- First published
- Oct 11, 2026
Tongin Market, Seochon
A traditional food market at 18 Jahamun-ro 15-gil in Seochon, Jongno-gu. It is known for its lunchbox café where visitors obtain coin-like tokens to select food from participating stalls only. Visit Seoul's September 2026 listing gives general market hours as 07:00–21:00 but notes that individual vendors differ. The same official tourism listing contains conflicting café day-of-week/closure information; do not assume the lunchbox program is available at a specific time without checking.
A potential lunch stop for Sunday October 11 or the following weekend, about 515 m from Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 2 according to Visit Seoul. The market, individual shops and the lunchbox café follow different schedules, so verify the program before planning a timed visit.
Why go
Useful for a food stop near Gyeongbokgung and a walk in Seochon's smaller streets. Token participation is limited to participating stalls; confirm how to buy tokens, costs, eligible vendors and refunds on site. Visitors can also buy individual foods without doing the lunchbox program.
Plan the visit
Use the confirmed place facts below, then continue to the broader travel guides for transport, facilities and eating practicalities.