Tongin Traditional Market
Tongin Market is famous for its unique "yeopjeon dosirak" (coin lunchbox) experience, a modern twist on traditional market dining. Purchase brass coins (yeopjeon) for ₩5,000-₩10,000, receive a plastic lunchbox, and exchange coins at various food stalls to create your own custom Korean meal. Each coin is worth ₩500, allowing you to sample small portions from multiple vendors.
Tongin Traditional Market
Tongin Market is famous for its unique "yeopjeon dosirak" (coin lunchbox) experience, a modern twist on traditional market dining. Purchase brass coins (yeopjeon) for ₩5,000-₩10,000, receive a plastic lunchbox, and exchange coins at various food stalls to create your own custom Korean meal. Each coin is worth ₩500, allowing you to sample small portions from multiple vendors.
This traditional market successfully modernized through cultural projects, weekend events, band performances, and movie screenings, becoming one of South Korea's top 20 markets. The dosirak cafe concept has made it especially popular with younger generations and international visitors seeking an authentic, hands-on Korean market experience.
Location
18 Jahamun-ro 15-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
5-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) Exit 2. The market operates 07:00-21:00, with dosirak cafe hours from 11:00-17:00. Closed Tuesdays and the third Sunday of each month.
How to Use: Visit the Dosirak Cafe inside the market, purchase yeopjeon coins (minimum 10 coins), and explore the stalls to build your perfect lunch. Popular items include Korean pancakes, kimbap, tteokbokki, fried foods, and various banchan (side dishes).
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