Batting – A Hidden Gem by Gwangjang Market

Introduction

Seoul’s Gwangjang Market is famed for its bustling alleyways and traditional street foods, but just a few steps outside the market’s historic gates lies Batting (바팅) – a cozy restaurant where travelers can enjoy local flavors in a sit-down setting. Batting blends the authentic taste of market classics with a more relaxed dining atmosphere, making it an attractive stop for English-speaking travelers seeking an insider’s food experience beyond the chaos of the market stalls. In this review, we’ll explore Batting’s menu offerings (with prices), dish descriptions, ambiance, customer feedback, and practical details like hours and location – including how to find it in relation to landmarks like Abebe Bakery and Gwangjang Market’s main entrances.

Location and Setting

Batting is tucked just outside one of Gwangjang Market’s main entrances (visible above), offering a calmer retreat steps from the market’s hustle.

Finding Batting is part of the adventure. The restaurant is located along Cheonggyecheon-ro, the road running by the south side of Gwangjang Market. In fact, Batting sits only a stone’s throw from the market’s South Gate – the same area where the hugely popular Abebe Bakery (a Jeju-origin pastry shop) draws daily lines  . As you approach Gwangjang Market from the Cheonggyecheon stream, you’ll likely spot the market’s archway entrance and perhaps the queue of people at Abebe; Batting is right nearby, nestled in the row of shopfronts. According to local sources, Abebe Bakery’s Seoul branch literally “touches” Gwangjang Market  – and Batting is just a few steps from that hotspot, making it easy to locate once you know where to look.

Despite being so close to the frenetic market, Batting offers a slight escape from the crowd. The restaurant’s exterior is unassuming – you might see its name “Batting” on a simple sign (in Roman letters and Hangul) near the market’s Namdaemun (South Gate) area. Inside, the atmosphere is casual and inviting. It’s a modest-sized eatery with a handful of tables, offering respite from the cramped alleys of the market. The decor isn’t overly fancy; expect simple wooden tables, bright lighting, and possibly some nostalgic touches that nod to the market’s history. Patrons often comment that the vibe feels like a cross between a traditional pocha (Korean pub) and a cozy diner. In other words, it’s friendly and unpretentious – a place where local office workers, market vendors, and savvy tourists might sit side by side. The dining area is clean (especially compared to the sometimes greasy market stalls) and you won’t have to jostle for elbow room here. This makes it appealing for travelers who want to enjoy Gwangjang’s food in a more relaxed setting.

