EAT LIKE A LOCAL: THE UNIQUE EXPERIENCE OF TONGIN MARKET
- Elena-Daniela Sandu
- Sep 23
- 3 min read
Nestled just west of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul’s Seochon neighbourhood, Tongin Market (통인시장) offers a charming blend of history, food, and modern creativity.
The unique dosirak-style lunchbox is the most beloved and popular product here, which is an experience that allows visitors to “pay like royalty” with vintage brass coins and build their own meals.
1. A GLIMPSE INTO HISTORY
Founded in June 1941 to serve Japanese residents near Hyoja-dong, Tongin Market transformed over the decades into a thriving centre for Korean street vendors after the Korean War. Later in 2010, Tongin Market was designated one of Seoul’s official “Culture Markets”.
In 2011, the market introduced the iconic “yeopjeon” (brass coin) lunchbox system to attract new visitors.
2. THE LUNCHBOX EXPERIENCE
Tongin Market comprises around 75-80 shops, most of which serve food and textiles. The Dosirak Cafe, with its lunchbox experience, is the culinary star of Tongin.
For ₩5.000, you receive 10 brass coins (yeopjeon) and a six-section lunchbox to fill from participating vendors. Each dish costs just 1-3 coins, so the price is cheap for a lot of high-quality food. If you are left with unused coins, know that they are refundable, so you can get all the money back if you don’t use all the brass coins that you purchase.
Popular foods at Tongin Market include pan-fried tteokbokki, grilled short rib patties, kimchi pajeon, japchae, dakkochi (chicken skewers), and many more.
3. WHAT ELSE TO EXPLORE
Tongin Market maintained its character as a neighbourhood market popular not only with locals, but also with tourists. Vendors sell not only delicious food, but household goods, textiles, and clothing, too. When you go shopping at Tongin, you’ll notice that the alley layout is modest and walkable, with a preserved, authentic style and a slightly retro market vibe.
The Coin & Lunchbox Cafe (2F and 3F of Customer Service Centre) offers seating, utensils, and extras like rice or soup for a coin or cash.
4. THE MARKET EXPERIENCE
Wandering through Tongin feels like stepping back in time due to the old-fashioned appearance of the market. The delicious smells coming from grills and pans mingle with the hum of local vendors. The coin-based lunchbox activity is playful, memorable and perfect for families and groups.
The market’s smaller size is cozy rather than overwhelming, so it can become an intimate space for regulars who frequently visit Tongin.
Compared to larger markets like Gwangjang, Tongin is less chaotic and more approachable.
5. PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 18 Jahamun-ro 15-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (종로구 자하문로15길 18)
OPENING HOURS:
Market: 07 AM-9 PM daily
Dosirak Cafe: 11 AM-3 PM (weekdays) / 11:00-16:00 (weekends) / closed Mondays and third Sunday
TRANSPORT: Walk (~5-10 mins) from Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3, Exit 2) or Jahamun Station (Line 3)
TIPS FOR FOREIGNERS:
Use cash for brass coins, and spend them only at stalls marked with the cafe's sign.
Refunds are available for unused coins.
Plan your dosirak early because some food stalls run out of favourites midday.
Don’t expect huge crowds because Tongin is quieter and easier to navigate than larger markets.
Sharing coin trays with picky eaters allows everyone to try a variety of flavours affordably.
With its creative yeopjeon format, retro charm, and delicious traditional dishes, Tongin Market offers a delightful and less-visited alternative to Seoul’s larger market scenes.
Whether you're crafting your own lunchbox adventure or simply exploring local shops, it offers a glimpse of history, flavour, and a fun, wallet-friendly way to explore Korean cuisine.
Would you pick your lunch with coins at Tongin Market on your next trip?