Jinbo Traditional Market, Cheongsong
A Historic 5-Day Market Full of Stories, Apples & Local Charm
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Hello, this is Hidori 😊
If you’re traveling to Cheongsong, there’s one place you absolutely shouldn’t miss—Jinbo Traditional Market.
I visited Cheongsong during the Lunar New Year holiday, and the journey from Ulsan felt noticeably smoother thanks to the newly connected Donghae Expressway. Crossing from the Gyeongsang region toward Gangwon Province has become much more convenient.
On the way, I stopped by Yeongdeok Service Area—no permanent EV chargers yet, but there was a temporary mobile charging station for the holiday. Unfortunately, it could only handle 2–3 cars at a time… so charging at lunchtime was nearly impossible 😅
Still, the rest area was clean and modern, and the highlight? A rooftop view of the East Sea. If you’re driving the Donghae Expressway, I recommend stopping at Pohang or Yeongdeok Service Area at least once.
First Stop in Cheongsong: Lunch & Market Prep
After arriving in Cheongsong, I grabbed a late lunch while charging my EV, then headed to Jinbo Traditional Market to buy ingredients for an evening barbecue.
At first glance, it looks like a simple countryside market.
But once you look closer, it’s a place filled with history, literature, and the warmth of local life.
🏮 A Market with Deep Roots
Jinbo Market dates back to the late Joseon Dynasty.
Originally called “Jinbo Eupnae Market,” it became a registered public market after Korea’s liberation.
- A 5-day market opens on dates ending in 3 and 8 each month
- The largest traditional market in Cheongsong
- Historically a key trade hub connecting Andong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok
It’s also famously known as the setting for novelist Kim Ju-yeong’s epic novel “Gaekju.”
Walking through the alleys, you can almost imagine the footsteps of old traveling merchants.
🍎 What You’ll Find at Jinbo Market
From the entrance, the smell of fresh bread greets you.
Further inside:
✔ Fresh vegetables like green onions, onions, sweet potatoes, spinach
✔ Shiitake mushrooms, ginseng, and herbal extracts
✔ Apples, pears, and persimmons
And of course—Cheongsong apples 🍎
Grown at elevations above 240 meters, they’re known for their firm texture and high sweetness, often nicknamed “honey apples.”
🐟 The Story of Salted Mackerel (Ganjang Godeungeo)
One fascinating local story involves salted mackerel.
Mackerel caught in Yeongdeok and Uljin was transported inland to Andong. During the overnight journey, the fish naturally absorbed salt—creating what we now know as Andong-style salted mackerel. Jinbo’s geographical position played a key role in that process.
It’s small historical details like this that make traditional markets more than just shopping spots.
📖 Gaekju Literary Village (Right Next Door)
Next to the market is the Gaekju Literary Village, a hanok-style accommodation operated by the city.
Had I known earlier, I might have booked my stay there!
The traditional Korean architecture blends beautifully with the market’s old-world atmosphere.
Next time I visit Cheongsong, this is definitely where I’ll stay.
🛍️ Modern Yet Traditional
Since 2013, Jinbo Market has undergone modernization:
✔ 39 active stores
✔ Clothing, shoes, salons, cafés, and more
✔ Public parking available
✔ Clean, modern restrooms
✔ Safety bells installed
On the second floor, there’s even a symbolic otter sculpture—Cheongsong’s mascot—and traces of a former cultural space.
🎥 Even the Bus Terminal Has That Countryside Charm
After exploring the market, I stopped by the Cheongsong bus terminal to capture some footage.
It was exactly what you’d expect from a small rural town—simple, nostalgic, and full of quiet warmth.
That gentle, unhurried atmosphere made the whole trip even more memorable.
✨ Final Thoughts
Jinbo Traditional Market isn’t just a place to buy groceries.
It’s a living, breathing local space filled with stories, smells, flavors, and history.
As you stroll through the alleys, the spirit of old merchants lingers.
And a warm bowl of gukbap nearby makes both your body and heart feel full.
If you’re planning a trip to Cheongsong, make sure to stop by Jinbo Market—
not just for shopping, but for the experience.
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