Seoul Night Market in Shanghai: Top Korean Street Food near Huangpu River
Introduction
As night falls over Shanghai and neon signs glow, a lively pulse stirs beyond the Bund and Yuyuan Temple. On Hongquan Road, the Seoul Night Market brings authentic Seoul street life to the Huangpu riverside. This bustling Korean food street is a favorite with Shanghai’s Korean community and international visitors alike. The aroma of grilling meat, the sizzle of hot plates, and upbeat K-pop create an immersive night feast — perfect for a Korean food adventure without leaving Shanghai.
1. Origin and History: From “Korean Street” to a Nightlife Landmark
Seoul Night Market didn’t appear overnight. Its rise grew from the long-established Korean presence around Hongquan Road. Since the early 2000s, Korean companies and residents helped form a distinct “Korean Street” with supermarkets, restaurants, and fashion shops. Recently, local planners fused that culinary foundation with night-market culture to boost evening commerce. The result is the Seoul Night Market — a youthful, social destination that lets visitors experience Seoul-style street dining in Shanghai.
2. Cultural Significance: Food as a Bridge between China and Korea
The night market is more than dining; it’s a living cultural exchange. Observe Korean dining habits: friends gather around tents or tables, share large platters of grilled meat, pour soju, and laugh together — a communal style that reflects Korea’s sociable food culture. At the same time, Shanghai’s inclusive night-market spirit blends with authentic Korean snacks, creating a unique Shanghai-version Seoul Night Market. For foreign visitors, it’s an intimate window into contemporary Korean trends and a great way to appreciate Shanghai’s multicultural character.
3. Must-Try Dishes: Three Star Attractions
The variety can be dazzling, but three highlights capture the essence of the market:
Korean BBQ
The market’s headline act. Diners grill pork belly, seasoned steaks, and beef tongue at tabletop grills. Watching the meat sear and the fat crisp is part of the fun. Wrap a piece in fresh lettuce or perilla leaf with garlic and ssamjang sauce — the crunchy, savory, and spicy mix is pure satisfaction.
Korean Fried Chicken
Popularized worldwide by K-dramas, Korean fried chicken comes in many styles here: yangnyeom (sweet-spicy), soy-garlic, or plain extra-crispy. Different from American fried chicken, Korean versions are crispier outside and succulent inside, often served with pickled radish. Paired with an ice-cold beer, it’s the perfect “chimaek” combo.
Street Snacks
Food stalls line both sides of the street offering tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), gimbap (seaweed rice rolls), soondae (blood sausage), eomuk tang (fish cake skewers), and more. Affordable and flavorful, these snacks are ideal for eating on the move and give a true taste of Korean street life.
4. Tasting Tips and Visitor Advice
For the best experience, keep these practical tips in mind:
– Best time to visit: The market livens up after 5 PM; weekends are busiest. For fewer crowds, go on a weekday evening.
– Ordering: BBQ portions are meant to be shared — 2–3 people per platter is a good rule. For fried chicken, try a half-and-half order to sample two flavors. Menus often include Chinese and photos, easing ordering for non-Korean speakers.
– Drinks: Beyond beer, try soju or makgeolli for an authentic pairing. Drink responsibly when sampling soju-beer mixes.
– Payments and transport: Most stalls accept Alipay and WeChat Pay; many also take cash or credit cards. Seoul Night Market is near Longbai Xincun Station on Metro Line 10—walking from the exit is convenient and recommended.
5. Recreate a Simple Korean BBQ at Home
You can relive the market vibe at home with a few easy steps:
– Ingredients: Good-quality pork belly or short ribs, Korean BBQ sauce, garlic slices, sliced chilies, lettuce or perilla leaves.
– Method: Heat a skillet or tabletop grill without oil, cook thin meat slices over medium heat until browned. Dip in sauce and wrap with garlic and greens to eat.
– Atmosphere: Play K-pop, serve kimchi and beer, and enjoy a casual, shared meal.
Conclusion
Seoul Night Market Shanghai is a living, eatable showcase of Korean culture. It bridges communities with food, music, and shared tables. Whether you come for a lively group barbecue, a quick fried-chicken snack, or to wander and taste street foods, this vibrant spot by the Huangpu will add a memorable flavor to your Shanghai trip. Be sure to include this energetic Korean food oasis on your itinerary for a true cross-cultural night out.
