#333 통인시장 @ Gyeongbokgung, Seoul
During my last few cultural class at Hanyang University, the teacher brought us to a traditional market just a walk away from Gyeongbokgung station. We finish class around 1pm in the afternoon and by the time we got there, it was already 2pm.
통인시장 / Tongin Market
3, Pirundae-ro 6-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul /
서울특별시 종로구 필운대로6길 3 (통인동)
+82-2-1330
As technology is so advanced right now and every city is undergoing an urbanizing stage, I really appreciate traditional and cultural places and food. I even enjoy writing letters more than texting and emailing but that will be written in another entry. I have read that Tongin Market was on the verge of closing but thankfully, it is still running so that tourist can experience the Korean culture and the locals can also embrace it. So as you can see, the market is decorated with recycled bottles and feathers. How cute, really! In order to get to Tongin Market, take exit #2 from Gyeongbokgung station and walk straight for 10 minutes. You will see the market before being able to head to the cafe on the second floor.
You have to exchange 5,000 won in order to get 10 traditional coins called yeopjeon. The lunchbox / dosirak (도시락) is included as well. The coins can be used to buy any food items from stores that are labelled as dosirak cafes.
Honestly, there are a lot of traditional Korean food items in this market that I have never seen in my life. I was a little spoilt for choices as there is a variety of food to choose from and I did not really know what to order. As you can see from the pictures, there are many friendly ajumma(s) cooking the food openly. It really gives me a different experience of the Korean culture and food!
During the olden days, housewives will be making lunchboxes or dosirak for their children to bring to school to consume it during recess/lunch break. However, in our world today, there are lunches provided by the school’s cafeteria at a fairly inexpensive price and the usage of traditional lunchboxes are disappearing. Even when I bring my own lunchbox to work, people are often puzzled by this act of mine. Anyway, back to topic, I did not manage to use up all my coins and the food that filled the lunchbox is relatively cheap. I found the food delicious but I cannot help to consume cold food. It has to be heated up by using the microwave at the cafe. I was too lazy to do so as we were all eating in the open-air, which was freezing cold!
PAYMENT METHODS: CASH/CREDIT
OPENING HOURS:
Weekdays 10AM-4PM
Saturday 9AM-6PM
Nearest Station: Gyeongbokgung Station
Ambiance: 9/10
Service: 7.5/10
Food (Taste & Appearance): 7/10
Value: 8/10
Total: 7.88/10★
This is definitely a good place to bring tourists around so that they can experience the Korean culture in a different light!
