Daejeon Jungang Market

대한민국역사박물관 현대사아카이브 · KOGL Type 1

The largest traditional market in central Korea — and the bakery people queue an hour for.

Jungang market sprawls over several blocks around Daejeon station, selling everything from fabric and dried goods to herbal medicine. But what brings visitors to Daejeon is a bakery: Sungsimdang, open since 1956, with its deep-fried red bean bun and a cream-filled pastry that people line up for. Daejeon is nicknamed the 'bread city' because of it. Afterwards, a few steps away, are hand-cut noodle shops and old bone-broth kitchens inside the market.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Daejeon Jungang Market?

Year-round

How long do you need at Daejeon Jungang Market?

1.5 hours

What are the opening hours of Daejeon Jungang Market?

There are no shared hours — it is the largest market in the central region and each stall sets its own, most trading by day; ask ahead if you are after a particular shop

Did you know

The largest traditional market in the Chungcheong region.
Sungsimdang bakery has been open since 1956 and is a Daejeon institution.
The market sits beside Daejeon station, handy for travellers passing through.
It is a chain of smaller markets: fabric, herbal medicine and second-hand goods.

Travel tips

Go to Sungsimdang before 11am to avoid the longest queue.
Many stalls inside the market are cash only.
It works well as a two-hour stop between KTX legs.

Source: https://korean.visitkorea.or.kr/detail/ms_detail.do?cotid=9b54ece4-d0e2-4f6a-a586-acefc466c7d5

Updated: 2026-08-05