June 6, 2023.
My apologies for the long silence since the last post. I am back now after an almost 6-week trip to the USA where we met our daughters, their husbands, relatives, and friends.
Geoje-myeon and the 5-day market
The Geoje farmers’ market (a link to a video in Korean 거제 5일장), also known as the Geoje market, opens every five days. It is open on dates that include the numbers 4 and 9 (4th, 9th, 14th, 19th, 24th, and 29th of each month). As one can imagine, the market attracts a large number of people. The market usually takes place in a small alley next to the Geoje-myeon office, but on market days, the vendors occupy not only that alley but also the main roads in front and behind it. Geoje-myeon used to be the administrative and military center of Geoje Island during the Joseon Dynasty, and it is where the traces of Geoje Hyanggyo (거제 향교), which was the public school at that time, and Bangok Seowon (반곡서원), which was the private school, still remain.
History and tradition of 5-day market
The 5-day market system originated during the Goryeo Dynasty (918 – 1392) and saw significant expansion during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). In addition to 5-day markets, there were various other types of markets, such as 2-day markets, 3-day markets, 10-day markets, 15-day markets, and annual markets. However, the 5-day markets emerged as the most common and enduring type that has survived until the present day.
During the mid-Joseon Dynasty, the 5-day markets flourished across the country. Geographically, these markets were scattered throughout the nation in a beehive-like pattern, maintaining a distance of 30 to 60 ri (approximately 12 – 24 km). This distance could be traveled round trip in a single day, allowing merchants to continuously move and sell their goods in different nearby marketplaces. This tradition of opening the market on specific dates continues in modern times.
The 5-day markets attract both farmers and fishermen from nearby areas, as well as itinerant vendors who travel from one market to another. Historical records from the early 19th century indicate that there were a total of 1,061 markets spread across the country. Similar market systems can be found in other countries, suggesting that such markets naturally emerged before the establishment of permanent market stores.
While the prevalence of the 5-day market system has diminished over time, it is still maintained in certain local areas. There is no statistics showing the total number of 5-day markets across the nature. The website, https://mr-momm.tistory.com/341, displays a comprehensive list of hundreds of markets that open regularly across the nation, showcasing the enduring tradition of 5-day markets. One notable example is the Moran 5-day market, renowned for its large scale in the metropolitan area. This market is held on the 4th and 9th of every month and features 950 stalls offering a wide variety of goods and produce. Visitors to the market can explore its diverse offerings and indulge in various street foods, including handmade noodles, fried pancakes, traditional drinks, and more.
Moran 5-day market (Source – https://www.bundang-gu.go.kr:10009/sub/content.asp?cIdx=184)
On a day of the Geoje market
On market days, the atmosphere is bustling with farmers from the Geoje-myeon area who bring their produce such as vegetables, fruits, rice, and other grains. Some vendors are invited to sell clothes, handmade bags and accessories, rain boots, and products popular among locals. Fishermen also join the market to sell fish and shells.
The market generally starts early in the morning and ends around 11 am. I usually go to the market between 8 and 9 am in the morning and enjoy looking around, negotiating prices, and buying fresh produce. I mostly buy local vegetables and fruits that are fresh, delicious, and, most of all, inexpensive.
A place to buy locally grown produce!
The 5-day Geoje market is the only one remaining in Geoje Island. However, several neighboring towns have developed quite unique 5-day markets. For instance, Tongyong has the 5-day fish market, while Sancheong has the 5-day oriental herbs market.
Of course, in Geoje, there are modernized supermarkets scattered around, and there is the largest permanent market called Gohyeon Market, making it very convenient to do grocery shopping and buy various goods. However, this 5-day Geoje market is a living place where you can fully experience the rural atmosphere and traditional flavors. One of my favorite places in Geoje!