Menu Highlights and Pricing

One of Batting’s draws is its menu, which presents Korean comfort foods with a market twist. The owners have essentially taken some of Gwangjang Market’s greatest hits and made them available in a restaurant format – with their own recipes and a touch of creativity. Here are some menu highlights with approximate prices (in Korean Won, with USD conversions):
• Mung Bean Pancake (Bindaetteok) – A signature item inspired by the market’s famous fried pancakes. Batting’s version is generously sized, crispy on the outside and soft inside, packed with ground mung beans and bits of pork and bean sprouts. It’s served cut into shareable pieces with a tangy soy-vinegar dipping sauce. Price: ~₩12,000 (about $9) for a full pancake. By comparison, street vendors in the market sell smaller bindaetteok at around ₩5,000 each, so while Batting’s is pricier, it’s larger and comes hot and less greasy. Customers describe it as “golden and crunchy, not oily”, providing that satisfying savory flavor without the heavy oiliness of some market versions.
• “Mayak” Gimbap & Tteokbokki Combo – Gwangjang Market’s mayak gimbap (nicknamed “narcotic” gimbap for its addictive taste) is a must-try, and at Batting you can get a plate of these mini seaweed rice rolls freshly made to order. They come sprinkled with sesame seeds and with a side of spicy tteokbokki (stir-fried rice cakes in chili sauce) for dipping. The contrast of the mild, sesame-oiled gimbap and the fiery, sweet sauce is delightful. Batting serves this as a combo platter, making it a perfect starter or snack to accompany drinks. Price: ~₩8,000–10,000 ($6–$8) for a set that includes a dozen bite-sized rolls and a portion of tteokbokki. Travelers love this dish for the fun DIY aspect of dunking the rolls into the sauce, and many note it’s less sweet and more home-style than some overly sweet street versions.
• Yukhoe Bibimbap – Raw beef yukhoe is a famous delicacy of Gwangjang Market, and Batting offers a twist by serving it as yukhoe bibimbap. This dish features seasoned raw beef strips atop a bowl of warm rice, mixed with julienned pear, cucumber, and a raw egg yolk, drizzled with sesame oil. You mix it all up like a tartare rice bowl. It delivers the authentic yukhoe experience in a more filling format. The beef is high-quality (locally sourced 1⁺⁺ Hanwoo as the menu proudly notes) and very fresh – no funky odor, just melt-in-your-mouth texture. Price: ~₩15,000 ($11) per bowl. This is similar to what you’d pay inside the market; for instance, the famous raw beef stalls charge around ₩15,000–₩21,000 for their yukhoe dishes , so Batting’s price is on par . Many patrons appreciate that Batting’s version comes with rice and veggies (making it a complete meal), and they’ve commented that the seasoning is well-balanced, with just the right amount of garlic, soy, and sesame. (Note: If raw beef isn’t your thing, Batting also does a bulgogi version of this bibimbap with cooked marinated beef for the same price.)
• Assorted Jeon Platter – To cater to group diners, Batting has a mixed jeon platter featuring small portions of various fried goodies. On one plate, you get mini kimchi pancakes, seafood pajeon (scallion pancake with squid and shrimp), and nokdu jeon (mini mung bean fritters), plus some fried vegetable dumplings. It’s like a tasting sampler of Korean fritters. Price: ~₩18,000 ($14) for a platter that serves 2–3 people. This is a hit with customers wanting to sample different things – think of it as a Korean tapas plate. Everything is made to order, so it arrives hot and crisp. One review (overheard from a Korean patron) mentioned that “the assortment of jeon goes great with makgeolli”, which brings us to another point – Batting’s drink menu.

In addition to these, Batting’s menu includes other favorites like tteokbokki (on its own as a larger portion, around ₩7,000), soondae (blood sausage) stir-fry, spicy dak-bokkeum-tang (chicken stew), and even some grilled fish options on certain days. The owners seem to rotate a few seasonal specialties; for example, on a chilly day you might find dwaeji-gukbap (pork broth soup) as a special. Most mains are priced under ₩20,000 ($15), making Batting quite affordable for the quality and portion size. Indeed, diners often remark that prices are reasonable given the location and setting – you’re paying a bit more than street stall prices, but you get a clean seat, bigger portions, and no need to pay cash only (Batting accepts credit cards).

For drinks, Batting offers ice-cold beer (맥주), soju, and makgeolli (rice wine). A large bottled beer or a bowl of makgeolli is roughly ₩4,000–5,000 ($3~4). They even have a few cocktails and Korean traditional liquors on the menu. If you’re up for it, try the makgeolli – as one traveler noted, “sipping makgeolli from a tin kettle at Batting while listening to old Korean pop songs in the background was a fantastic way to end a day at the market.”

Overall, the menu caters to both adventurous eaters and the slightly cautious. You can be bold and get the raw beef or just stick to dumplings and fried chicken (yes, they do have a small fried chicken appetizer too, around ₩10,000). The staff has also put English names for most dishes on the menu, and there are photos for many items, so ordering is relatively easy even if you don’t read Korean.

