Tongin Market Seoul
Tongin Market: A Seoul foodie haven where you build your own traditional Korean lunchbox with coins!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Tongin Market Seoul
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tongin Market: A Seoul foodie haven where you build your own traditional Korean lunchbox with coins!
"Build your own delicious Korean lunchbox with traditional coins at Tongin Market!"
Bring Cash for Coins
You'll need cash to buy the traditional coins for your lunchbox. ATMs might be scarce nearby! :moneywithwings:
Coins for Food
Purchase coins on the 2nd floor to 'buy' your food from various stalls. It's a fun treasure hunt for your meal! :coin:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
DIY Lunchbox Experience
2nd Floor Doshirak Cafe
Fill your tray with a variety of delicious Korean street foods using traditional coins. A truly interactive and tasty adventure!
Oil Tteokbokki
Various Stalls
Don't miss the signature oil-fried tteokbokki, a savory and slightly spicy delight that's a Tongin Market specialty.
Crispy Hotteok
Various Stalls
Indulge in sweet, crispy, and gooey hotteok, a perfect traditional Korean pancake dessert.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Coin System
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash for Coins
You'll need cash to buy the traditional coins for your lunchbox. ATMs might be scarce nearby! :moneywithwings:
Coins for Food
Purchase coins on the 2nd floor to 'buy' your food from various stalls. It's a fun treasure hunt for your meal! :coin:
Explore Beyond Tteokbokki
Try japchae, jeon, and other banchan. Don't limit yourself to just one dish! :platewithstraw:
Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring the market's many stalls. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash for Coins
You'll need cash to buy the traditional coins for your lunchbox. ATMs might be scarce nearby! :moneywithwings:
Coins for Food
Purchase coins on the 2nd floor to 'buy' your food from various stalls. It's a fun treasure hunt for your meal! :coin:
Explore Beyond Tteokbokki
Try japchae, jeon, and other banchan. Don't limit yourself to just one dish! :platewithstraw:
Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring the market's many stalls. :athletic_shoe:
Check Opening Hours
Closed Tuesdays and the third Sunday. Plan your visit accordingly! :calendar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tongin Market is celebrated for its unique and interactive lunchbox system, offering a delicious and affordable way to sample a wide variety of traditional Korean street foods. Visitors love the ability to customize their meals and the authentic flavors. Some find the market can get quite crowded, and navigating the coin system for the first time might require a little attention.
"Not sure if we have completed the whole market but we managed to walk through one lane, which is peppered with small coffee stands, and some local street snack stands. Nothing really exciting or unique here."
Foong Yee Loh
"This is a tourist spot in Seoul. If you want to buy something here, you need to convert currency into old tokens and use them for shopping inside the market. It is a cute way to maintain the originality of the old days.
In terms of food stalls, you have lots of variety, however, if you are squeamish like me, this is a hard pass!"
Hugo Pedro-Martins
"Tongin Market is a well-known tourist attraction in Seoul, famous for its unique approach of using traditional tokens to purchase food from various vendors. The concept of these old-fashioned tokens is intriguing and adds a nostalgic charm to the experience. However, I found it to be more of a novelty than a practical feature.
When I visited around 3 PM, I was disappointed to discover that many shops were already closed, which significantly limited the options available. This early closure makes it less convenient for visitors who may not arrive in the morning or early afternoon. Additionally, navigating the market and using the tokens can feel cumbersome, especially for first-time visitors who may not be familiar with the system."
Wesley Wong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tongin Market is conveniently located west of Gyeongbokgung Palace. The closest subway station is Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), about a 10-15 minute walk away. Many visitors combine a trip to the palace with a visit to the market.
Yes, Tongin Market is easily accessible by Seoul's efficient subway system. Gyeongbokgung Station is the most common station to alight at, followed by a pleasant walk through the neighborhood.
From Myeongdong, you can take the subway. Head to Myeongdong Station (Line 4), transfer to Line 3 at Chungmuro Station, and alight at Gyeongbokgung Station. From there, it's a short walk.
Parking can be challenging in this busy area. It's highly recommended to use public transportation to reach Tongin Market to avoid parking hassles.
Absolutely! Tongin Market is a short and pleasant walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace, making it an ideal stop after exploring the palace grounds.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The unique Tongin Market lunchbox system allows you to create your own meal. On the 2nd floor, purchase an empty tray and a bag of traditional coins (yeopjeon) from the Doshirak Cafe. Then, use these coins to 'buy' small portions of food from various participating stalls. 
