[Seoul] When a friend mentioned a “Lunchbox Cafe” at Tongin Market 통인시장, I couldn’t quite imagine what it would be like, but decided to go with the flow and be surprised.
Tongin Market, situated near Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, offers a distinctive, one-of-a-kind dining experience.
The concept is called a Dosirak Café, commonly known as the Lunchbox Café.
First established in 1941 during the Japanese occupation, this traditional market has evolved into a unique culinary destination.
To get to Tongin Market by subway, take Seoul Subway Line 3 (Orange Line) and get off at Gyeongbokgung Station via Exit 2.
From there, walk straight for about 10 minutes (approximately 600 metres). You will find Tongin Market on your left-hand side, just past Hyoja-dong.
The Dosirak Café introduces an engaging way to enjoy Korean cuisine.
For 5,000 won, you receive a set of ten brass coins (tied together), each valued at 500 won, along with an empty lunch tray.
These coins serve as currency within the market, allowing customers to select various dishes from participating vendors.
Stalls accepting the coins display a “Dosirak Café” sign, making them easy to identify.
Each food item typically costs between one to three coins, enabling a customised meal based on individual preferences.
It gives you the feel of ordering food like in the olden days.
The brass coins added a playful element to the experience. I felt like a child again, carefully selecting dishes as though I were trading tokens at a funfair.
The market presents a variety of traditional Korean dishes. Popular choices include Tteokbokki (stir-fried rice cakes), Mandu (dumplings), and assorted Jeon (pancakes).
We ended up at this stall because the ahjumma was friendly, and served up a range of hot dishes including Fried Chicken and Japchae.
After assembling our lunchboxes, we headed to the second-floor seating area to enjoy our meals.
Here, additional items like rice and soup are available for purchase, either with remaining coins or cash. This communal space provides a comfortable environment to savour the lunch boxes.
However, not all stalls participate in the coin system, so the variety of food can feel a bit limited. I wouldn’t say it’s anything to shout about.
It’s still an engaging and affordable way to experience traditional Korean cuisine. Quite memorable.
Tongin Market Lunchbox Cafe 통인시장
16 Jahamun-ro 15-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
서울 종로구 자하문로15길 18
Opening Hours: 11am – 3pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon
Naver Maps – Tongin Market Lunchbox Cafe
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