Every Saturday and Sunday a magical thing happens in Kaohsiung. Vendors, gamblers, animals, penny-pinchers, spendthrifts, perverts, hoarders, and expats alike, flock to a slab of pavement with only a tin roof for cover.
And for what reason?
To experience the twisted, yet brilliant world of The Junk Market.
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the Land of the Junk Market. Much like carnies, Renaissance Festival workers, Republicans, and Jehova’s Witnesses, these vendors have their own set of norms and social graces.
This is their terrain, so once you enter, be willing to forgo all expectations and control. Furthermore, be prepared to witness strange things like dildos, rubber vaginas, heady crystals, hipster cameras, cock fights, gambling rings, exotic animals, and the most shocking of all: cassette and VHS tapes.
Since moving to Taiwan, I have acquired a new Golden Rule: if in need, go to the Junk Market. And if you can’t find it there, chances are, it doesn’t exist.
Trinkets to be found:
You want ___________? The junk market’s got it.
Swords, Knifes, and Machetes
Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Goods
Crystals
Creepy Dolls? Check.
Sexy underwear? Oh yeah.
Puppies!
Vietnamese Coffee? The best in town. $40NT
Tea eggs, duck blood, and whatever else this lady threw in the pot.
Life Aquatic
Taiwanese Spring Onion Cake 葱油饼 My favorite street food in Taiwan so far, and this guy makes the best. $30NT
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Directions:
Kaohsiung’s Junk Market used to be located on the corner of Shiquan 3rd Rd and Zhonghua Rd. Click HERE for a map. However, it has recently changed location to Kaixuan 4th road no 758.
Nomad Notions 
isnt that Spring onion cake called Jian Bing or dian bing or something like that? miss that stuff.
Not sure how the Chinese name is pronounced, but that doesn’t stop me from eating it 😉 So delicious. Up there with the red bean cake pastries. I get the ones with the cream fillings though…as for snake’s blood, still haven’t tried it
Sounds Like a Great Adventure! We love you Jenna.
What day the flea market will be held? during the weekend?
Ah saturday n sunday! okay i got it
The market’s location is BEHIND the NIGHT Market on 758 Kaixuan 4th road. Great find!
Awesome! Thanks for the details on the new location! 🙂