A tray and approximately 10 coins typically cost around 7,000 to 10,000 KRW (Korean Won). The exact price can vary slightly, but it's a very affordable way to sample many dishes.
No, there's no admission fee to enter Tongin Market itself. You only pay for the food you choose to eat, and the coins for the lunchbox system.
Tongin Market is generally open from 11 AM to 3 PM on weekdays and 11 AM to 4 PM on weekends. It is closed every Tuesday and the third Sunday of the month.
While some larger establishments might accept cards, it's best to bring cash, especially for purchasing the coins for the lunchbox system and for smaller food stalls.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The signature dish is the oil-fried tteokbokki (tteokbokki bokkeum). Also, look out for japchae (glass noodles), various jeon (savory pancakes), and sweet hotteok (pancakes).
Tongin Market is known for its affordability. The coin system allows you to sample many dishes without breaking the bank, making it a budget-friendly foodie destination.
Yes, there are seating areas available, especially on the second floor near the Doshirak Cafe, where you can enjoy your custom-made lunchbox.
While many dishes are meat-based, you can find vegetarian options like japchae, various types of jeon (pancakes), and some vegetable side dishes. It's always good to ask if unsure.
Yeopjeon are the traditional copper coins used at Tongin Market to purchase food items for your lunchbox. They are a nod to the market's history.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, Tongin Market offers vibrant photo opportunities with its colorful food stalls, the unique lunchbox setup, and the bustling market atmosphere.
Capture the colorful array of food in your lunchbox, the vendors preparing dishes, and the lively interactions between shoppers and sellers. The Doshirak Cafe area is also great for showing the coin system.
It's generally polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their stalls. Most are friendly and happy to oblige.
Late morning to early afternoon offers good natural light. The market is busiest during lunchtime, which can add to the dynamic feel of your photos.
There are no major restrictions, but always be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways. Respect the privacy of individuals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The market is generally safe and easy to navigate, though it can get crowded during peak hours. Consider visiting on a weekday afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds. Look for kid-friendly options like tteokbokki (you can often ask for less spicy versions), kimbap (seaweed rice rolls), and sweet hotteok (pancakes).
There are seating areas available on the second floor where you can comfortably enjoy your customized lunchboxes. Remember to bring cash for the coins, as this is the easiest way to manage purchases with children. 💰 Budget Travelers
For around 7,000-10,000 KRW, you can assemble a substantial and varied meal. Beyond the lunchbox, many individual stalls offer affordable snacks and treats. It's a fantastic place to experience the local culinary scene without overspending. Remember to bring cash, as many smaller vendors and the coin purchase point operate on a cash-only basis.
🍜 Food Enthusiasts
Don't miss the oil-fried tteokbokki, a unique preparation that sets Tongin apart from other markets. +1 Explore the diverse offerings, from savory jeon and flavorful japchae to sweet hotteok for dessert. Engage with the vendors, many of whom have been perfecting their recipes for years. This is your chance to taste authentic flavors that might be harder to find elsewhere. The market's historical context, with its use of traditional coins, adds an extra layer of appreciation for the culinary heritage.
+1 Come hungry and ready to explore the rich tapestry of Korean street food. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Tongin Market Lunchbox System: A Culinary Adventure
+1This system not only provides a delicious meal but also offers a glimpse into historical Korean currency and market culture. The variety of food available is impressive, ranging from savory tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and japchae (glass noodles) to various jeon (savory pancakes) and banchan (side dishes). The oil-fried tteokbokki, in particular, is a Tongin Market specialty that many visitors rave about.
+1 Remember to bring cash, as the coins are purchased with physical currency. Beyond the lunchbox experience, Tongin Market also features traditional shops selling textiles, crafts, and other goods. While the food is the main draw for many, taking a moment to browse these stalls adds another layer to your visit. The market's proximity to Gyeongbokgung Palace makes it an ideal stop for a flavorful and culturally rich lunch after a morning of sightseeing.
Navigating Tongin Market: Tips for a Smooth Visit
Weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded than weekends or peak lunch hours, offering a more relaxed atmosphere for exploring the food stalls and making your coin selections. When you arrive, head directly to the second floor to find the Doshirak Cafe where you can purchase your tray and coins.
Have cash ready, as this is the primary method of payment for the coins. Beyond the food, Tongin Market offers a vibrant sensory experience. The sights, sounds, and smells of the bustling market are captivating. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit