[D1.1] Unique Dosirak Meal at Tong-in Market(통인시장)

Lunchbox is a common name for many while the Koreans name it as Dosirak(도시락).
Personally, I couldn’t resist myself from NOT eating any Dosirak whenever I’m in Korea. Despite the fact that the content in a Dosirak might be really simple(filled with rice, kimchi, anchovies, pickles, anchovies, egg & spam); it’s funny that you will be full to the brim after eating it.
At the same time, those nostalgic feeling of your childhood would be lingering around and it’s always a sharing session with the peeps eating that meal with you. ^^

*YEAH*!
That’s the entrance of Tong-in market.

The front entrance of the market looks like any usual traditional market though..

Traditional tteok! my liking! 😀

Walked up a little more(about 50m?) and you will see this cafe entrance on your right.

A notice on how this Dosirak cafe works(click image to enlarge)

Just a quick snap on the overview of this mini cafe
There’s free drink available for you too!
But if you wish to purchase coffee/other beverages, additional charges do occurs; but there would be a discount of 500won for diners as well! ^^

Here you go. Exchange these bunch of gold coins(10 pieces) for a cost of 5,000won which comes with a Dosirak plate too

Gather your gold coins and plate, it’s time for you to have a buffet style ‘shopping’ for your meal!

If you’re unsure which are the participating stores, look out on these signboard. 🙂

Price range :
Banchan(side-dishes) cost around 500won~1,000won
Main dish: 1,000won & above

Yummy banchans(side-dishes)

Saw a little queue and being kaypo~ ㅋㅋㅋ

*I got excited once I saw the eggroll and jeon! hahahahaha~*

I told you I couldn’t resist Spam.. 😛

Andy’s getting his tonkatsu(pork) cutlet.

If you’re wondering what’s the specialty in Tong-in market, do try Gireum tteokbokki from this halmeoni(할머니)
Instead of the usual tteokbokki being cooked in thick red pepper sauce, Gireum tteokbokki is a pan-fried version in either sesame oil or red pepper sauce.

After some walking, these are the items I had decided on:
Japchae(잡채), Sondae(순대), mini sausages, tteobokki, eggroll w cheese, spam
along with a bowl of kimchi soup(1,000won)

**Rice and soup can be purchase back at the cafe at 1,000won each.
(To be honest, I couldn’t finish my meal because it’s too filling!!! >,<)

Side Note:
I heard that Tong-in market was sooo closed to being shut down due to the lack of patrons; but I’m glad that they came out with this Dosirak concept and managed to salvage this historical market.
It might look a little rundown from outside to many, I believed that it does hold sentimental values to the locals though.

I would strongly recommend this cafe if you’re on a budget as well! Something different yet a unique experience to savour the different types of the local traditional market yummies. 😀

Remember to mark down this place on your itinerary on your next visit to Korea! ^^

Tongin Market (통인시장) – Website (Only in korean, Click to go in)
3, Pirundae-ro 6-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 종로구 필운대로6길 3 (통인동)

Operating Hours-
Weekday: 10am ~ 4pm
Saturday: 9am ~ 6pm
Closed on Sundays
PS: Cafe is on the 2nd floor.

Directions:
Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3 – Orange) Exit 2.
Walk straight for 700m and the market is on your left with a small sheltered entrance.
Walk in the market for about 50m, you will be able to see the entrance (level 1) of the Dosirak Cafe on your right. (see photo above)

Special Thanks to the following Sponsors that made this trip happen:
– Korea Tourism Organization (Singapore)
– EG Sim Card
Accommodation in Seoul:
– Center Mark Hotel (via Hana Tour)

xoxo,
yyann