π️ Spot #15: Discover Tongin Market: The Ultimate Guide to Seoul’s Unique Coin Lunch Market
If you are planning a trip to Seoul and want to experience something beyond the typical tourist spots, Tongin Market (ν΅μΈμμ₯) should be at the top of your itinerary. Located just west of Gyeongbokgung Palace, this historic traditional market offers a unique, interactive culinary adventure that you won't find anywhere else in South Korea.
Here is everything you need to know about visiting Tongin Market, from its famous "coin lunchbox" to essential travel tips.
Established in 1941 for local residents during the Japanese colonial period, Tongin Market has transformed into a bustling cultural hub. While it retains the nostalgic charm of a traditional Korean market (tradi-market), its main draw today is the Dosirak Cafe (Lunchbox Cafe), a brilliant concept introduced in 2012 to revitalize the market.
Instead of paying with modern currency or credit cards, visitors use traditional brass coins called Yeopjeon (μ½μ )—reminiscent of currency used during the Joseon Dynasty—to buy bite-sized portions of authentic Korean street food.
Participating in the coin lunchbox experience is simple, budget-friendly, and incredibly fun. Follow these step-by-step instructions:
Step 1 -Buy Your Coins Head to the Dosirak Cafe Customer Center (located in the middle of the market). You can purchase a bundle of 10 brass coins for 5,000 KRW (approx. $3.80 USD). You will also receive an empty plastic lunchbox tray.
While wandering through the stalls, make sure to save room for these signature dishes:
Gireum Tteokbokki (κΈ°λ¦λ‘λ³Άμ΄): This is Tongin Market's ultimate signature dish. Unlike the standard sweet and spicy tteokbokki served in thick sauce, this version consists of chewy rice cakes stir-fried in hot oil with either a savory soy sauce or a spicy chili powder blend.
Mayak Gimbap (λ§μ½κΉλ°₯): Literally translated to "narcotic gimbap" because they are addictively delicious. These mini seaweed rice rolls are filled with carrots and pickled radish, dipped in a sharp mustard sauce.
Jeon (μ ): Korean savory pancakes. Try the pajeon (scallion pancake) or kimchijeon (kimchi pancake), freshly fried on flat griddles.
Tteokgalbi (λ‘κ°λΉ): Juicy, grilled minced beef short rib patties that perfectly balance sweet and savory flavors.
Market Hours: 07:00 AM – 09:00 PM daily (Individual vendor hours vary).
Dosirak Cafe Hours: 11:00 AM – 04:00 PM (Coins are sold until 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM depending on crowds).
Closed: The Dosirak Cafe is closed on Mondays and the third Sunday of every month.
π Location & How to Get There
Address: 18, Jahamun-ro 15-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (μμΈνΉλ³μ μ’ λ‘ꡬ μνλ¬Έλ‘15κΈΈ 18)
By Subway: Take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station. Take Exit 2 and walk straight for about 500 meters (approx. 7–10 minutes). The market entrance will be on your left.
Infopick's Tips for Travel
Combine with Gyeongbokgung Palace: The market is highly accessible from Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Seochon Village neighborhood. It makes for the perfect lunch stop after a morning of sightseeing.
π Refer to π️ Spot #1 Gyeongbokgung Palace
Bring Cash: While the coin booth accepts credit cards, it is always recommended to have cash on hand for vendors that do not participate in the cafe program or for small dessert purchases.
Arrive Early: The Dosirak Cafe is immensely popular with locals and students. Arriving around 11:30 AM helps you beat the peak lunch rush and avoids the risk of popular foods running out.
Infopick's Bonus!
1. Yeopjeon (Brass Coins) Stall
This is the starting point of the famous Tongin Market experience. Here, you can exchange your money for traditional Korean brass coins called Yeopjeon. Along with the coins, you will receive a plastic lunchbox tray to collect your food as you explore the market.
2. Doshirak Cafe (Lunchbox Cafe)
Once you have purchased various food items from participating vendors using your Yeopjeon, you can bring your filled tray to this designated seating area. The cafe sells rice and soup to complete your custom lunchbox, making it a unique and interactive dining experience.
3. Oil Tteokbokki (Gireum Tteokbokki)
Unlike the more common soupy version, this shop specializes in a unique style of Tteokbokki (rice cakes) stir-fried in oil with either a savory soy sauce or a spicy chili powder seasoning. It is one of the most famous and historic signature dishes of Tongin Market.
4. Hyoja-dong Dak-kkochi (Chicken Skewers)
A popular street food stall known for its thick, grilled chicken skewers. The skewers are seasoned with various flavorful sauces and toppings, offering a savory and satisfying snack as you walk through the market alleys.
5. Cafe Jeong
A traditional Korean tea house located within the market area. It provides a peaceful atmosphere where visitors can rest and enjoy a selection of traditional Korean teas, refreshments, and snacks.
6. Mom's Gimbap
A classic market stall offering freshly rolled Gimbap (rice, vegetables, and meat wrapped in seaweed). It is a staple Korean comfort food that pairs perfectly with the spicy elements of the market's street food.
2. Jongno-gu District Office: Official operational schedules, location mapping, and standard closures for the Dosirak Cafe initiative.
3. Korea Tourism Organization (KTO): Statistical and logistical verified data for international travelers regarding subway routes and pricing models for the Yeopjeon currency system.
Here is everything you need to know about visiting Tongin Market, from its famous "coin lunchbox" to essential travel tips.
