Seoul Tongin Market 3 things to Eat

There is a local market called “Tongin Market” in Seoul where you can use old Korean coins known as “Yupjeon”, a flat brass made coin a square hole is in its center. Translation service is also provided, let’s have a closer look!

Tongin Market 통인시장(Tongin Sijang) is a traditional market in Tongin-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea. Established in 1941, the market originally catered for local needs. Today it is home to around 75 businesses, including sit-down restaurants, street food stalls, and stores. The market is located at 18, Jahamun-ro 15-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Tongin Market dates back to June 1941, as a public market set up for Japanese residents near the Hyoja-dong neighborhood when Korea was still under Japanese rule. After the Korean War, the nation experienced a swift rise in population, which led to a natural increase in consumption and demand.

As a result the area’s street vendors and stores used the former Tongin Market area as their marketplace. Now, Tongin Market consists of 75 stores, most of which are restaurants and grocery stores. There are also some shops selling manufactured goods like underwear and shoes.

Now a days, it turned into one of popular places to experience traditional exchange system which is paying in coin to buy products. It is a very lively street market with a great concept to sample all the amazing food. You go to the coin store to buy a tray/lunchbox and 5,000 won worth of coins. This allows you to buy food at the different vendors and fill your tray.

You will find the consumer service center in the middle of the market, all you have to do is just follow the market alley! There is an coin(Yupjeon) exchange center on 2F. The minimum exchange is 10 coins per person, you also can exchange left coin after you use. You can use QR codes for translation!

After exchanging your coin, you can buy foods! Then, go back to 2F or 3F to enjoy your dosirak(tray in Korean). You can purchase a bowl of rice at cafe by two coins or 1,000KRW.

Chicken skewer is famous snack in the market. You will find long wait lines. Try different tastes!

The next famous dish in the market is Korean Oil Tteokbokki both spicy and non spicy one. Many people try both at the same time.

You might think this is too oily to eat but it’s chewy and flavor like soy sauce. Worth trying!

Last but not least, It’s ‘Oranda’. Itself is a Korean traditional snack made from small, puffed wheat mixed with honey or syrup which are then shaped into snack bars. Its simple yet delicious taste has stood through time and continued to be loved by many people.