Planning a family trip to Tongin Market Seoul? This traditional market near Gyeongbokgung Palace offers a unique experience where you can build your own Korean lunchbox using old-style brass coins at the famous Yeopjeon Dosirak Café.
Are you searching for an interactive and memorable experience in Tongin Market Seoul that your whole family will enjoy? Look no further than Tongin Market, one of Seoul’s hidden gems nestled near Gyeongbokgung Palace. This traditional Korean market is home to the unique Yeopjeon Dosirak Café, where you and your children can use traditional brass coins to purchase your own custom Korean-style lunchbox.
Whether you’re organizing a Seoul market tour or looking for kid-friendly activities in Seoul, Tongin Market offers a perfect blend of food, culture, and fun. It’s especially ideal for families seeking an authentic local experience that goes beyond typical sightseeing.
📍 How to Get to Tongin Market Seoul
Tongin Market is located in the Jongno district, making it very accessible by public transportation. Simply take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station and exit via Exit 2. From there, it’s a pleasant 5 to 7-minute walk. The route is flat, clean, and stroller-friendly, which is perfect for parents traveling with younger children.
As you approach the market, the entrance is marked by a covered arcade. On weekends, you’ll notice the area buzzing with both local residents and foreign tourists, creating a lively and friendly atmosphere.
🗺 Exploring the Market & Finding the Café
Once inside, take a moment to check out the Tongin Market directory map near the entrance. If you’re with kids, turn it into a treasure hunt by asking them to locate the Yeopjeon Dosirak Café themselves. Our children enjoyed the sense of independence and teamwork this gave them!
Do keep in mind that the Dosirak Café is closed every Tuesday and on the third Sunday of each month, so plan your visit accordingly. Despite some stalls being closed during off-peak times, many popular vendors like those selling the iconic Gireum Tteokbokki (oil-fried rice cakes) are usually open on weekends.
How the Yeopjeon Dosirak Café Works at Tongin Market Seoul
The Yeopjeon system is simple and fun. At the café’s entrance:
- You’ll purchase brass coins (yeopjeon), each worth 500 KRW.
- For families, 7,000–10,000 KRW per person is generally enough to build a satisfying lunchbox.
- You’ll receive a black disposable lunch tray with your coins.
Then, take your tray and explore the stalls displaying the Yeopjeon logo. Vendors will happily serve you traditional Korean street food in exchange for your coins. We exchanged 15,000 KRW worth of coins for our group but ended up using an additional 6,000 KRW in cash—so it’s okay if you don’t convert too much upfront. Unused coins are refundable at the desk.
🍱 Creating Your Family Lunchbox
This is where the magic happens. As a family, we walked through the narrow yet vibrant alleyways, each child picking out their own favorite foods.
Here’s what we chose:
- Gireum Tteokbokki: Crispy and savory, this is Tongin Market’s signature dish.
- Chicken skewers: A kid-favorite with a slightly sweet soy glaze.
- Gujeolpan: A colorful, sectioned dish offering a variety of flavors.
Popular stalls often have long queues, especially around lunchtime, so try visiting earlier or later than peak hours (12:00–13:30).
Once we collected our items, we headed to the 3rd floor of the café to eat. The dining area is clean and well-equipped with napkins, utensils, and waste bins. After the meal, we taught our kids to sort recyclables properly, a small but meaningful lesson in sustainability.
💡 Tips for Families Visiting Tongin Market Seoul
- Visit early to avoid crowds and ensure food variety.
- Hold children’s hands in crowded areas for safety.
- The market itself isn’t large, so you can easily pair it with nearby cultural stops.
📌 Recommended half-day itinerary:
Tongin Market → Lunch → Gyeongbokgung Palace → Cheongwadae (The Blue House)
✨ Final Thoughts: Why This Market Belongs on Your Family Itinerary
Our experience at Tongin Market with kids was one of the highlights of our weekend in Seoul. The Yeopjeon system offered our children a rare chance to interact directly with Korean culture—choosing food, exchanging coins, and enjoying their selections. It was both educational and fun, and the kind of memory that stays with you long after the trip ends.
If you’re planning a trip to Korea and want to go beyond touristy attractions, this is one spot your family should not miss. It’s affordable, engaging, and delicious—all the elements of a perfect travel moment.
🔗 For up-to-date information on opening hours and events, visit the official Tongin Market website.
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