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If you want to experience the “real local Seoul” beyond the big tourist areas, Yeongcheon Market in Seodaemun District is one of the best hidden gems. Located just a few minutes from Dongnimmun (Independence Gate), this traditional market offers freshly made Korean street food, warm neighborhood vibes, and authentic dishes at extremely affordable prices.
๐ What Is Yeongcheon Market?
Yeongcheon Market is a cozy traditional market street approximately 250 meters long, filled with over 130 small shops and food stalls. Originally formed as a rice-cake alley in the 1960s, the market has grown to include fresh produce, seafood, daily goods, toys, and—most famously—classic Korean snacks.
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Location: Near Dongnimmun Station (Line 3)
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Atmosphere: Local, friendly, retro market street
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Best for: Street food lovers, cultural exploration, affordable eats
This is the kind of place where neighborhood residents shop every day—walking through the alley gives you a pure slice of everyday Korean life.
๐ฝ️ Must-Try Foods & Restaurants in Yeongcheon Market
Below are 3–4 great spots you should check out while exploring the market:
1. Twisted Donuts (Kkwabaegi) – The Market’s Famous Snack
Price: About ₩1,000 for 4 pieces (yes, incredibly cheap!)
Type: Sweet fried donut snack
Yeongcheon Market is especially known for its freshly fried kkwabaegi, a twisted donut coated lightly in sugar. They’re soft, warm, and perfect as a quick bite while walking. Because the donuts are freshly made all day, you’ll often see a line of locals waiting.
Great for: light snacks, something sweet, kids
Tip: They often sell out early, so visit earlier in the day.
2. Hyundai Tteokbokki – Classic Korean Street Food
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Price Range:
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Tteokbokki: ₩1,000–₩3,000
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Sundae (Korean blood sausage): ₩3,000–₩5,000
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Fried snacks: ₩500–₩1,000 each
This is a traditional local-style tteokbokki stall offering spicy rice cakes, fried snacks, fish cake broth, and sundae. The flavors are nostalgic, simple, and 100% Korean. Foreign visitors especially love this stall because it feels like stepping into an old Korean drama scene.
Try the combo: tteokbokki + tempura + fish cake broth.
Perfect for a cheap but satisfying meal.
3. Daesungjip Doganitang (Annex) – Comforting Beef Soup
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Price:
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Doganitang (regular): around ₩13,000
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Doganitang (large): around ₩17,000
If you want something warm and hearty, try doganitang, a traditional soup made by slow-boiling beef knee cartilage until it becomes soft and flavorful. Daesungjip is famous in this neighborhood, known for its deep, clean broth and generous portions.
Recommended for: travelers wanting something unique, nutritious, and traditional
Bonus: Comes with rice and side dishes.
4. Market-Style Dakgangjeong (Sweet Crispy Chicken)
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Price Range:
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Small box: ₩3,000
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Large box: ₩12,000
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Half & half flavors available
If you love Korean fried chicken, this market-style dakgangjeong is a must-try. It’s not like the big-brand fried chicken shops—this version is bite-size, crispy, and coated in a sweet or spicy glaze. Perfect snack to carry around the market.
Great for sharing with friends.
Flavors vary by shop—sweet soy, spicy, mild sweet.
✨ Travel Tips for Visiting Yeongcheon Market
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Great after visiting Independence Gate or Seodaemun Prison History Hall
Both attractions are within a short walking distance, making the market a perfect stop for food after sightseeing. -
Not touristy at all
Expect real Korean daily life—friendly vendors, handwritten signs, kids running around, and fresh food everywhere. -
Cash recommended
Some stalls accept cards, but many are still cash-preferred. -
Useful Korean words
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Tteokbokki: ๋ก๋ณถ์ด
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Kkwabaegi (Twisted donut): ๊ฝ๋ฐฐ๊ธฐ
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Dakgangjeong: ๋ญ๊ฐ์
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“How much is it?” → ์ผ๋ง์์?
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๐ Why You Should Visit
Yeongcheon Market is one of the best places to experience cheap, delicious, and authentic Korean street food without the crowds of Myeongdong or Hongdae. If you want to understand how locals eat and live, this market is the perfect place.
