Gongju Sanseong Market is located in an area where the Gong Sanseong, or Mountain Fortress, can be seen in the city of Gongju, which was the capital of the Baekje Kingdom. In the beginning, Gongju Sangseong Market was held every five days. As it was one of the three major markets in the country, it is an all-inclusive marketplace with rich history and traditions. Though the market is now open permanently, it still attracts more visitors whenever additional vendors come once every five days, according to the tradition. Additionally, it is only a three-minute walk from Gongju Intercity Bus Terminal. Since it is so accessible, many elderly people from rural areas visit this market, as well.
Around the marketplace, a character called “Goma Gom,” or Thank You Bear, can be seen everywhere. This bear was designated as the mascot of Gongju City, originating from the ancient name for the area: Woong Jin; that is, the camp of bears. It is said that this character was created in an attempt to depict the hopes and dreams of the merchants and the citizens of the city. The bear carries their hopes and dreams for change in the spirit of the market.
The reason why Gongju Sanseong Market became known as the night market is the phrase “Bam Masil or Outing.” The regional specialty of Gongju is chestnuts, which is pronounced bam, the same as the word for night. Whenever the night market is open, visitors can watch busking performances, traditional classical shows, Nanta, or drum-beating groups, and more in the cultural square. In addition to live entertainment, visitors can enjoy snacks or meals from around the world from food trucks. In particular, Bam Makgeolli, or Chestnut Rice Wine, made from chestnuts grown locally in the Gongju region, is extremely popular with out-of-town visitors. Some fans even order it by mail after trying their first taste.
In addition to the noodle shops that are so famous among the people of Gongju, vendors sell many other popular local foods, like flat dumplings, mini kimbap, and blood sausage soup. As a matter of fact, Gongju Sanseong Market is an ideal place to go on a food tour, since all these restaurants serving delicious food are gathered together in one place. Around the singing stage near a fountain, there is a place where visitors can try on traditional clothes from the Baekje Kingdom period for free. Don’t forget to try them on!