Seochon & Tongin MarketGyeongbokgung · Bukchon 3
Photo: KTOSeochon ("west village") lies west of Gyeongbokgung at the foot of Inwangsan. It is an old residential area dating back to the Joseon era, and its lanes of hanok and old brick houses are gradually filling with cafés, small bookshops and design stores. It is quieter than crowded Bukchon and feels closer to everyday local life.
In the middle of the neighbourhood, Tongin Market runs a popular "lunchbox café": buy old-style brass coins (yeopjeon) and spend them at market stalls to fill your own lunchbox. Further up, Suseongdong Valley — painted by Joseon-era artists — offers a surprising patch of nature right in the city.
Key information
| Hours | Lunchbox café: weekdays 11:00–16:00 (last order 15:00), weekends 11:00–17:00 (last order 16:00). Other shops vary |
|---|---|
| Admission | Free to stroll; lunchbox paid with yeopjeon coins |
| Closed | Lunchbox café closed every Tuesday and the 3rd Sunday of each month |
| Time needed | about 1.5 hours |
| Nearest station | Gyeongbokgung Stn (Line 3), Exit 2 — about 500 m (7 min walk) |
| Area | Gyeongbokgung · Bukchon |
Hours and fees are estimates as of 2026-10 and may change. Please check official sources before you go.
Walkable after visiting Gyeongbokgung. The lunchbox café gets busy at noon and closes in the late afternoon, so go late morning. It is closed on Tuesdays.
Plan a trip with Seochon & Tongin Market
Getting there
| From | Route | Time | Fare (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incheon Airport | AREX all-stop train → change at Seoul Station → Line 4 → change at Chungmuro to Line 3 | ~82 min | 6,300 KRW |
| Gimpo Airport | AREX (all-stop) → Line 4 → change at Chungmuro to Line 3 | ~43 min | 1,750 KRW |
| Seoul Station | Line 4 → change at Chungmuro to Line 3 | ~15 min | 1,550 KRW |
Times are to the Gyeongbokgung · Bukchon area's nearest station; walk from there.
Nearby spots
Photo: KTO
Gyeongbokgung PalaceGyeongbokgung · Bukchon · ~600 mMain palace of the Joseon dynasty. Closed Tuesdays. Adults ₩3,000 (free in hanbok). A fee increase is under review (date not yet set).Photo: KTO
Bukchon Hanok VillageGyeongbokgung · Bukchon · ~1.3 kmA residential hanok neighbourhood. The restricted zone is open to visitors 10:00–17:00 only; violations can be fined.Photo: KTO
Photo: KTO
Gwanghwamun SquareGyeongbokgung · Bukchon · ~1.1 kmStatues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, in front of the palace gate.Photo: KTO
Changdeokgung PalaceGyeongbokgung · Bukchon · ~1.8 kmUNESCO-listed palace. Closed Mondays. Adults ₩3,000 (Secret Garden extra, limited entry).Photo: KTO
Cheonggyecheon StreamIkseon-dong · Insadong · ~1.4 kmA downtown streamside walkway, beautifully lit at night.Photo: KTO
Insadong-gil & SsamziegilIkseon-dong · Insadong · ~1.5 kmTraditional crafts, hanji paper and tea houses — great for souvenirs.
Photo: MyKorTripTaejinokMyeongdong · ~1.5 kmA sundae-gukbap (pork and Korean sausage soup with rice) restaurant in Mugyo-dong since 1965, near City Hall.
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Seochon & Tongin Market?
Lunchbox café: weekdays 11:00–16:00 (last order 15:00), weekends 11:00–17:00 (last order 16:00). Other shops vary. Please check the official website for the latest information.
How much does Seochon & Tongin Market cost?
Free to stroll; lunchbox paid with yeopjeon coins.
How do I get to Seochon & Tongin Market?
The nearest station is Gyeongbokgung Stn (Line 3), Exit 2 — about 500 m (7 min walk). From Incheon Airport it takes about 82 minutes and costs around ₩6,300.
When is Seochon & Tongin Market closed?
Lunchbox café closed every Tuesday and the 3rd Sunday of each month.