​Tongin Market, also known as Dosirak (Lunchbox) Cafe and Yeopjeon Market. I've wanted to go there several times but never had the opportunity. On the day I went to the adjacent Gyeongbokgung Palace, I also happened to stop by the Tongin Market.

It's only a 10-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Metro Station (Line 3), but I drove to the Singyo public parking lot close to Tongin Market. Every 10 minutes costs 300 Korean Won. Private parking lots are also available in the area.

 

Tongin Market Seoul

Compared to other traditional marketplaces, Tongin Market in Seochon Village is more compact.

It had a charming vibe, it also seemed more peaceful than other places.

The smell of the numerous Banchan (side dishes) as I entered the market made my mouth water. Getting a few tasty banchan from here, such as kimchi made with perilla leaves, would be a great idea.

​The first eatery to stop me for food was the Gileum-Tteokbokki stand near the market's entrance.

 

Gileum-Tteokbokki

​A mixture of rice cakes and red pepper powder was fried in oil. This oily Tteokbokki didn't taste as good as the original spicy Tteokbokki, but it could just be because I'm used to the original one.​

Several people were trying it at another Gileum-tteokbokki restaurant next door.

 

Hyoja-dong Dak-kkochi (chicken skewers)

Hyoja-dong chicken skewers halted me once more just next to the Gileum-tteok-book restaurant.

We tried two preparations—one with salt and one with wine cheese—and I was most impressed by the wine cheese one.

 

Customer Center

Yeopjeon, an old Korean brass coin with a square cut out used during the Joseon dynasty, can be exchanged from the customer service center and used to purchase a Dosirak (lunch box).

​Unfortunately, I was too late to exchange the Yeopjeon. Please note it has different hours on the weekdays than they do on the weekends.

This sign can be found in front of Dosirak Café member stores where Yeopjeon can be used to purchase food.

 

Ssam Gujeolpan (traditional wrap)

We stopped by the Ssam Gujeolpan (a traditional Korean dish made up of nine different dishes) stand for our third stop.

The Ssam with a variety of vegetables was refreshing, and it made me feel like I was eating something entirely natural.

 

Bugak (crispy fried seaweed chips)

Nearing the market's exit, I found a stall selling the traditional Bugak (crispy fried seaweed chips).

A shop selling Gimbap (seaweed roll) and Dakgangjeong (sweet crispy fried chicken) was also there. But I'd reached my limit and couldn't eat anymore.

Going through the market and emerging on the other side will bring you to Seochon village. It was pleasant to observe the locals enjoying their market finds together in the pavilion.

If you find yourself around Gyeongbokgung Palace or Seochon Village, I highly recommend stopping by this traditional market.

 

Address : 18 Jahamun-ro 15-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul OPEN GOOGLE MAP

Phone : +82-2-722-0911

Operation Hours : Monday-Sunday : 07:00 - 21:00 (Dosirak cafe : 11:00 - 16:00)

Instagram : Click for more images

 

Source : https://blog.naver.com/tourandstory/223056509054

Writer : tourandstory

Special thanks to tourandstory

 

tongin market seoul sechon gyeongbokgung