Savoring Yukhoe at Gwangjang Market in Seoul
On this day, I met railway photographer Koji Yoneya, whom I was seeing again for the first time in about a year. Our purpose was to enjoy the famous yukhoe at Gwangjang Market. At the food stalls inside the market, you can enjoy fresh and richly flavored yukhoe as well as bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes). During our conversation, Mr. Yoneya mentioned that the Gyoe Line, once a major railway route in northern Gyeonggi Province, had resumed operations for the first time in 21 years. Even though I live in the area, I had not heard about it, and once again I was impressed by his extensive knowledge of railways. His stories, told from the perspective of a railway photographer, were all fascinating. I was especially drawn in by his detailed explanations about the history of the railway and the stories surrounding the reopening of the Gyoe Line.
Surrounded by the lively atmosphere of Gwangjang Market, I spent the day enjoying delicious yukhoe, bindaetteok, and makgeolli. Between the vibrant market scene, the rich food culture, and the unexpected railway conversation, it became a wonderful moment slightly removed from everyday life.
Yukhoe (육회)：
A traditional Korean dish made with raw beef. The beef is cut into thin strips and seasoned with sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and salt. It is typically served with julienned Korean pear and topped with a raw egg yolk.
Bindaetteok (빈대떡)：
A traditional Korean savory pancake made primarily from ground mung beans. The mung bean batter is mixed with ingredients such as bean sprouts, green onions, kimchi, pork, or seafood, and then pan-fried on a griddle.
