@london_content_media: Under a blazing bank holiday sun, the queues at Granary Square stretched far beyond what anyone expected. By midday, people were already settling in for a wait that would stretch to nearly four hours—just for a taste of Korean street food. The cause of the frenzy? The debut of the JUNG Festival, a Korean food market taking over the nearby Canopy Market from May 1 to May 4, 2026. The free-entry event has drawn massive crowds eager to explore a vibrant lineup of more than 20 traders serving everything from fried chicken to tteokbokki and hotteok. Heat, Hype, and Hunger With temperatures climbing and shade in short supply, festivalgoers stood shoulder to shoulder, fanning themselves with menus and water bottles. But no one seemed willing to give up their place. The mood was sweaty—but determined. “I’ve already waited two hours,” one attendee said, clutching a bottle of iced tea. “I’m not leaving without Korean fried chicken.” The atmosphere felt less like a typical London market and more like a pop-up slice of Seoul—loud, colourful, and buzzing with anticipation. The promise of authentic flavours, rarely found all in one place in London, kept spirits high despite the heat. A Festival Built on “Jeong” The event celebrates the Korean concept of jeong—a sense of warmth and connection formed through sharing food. And that idea was visible everywhere: groups of friends chatting in line, strangers comparing menus, and families planning their orders long before reaching the front. Organisers brought together a wide range of vendors and independent brands to showcase Korean cuisine beyond the usual staples, aiming to highlight its depth and creativity. Worth the Wait? For many, the answer was yes. As people finally reached the stalls, trays piled high with crispy chicken, spicy rice cakes, and sweet pancakes emerged like trophies after a long battle. Some even rejoined the queue for round two. “It’s chaos,” another visitor laughed, “but it’s the good kind.” Not Over Yet If today’s crowds are anything to go by, the rush is far from finished. The festival continues tomorrow and Monday, running from late morning into the early evening, giving anyone who missed out—or couldn’t face the queues—another chance to dive in. But one thing is certain: if you’re planning to go, bring sunscreen, patience—and a serious appetite. #KingsCross #GranarySquare #LondonFoodScene #KoreanStreetFood #FoodFestivalLondon

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Saturday 02 May 2026 23:25:36 GMT