Tongin Market Coin Lunchbox: How It Works
The Tongin Market coin lunchbox costs about 10,000 won for a tray and 20 coins worth 500 won each. Buy the set at the dosirak cafe, trade coins for dishes at marked stalls, then eat back at the cafe. Unused coins can be refunded, and the cafe closes on the third Sunday monthly.
- Typical set
- About 10,000 won: tray plus 20 coins (500 won each)
- Hours (2025 report)
- 11:00 to 16:00 weekdays, to 17:00 weekends
- Nearest station
- Gyeongbokgung (Line 3), Exit 2
- Official info
- Visit Seoul
What should I know before I arrive?
Details checked November 4, 2026 against reports published between 2012 and 2025
The lunchbox is a do-it-yourself meal, not a set menu, and the details have changed over the years. Tongin Market is a traditional market in the Seochon area of Jongno-gu, close to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Its "yeopjeon dosirak" (coin lunchbox) lets you swap special coins for small portions at taking-part stalls and build one tray of food.
- Worth knowing: Coin sales stop earlier than the cafe closes, so arrive well before the last sale time, especially at weekends.
- A common mistake: Buying more coins than you need. Seoul city media reports that leftover coins can be refunded, so buy a set and spend only what you want.
- Local tip: Prices at the stalls are shown in coins (for example, a sign reading "2 coins"), so check the coin map from the cafe before you choose.
- Confirm first: Reports disagree on the weekly closed day and on older prices, so check the current notice at the cafe or on the Visit Seoul site.
How does the coin lunchbox work?
You buy a tray and coins at the dosirak cafe, trade coins for dishes at marked stalls, then return to the cafe to eat. Seoul city media describes the same basic flow in its 2025 report and its 2019 report.
- Buy your set. Pay at the dosirak cafe. One 2023 account says the plate and 20 coins are sold together for 10,000 won, and that cash or card is accepted (Seoul Searching).
- Take the coin map. The 2025 Seoul article says the cafe hands out a map, and the stalls that take part show prices in coins.
- Choose dishes. Hand over coins at each marked stall and the vendor places the item in your tray.
- Eat at the cafe. Seating is on the 2nd and 3rd floors. A microwave, spoons and chopsticks are provided (Seoul Media Hub).
- Return spare coins. The same report says unused coins can be refunded.
Practical example: two friends sharing one set can cover a main dish and a few sides with 20 coins, then top up with a second set only if they are still hungry.
How much does it cost?
Recent reports give about 10,000 won for a tray and 20 coins, with each coin worth 500 won. Older reports describe a smaller 5,000 won set, so treat any price as approximate.
| Report | Set price | Coins | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul Media Hub, May 2025 | 1 coin = 500 won | Not stated | Unused coins refundable |
| Seoul Searching, Dec 2023 | About 10,000 won | 20 coins | Includes a tray; cash or card |
| Seoul Media Hub, Jan 2019 | About 5,000 won | 10 coins | Rice or soup 1,000 won each at the cafe |
| Korea Herald, June 2012 | About 5,000 won | 10 tokens at 500 won | Rice and soup 1,000 won each; kimchi free |
Rice and soup are not priced in the 2023 or 2025 reports cited here, so ask at the cafe whether they are sold separately today.
When is the lunchbox cafe open?
A 2025 Seoul city report lists 11:00 to 16:00 on weekdays and 11:00 to 17:00 at weekends, with coin sales ending an hour earlier. That means about 15:00 on weekdays and 16:00 at weekends.
- Third Sunday: The cafe is closed on the third Sunday of each month, according to the 2025 Seoul article and the 2019 one.
- Weekly closed day: Sources disagree. The 2025 article says Tuesday, while the 2020 Seoul article and the 2023 Seoul Searching guide point to Monday. Check before you plan around it.
- Market stalls: Individual shops generally keep longer hours, roughly 07:00 to 21:00, but each shop sets its own.
What can I put in my lunchbox?
Typical choices include fried chicken pieces, rice cakes and noodles, plus the market's famous oil tteokbokki. Seoul city media mentions oil tteokbokki, dakgangjeong (sweet fried chicken) and tteokgalbi (grilled rib patty), while Seoul Searching also lists tonkatsu, chicken skewers and noodles.
- Start with a main: Pick a heavier item first, then add small sides.
- Mind the spice: Tteokbokki can be spicy; ask for a milder option if you are sensitive.
- Allergies and diets: Many items contain meat, fish, wheat or soy. See our vegetarian guide if you avoid meat.
How do I get to Tongin Market?
Take Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station and leave by Exit 2. Seoul Searching measures the walk at about 576 metres, and Seoul city sources describe roughly 5 to 8 minutes on foot. The cafe sits at around Jahamun-ro 15-gil in Jongno-gu.
It pairs well with a visit to Gyeongbokgung; see our palace guide below, then walk to lunch.
FAQ
How much does the Tongin Market coin lunchbox cost?
In 2025 and 2023 sources, a set of 20 coins with a tray costs about 10,000 won, and each coin is worth 500 won. Older sources describe a 5,000 won set of 10 coins, so confirm the current price at the cafe.
Can I get a refund for unused coins?
Yes. Seoul city media and travel writers report that leftover coins can be refunded, so buy a set and spend only what you want.
When is the Tongin Market lunchbox cafe closed?
It is closed on the third Sunday of each month and one weekday. Several sources say Monday, while a 2025 Seoul city article says Tuesday, so confirm before you go.
Where do I eat my lunchbox?
Back at the dosirak cafe, which has seating on the 2nd and 3rd floors, a microwave, spoons and chopsticks.
Do I need cash for Tongin Market?
Not necessarily for the set, since one source says the cafe accepts cash or card, but small shops can differ, so carry some cash for extras.
Official sources and useful links
Links open in a new tab. Prices and hours above are approximate; verify on these pages and at the cafe.
- Seoul Media Hub: coin lunchbox (2025) Seoul city media report on how the coins and map work
- Seoul Media Hub: coin lunchbox (2019) earlier Seoul city report with the original 5,000 won set
- Visit Seoul official Seoul tourism site
- VisitKorea (Korea Tourism Organization) official tourism information in English
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