[Herald Muse — Reporter Minji Kim; Producers Ye Ji-hun and Bae Beom-jun] \"I can't just stay at home — I've spent my whole life working here. Still, I lived well here, and that brought me many good things.\"Whether at dawn's first light or under the high midday sun, stepping into the arched dome opens a world of warmth and community.
Many visitors to this place are greeted by the market's older vendors.
Some have tended Gwangjang Market for as long as 40 years, others for about 20. For vendors who share breakfast and lunch together, the market is home — a source of joy and, for some, a reason to keep going.
But selfish behavior by a few and recurring accusations of price-gouging have made hard times unavoidable.
Even as the market's future grows uncertain, those who have kept their stalls open still welcome customers, wrapping up their days sometimes earlier than most and sometimes a little later.
[FIND YOUR MUSE] is Herald Muse's 2026 interview project that seeks life inspiration from ordinary neighbors. The series captures fleeting expressions in short video clips and records the candid life stories behind them. Find more stories on Herald Muse's official Instagram (@heraldmusemic).