1. What Makes Tongin Market Special?
Established in 1941 for local residents during the Japanese colonial period, Tongin Market has transformed into a bustling cultural hub. While it retains the nostalgic charm of a traditional Korean market (tradi-market), its main draw today is the Dosirak Cafe (Lunchbox Cafe), a brilliant concept introduced in 2012 to revitalize the market.
Instead of paying with modern currency or credit cards, visitors use traditional brass coins called Yeopjeon (μ½μ )—reminiscent of currency used during the Joseon Dynasty—to buy bite-sized portions of authentic Korean street food.
2. How to Use the Tongin Market Coin Lunchbox (Dosirak Cafe)
Participating in the coin lunchbox experience is simple, budget-friendly, and incredibly fun. Follow these step-by-step instructions:
Step 1 -Buy Your Coins Head to the Dosirak Cafe Customer Center (located in the middle of the market). You can purchase a bundle of 10 brass coins for 5,000 KRW (approx. $3.80 USD). You will also receive an empty plastic lunchbox tray.
π
Step 2 - Explore and Fill Walk down the market alley. Look for vendors displaying a small sign that says they accept the lunchbox coins. Most dishes cost between 1 to 3 coins.π
Step 3 -Dine Comfortably Once your tray is full, return to the Customer Center. The 2nd and 3rd floors offer seating, where you can buy rice and soup for 2 coins (or 1,000 KRW each) to complete your meal.3. Must-Try Foods at Tongin Market
While wandering through the stalls, make sure to save room for these signature dishes:
Gireum Tteokbokki (κΈ°λ¦λ‘λ³Άμ΄): This is Tongin Market's ultimate signature dish. Unlike the standard sweet and spicy tteokbokki served in thick sauce, this version consists of chewy rice cakes stir-fried in hot oil with either a savory soy sauce or a spicy chili powder blend.
Mayak Gimbap (λ§μ½κΉλ°₯): Literally translated to "narcotic gimbap" because they are addictively delicious. These mini seaweed rice rolls are filled with carrots and pickled radish, dipped in a sharp mustard sauce.
Jeon (μ ): Korean savory pancakes. Try the pajeon (scallion pancake) or kimchijeon (kimchi pancake), freshly fried on flat griddles.
Tteokgalbi (λ‘κ°λΉ): Juicy, grilled minced beef short rib patties that perfectly balance sweet and savory flavors.
4. Essential Travel Information
⏱️ Operating HoursMarket Hours: 07:00 AM – 09:00 PM daily (Individual vendor hours vary).
Dosirak Cafe Hours: 11:00 AM – 04:00 PM (Coins are sold until 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM depending on crowds).
Closed: The Dosirak Cafe is closed on Mondays and the third Sunday of every month.
π Location & How to Get There
Address: 18, Jahamun-ro 15-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (μμΈνΉλ³μ μ’ λ‘ꡬ μνλ¬Έλ‘15κΈΈ 18)
By Subway: Take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station. Take Exit 2 and walk straight for about 500 meters (approx. 7–10 minutes). The market entrance will be on your left.
Infopick's Tips for Travel
Combine with Gyeongbokgung Palace: The market is highly accessible from Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Seochon Village neighborhood. It makes for the perfect lunch stop after a morning of sightseeing.
π Refer to π️ Spot #1 Gyeongbokgung Palace
Bring Cash: While the coin booth accepts credit cards, it is always recommended to have cash on hand for vendors that do not participate in the cafe program or for small dessert purchases.
Arrive Early: The Dosirak Cafe is immensely popular with locals and students. Arriving around 11:30 AM helps you beat the peak lunch rush and avoids the risk of popular foods running out.
Infopick's Bonus!
1. Yeopjeon (Brass Coins) Stall
This is the starting point of the famous Tongin Market experience. Here, you can exchange your money for traditional Korean brass coins called Yeopjeon. Along with the coins, you will receive a plastic lunchbox tray to collect your food as you explore the market.
2. Doshirak Cafe (Lunchbox Cafe)
Once you have purchased various food items from participating vendors using your Yeopjeon, you can bring your filled tray to this designated seating area. The cafe sells rice and soup to complete your custom lunchbox, making it a unique and interactive dining experience.
3. Oil Tteokbokki (Gireum Tteokbokki)
Unlike the more common soupy version, this shop specializes in a unique style of Tteokbokki (rice cakes) stir-fried in oil with either a savory soy sauce or a spicy chili powder seasoning. It is one of the most famous and historic signature dishes of Tongin Market.
4. Hyoja-dong Dak-kkochi (Chicken Skewers)
A popular street food stall known for its thick, grilled chicken skewers. The skewers are seasoned with various flavorful sauces and toppings, offering a savory and satisfying snack as you walk through the market alleys.
5. Cafe Jeong
A traditional Korean tea house located within the market area. It provides a peaceful atmosphere where visitors can rest and enjoy a selection of traditional Korean teas, refreshments, and snacks.
6. Mom's Gimbap
A classic market stall offering freshly rolled Gimbap (rice, vegetables, and meat wrapped in seaweed). It is a staple Korean comfort food that pairs perfectly with the spicy elements of the market's street food.
References
1. Seoul Metropolitan Government (Seoul Tourism Organization): Historical data regarding the 1941 establishment of Tongin Market and official visitor logistics.2. Jongno-gu District Office: Official operational schedules, location mapping, and standard closures for the Dosirak Cafe initiative.
3. Korea Tourism Organization (KTO): Statistical and logistical verified data for international travelers regarding subway routes and pricing models for the Yeopjeon currency system.