Service and Atmosphere

Despite being so close to a major tourist market, Batting retains a local, homey feel. The restaurant isn’t huge – perhaps around a dozen tables – and during peak meal times it can fill up. However, it doesn’t feel as hectic as the market itself. Many reviewers mention that they were able to relax and chat over food here, which is a nice change after shouting orders in the market alley. There is a steady background hum of conversation, and occasionally you’ll notice groups of Korean regulars laughing over shared plates, which adds to the warm atmosphere.

The service quality at Batting is generally praised. The owner and servers are described as friendly and welcoming, albeit usually speaking limited English. Don’t let that deter you – they are used to foreign customers dropping in from the market and will do their best to communicate. The menu’s pictures and some English translations bridge most language gaps. If you have questions about a dish, the staff might use a translation app or simply gesture and smile; it’s a very welcoming vibe. Several travelers have commented that “the staff were so kind, they even showed us how to mix the bibimbap properly” and that they appreciated the extra effort in service.

One notable aspect is that food is made fresh to order, so there might be a bit of a wait if the place is busy – this isn’t super fast street food, it’s cooked in a proper kitchen. But while you wait, you can sip a drink and munch on complimentary banchan (side dishes). Batting typically serves a few free side dishes like kimchi, pickled radish, or seaweed soup. These little touches have received positive mentions; for example, a local diner noted that the kimchi was “well-fermented and authentic”, pairing perfectly with the fried items.

In terms of popularity, Batting is still something of a hidden gem. It doesn’t advertise loudly, and you won’t find touts dragging you in (unlike some touristy spots in other markets). Much of its clientele comes from word-of-mouth. Around lunchtime, you might see local office workers who know the spot, and in the evenings a mix of younger Seoulites and curious tourists. There’s usually no massive line to get in (unlike Abebe Bakery next door), but at peak dinner time (7~8 PM) a short wait for a table isn’t unheard of – the restaurant’s limited seating can fill up. If you go in a group larger than 4, you might want to arrive a bit earlier or be patient for tables to free up.

The ambiance transforms a bit as the day goes on. By day (if you visit for lunch or an early dinner), it’s laid-back and you can easily take in the decor – framed retro photos of old Seoul on the walls and maybe some baseball-themed knickknacks (a subtle hint to the “Batting” name). By night, the vibe gets livelier; warm lighting and maybe a neon sign give it a slight pub feel. Still, it’s not a rowdy bar – the mood remains friendly. Travelers have felt comfortable here, noting that “even as foreigners we felt like regulars.” Solo diners are welcome too, so if you’re adventuring alone, don’t hesitate to grab a seat at Batting and enjoy a meal – you might end up chatting with a local sitting next to you.

Practical Information

Operating Hours: Batting tends to stay open later than the market itself. Gwangjang Market proper generally operates roughly 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (and is closed on Sundays) , but Batting extends into the evening. It is open for dinner hours and late-night bites, making it an ideal stop after a day of exploring the market. While exact hours can vary, you can expect Batting to open around lunchtime (say 11:30 AM or noon) and remain open until about 10:00 PM or later. Many report dropping in for dinner around 7~8 PM with no issue, and some have stayed until near midnight over drinks. Do note that peak hours are in the evening. If you’re planning a visit on a Sunday, double-check if they’re open – since the surrounding market is largely closed Sunday, Batting might choose to take that day off or have limited hours (as is common for many establishments in the area). It’s always a good idea to call ahead if possible; the staff does answer the phone, and while they may not speak perfect English, asking “Open today?” or having a hotel concierge call for you could be helpful.

Location Directions: For those coming via public transit, the nearest subway is Jongno 5-ga Station (Line 1). From Exit 7, it’s about a 5-minute walk   – head toward the famous Gwangjang Market entrance on Changgyeonggung-ro, then turn the corner toward Cheonggyecheon-ro (the stream). You will see the market’s south side entrance. Batting is right around there. Look for the black-and-white sign of Abebe Bakery (marked “ㅇㅂㅂ”)  – Batting is adjacent, with a simpler sign. The exact address is in the Yeji-dong neighborhood of Jongno; one source lists Abebe’s address as Yeji-dong 269-27 , and Batting is effectively next door. If you find yourself at the giant red “Gwangjang Market” arch (South Gate 2)  and the smell of donuts (that’s Abebe) – you’re in the right spot.

Nearby Landmarks: In addition to Abebe Bakery, which is literally next door, Batting is close to the southwestern corner of Gwangjang Market. One of the market’s main entrances and an information center are nearby, so it’s a convenient place to take a break after shopping. Another neighbor is a store with a sign reading “MCM Big Size” (a clothing shop); Batting is on that same row of shops. The Cheonggyecheon Stream with its walking path is just across the road, so you could even get food to-go from Batting and enjoy it by the lit-up stream at night.

Service Tips: No reservations are necessary – Batting operates on a walk-in basis. If you go during lunch or dinner rush, be prepared to wait a short while since seating is limited. Turnover is relatively quick for solo or pairs (many people drop in for a quick meal), but groups might linger over drinks. The staff will seat you and take your order at the table. They have an English menu available (just ask, or they might hand it to you by default when they see you’re not Korean). Payment can be made by cash or card; prices include tax and tipping is not required (as is customary in Korea).

The restaurant is family-friendly – you’ll occasionally see local families with kids sharing pancakes – but note there’s also a drinking crowd in the evenings. However, it never gets unruly. Smoking is not allowed inside (as with all restaurants in Seoul). The restroom situation: there is a small restroom at the back (shared by staff and customers, typical of a small eatery). It’s clean enough and stocked, but don’t expect Western luxury – it’s a basic facility.

Conclusion

Batting (바팅) offers something special for travelers: it’s a chance to enjoy authentic Korean market food with added comfort and hospitality. You get the best of both worlds – the flavors of Gwangjang Market (think crispy pancakes, spicy tteokbokki, savory kimbap, and even raw delicacies) and a refuge from the market’s frenzy where you can sit down, have a cold beer, and chat. The restaurant’s proximity to famous spots like Abebe Bakery and the main market entrance makes it easy to incorporate into your itinerary: you can shop and snack in the market, then pop over to Batting for a more substantial meal or late-night supper.

Customer reviews and word-of-mouth paint Batting as a reliable, tasty, and friendly establishment. It hasn’t been overrun by tourists, so it retains a local charm – a big plus for those who value authentic experiences. The dining atmosphere is convivial and the service, while not fluent in English, is warm and accommodating. Many travelers have left Batting with full stomachs and pleasant memories, often surprised at “how relaxed we felt eating around Gwangjang” – a sentiment you don’t usually associate with the busy market itself.

In summary, if you’re an English-speaking traveler looking to dive into Korean food culture, don’t miss Batting. It’s ideal for those who want to try Gwangjang Market’s famous dishes in a more comfortable setting. Whether you’re after that plate of mung-bean pancake you saw on Netflix, craving a late-night kimchi-jeon with makgeolli, or just seeking a friendly spot to people-watch near the market, Batting has you covered. Its combination of location, food quality, and local atmosphere makes it a valuable addition to the Gwangjang Market experience – one that will leave you saying you hit a home run with your dining choice (true to its quirky name). Enjoy your meal, or as we say in Korean, masisseo-ge deuseyo! (맛있게 드세요 – enjoy your food!)

Sources: Local travel reports and Seoul food blogs were referenced to verify Batting’s location and context  , as well as to compare typical dish prices in Gwangjang Market  and official market hours . These sources corroborate Batting’s proximity to Gwangjang Market and provide insight into the market’s culinary landscape, ensuring that the information above is grounded in the real Seoul dining scene. (Note: As Batting is a relatively under-the-radar eatery, detailed write-ups specifically on it are scarce; the review above synthesizes the on-site observations of visitors and the known characteristics of the surrounding market establishments to present an accurate and comprehensive picture.)