Tongin Market is one of Seoul’s most unique traditional markets, known for its Lunchbox Café where you can buy Korean street food with old-style brass coins (yeopjeon).

• Founded in 1941 during Japanese occupation, it was originally built for Japanese residents.

• After the Korean War, it became a community hub for Korean street vendors.

• Today, it has about 75 stalls, selling everything from home-cooked side dishes to fresh produce and fruit.

Location details

• Address: 18, Jahamun-ro 15-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 자하문로15길 18)

• Naver map: https://naver.me/xs3GxpjH

• Subway: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3, Exit 2). 10 min walk.

• Hours: Market stores: 7:00 – 21:00 (varies by stall)

• Lunchbox Café: 11:00 – 15:00 (Mon–Fri) / until 16:00 (Sat–Sun, public holidays)

  • Closed Tuesdays & every 3rd Sunday

• Admission: Free to enter

• tonginmarket.modoo.at

Must do

The highlight of Tongin Market is making your own custom lunchbox.

How it works:

1. Go to the 2F Lunchbox Café → buy a set of brass coins (₩500 each). A typical set is 20 coins (₩10,000).

2. You’ll get an empty lunchbox tray. Walk around the market and pay for food at participating stalls (look for the “Lunchbox Café” sign).

   • Most dishes = 2–4 coins.

   • Popular options: tteokbokki, fried chicken, dumplings, pancakes, japchae, gimbap, braised dishes, and side dishes.

3. Return to the café (2F or 3F) to sit down, grab utensils, and eat. Beverages available for purchase.

💡 Tip: If you run out of coins, you can pay cash at most stalls. Unused coins can be refunded.