Jeongseon Arirang Market : The Land of Timeless Beauty

The Land of Timeless Beauty

Last December 2, 2017 we, the Pyeongchang Olympic Foreign Supporters, went to Jeongseon Arirang Market to unfold its traditional goods. Jeongseon Arirang Market, famous for medicinal herbs, is a five hour trip by bus from Seoul and located in the mountains of Gangwon Province. However, for the Pyeongchang Olympic Foreign Supporters, it took an hour from the Mountain Resort we stayed at. 

Korail newly launched their new train called the A-Train on January 22nd of 2017 which is a special tourist train that departs from Cheongnyangni Station in northeastern Seoul and passes through several stations in Gangwon-do. This is another way to get to Jeongseon Arirang Market. 

Have you heard of Arirang, the expression of Korean’s joy and sorrow? Well, the Arirang song originated here in the heart of Jeongseon Area. 

The Pyeongchang Olympic Foreign Supporters went to Jeongseon Arirang Market to explore more about Korea’s Traditional Market. Let’s have a look at how their trip went!

Jeongseon Arirang Market not only offers variety of vegetables, fruits, snacks, and traditional food on stalls but also activities and shows as well. But before they can start their marvelous exploration, they were given vouchers worth 10,000 won which can only be spent at the Jeongseon Arirang Market. 

The Foreign Supporters had a pleasant time doing Korean Traditional Art of Calligraphy and Doodle. They were given two options to work on. It’s either 행복 which means happiness or 사랑해 which means I love you.

There was a pattern present on the cardboard. Colored pens and permanent markers are provided by the nice old lady that is in charge of this activity at the market. After the front part was finished by the Foreign Supporters, the old lady wrote their names in calligraphy both on the front and back part. The craft they worked on also comes with a bag. They were given two choices again on what kind of bag they want to have. This activity can be enjoyed at the Jeongseon Arirang Market for 5,000 won only.

Another activity that was very much enjoyed by the Foreign Supporters was making the Korean traditional sandals made out of straws. In Korean, it is called짚신만들기 (Jipshinmandeulgi). Jipshinmandeulgi were worn by Koreans in the ancient times. Trying to make your own Jipshinandeulgi would cost you only 2,000 won!

▶ Address : 1359 Jeongseon-ro, Jeongseon-eup, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do, Korea

▶ Operation : Every year with days ending with 2, and 7.

▶ Inquiry : Jeongseon-gun Tourist Information Center 1544-9053, Jeongseon Arirang Market