Songjeong Station, it is convenient to stop by lightly after arriving by train.

Seasonal Guide

1913 Songjeong Station Market is right in front of KTX Gwangju Songjeong Station, making it a good market for a short stop in any season. Although shop hours vary, it is usually lively from late morning until evening.

Spring

In spring, the mild weather makes it pleasant to slowly explore the market alleys. If you combine it with cherry blossom spots in downtown Gwangju, it works well as a half-day itinerary. Enjoy a leisurely stroll while sampling light snacks and local foods.

Summer

In summer, daytime heat makes a late-afternoon or evening visit more comfortable. The market's mix of indoor and outdoor spaces makes it a good place for a short break, and it is nice for enjoying a cool drink or a light late-night snack before boarding a train. Bringing an umbrella or a portable fan is convenient.

Autumn

Autumn is the best season for walking. You can comfortably enjoy the market's unique retro atmosphere in the cool weather. It is a good idea to combine it with a visit to autumn foliage spots in downtown Gwangju, and in the evening you can feel an even more relaxed atmosphere.

Winter

In winter, the sun sets early, so the market's atmosphere stands out even more with the evening lights. Toward the end of the year, it is nice for a short, cozy nighttime walk with warm street food. However, since temperatures are low, be sure to dress warmly.

Travel Tips

The market is located at 13 Songjeong-ro 8beon-gil, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, and it is very easy to walk there from Gwangju Songjeong Station. Regular closing days are the second and fourth Mondays of every month. For foreign travelers, it is most practical to plan about 1 to 2 hours before or after a train transfer, regardless of the season.

Local Tips

1913 Songjeong Station Market is directly across from Gwangju Songjeong Station, making it a great first stop after arriving in Gwangju by train.

In the evening, it can get crowded with locals and travelers, so if possible, visiting during a less busy time is more comfortable.

A good route is to have a meal first and then continue on to the market for a relaxed visit.

Address reference: 1F, 27 Songjeong-ro 8beon-gil, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju; 41 Songjeong-ro 8beon-gil, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju.