Every dosirak comes with a wooden tray filled with white rice and a complimentary hot soup (usually a simple broth or stew). This is the base of your meal. You then use your brass coins to purchase side dishes from various vendors, adding them to your tray to create a customized meal. The rice and soup are included in the 5,000 KRW coin exchange, making this an affordable way to eat.
Tips from diners
Start by exchanging 5,000 won for brass coins at the exchange office near the main entrance. You'll receive around 10-12 coins and a wooden lunch tray. From there, walk the market and 'buy' side dishes using the coins.
The rice and soup alone aren't a full meal—plan to use most or all of your coins on side dishes. One set typically costs 5,000 KRW total, so you're spending about 500-600 KRW per dish.
Seasoned, blanched vegetables with sesame oil and garlic—a classic Korean side dish.
Tips from diners
Namul is a great use of coins—you can get multiple vegetable preparations (spinach, zucchini, bean sprouts) for just 1-2 coins each, adding color and nutrition to your box.
Spinach blanched and dressed with sesame oil, garlic, and soy—a traditional Korean green dish.
Tips from diners
One of the cheapest items in the market—spend 1-2 coins on this to fill out your tray without breaking your budget.
Small whole grilled fish or fish fillet, seasoned and cooked over charcoal or griddle.
Tips from diners
Fish or meat proteins typically cost 2-3 coins, making them a good investment for getting protein into your lunchbox without spending all your coins.
Potatoes and meat stewed together with soy and sesame oil until tender and fragrant.
Tips from diners
A hearty dish if you want something more substantial. Pairs well with rice and soup, and at 2 coins, it's a solid value.
Tongin Market is a historic traditional market that has evolved to offer a unique dining experience called the yeopjeon dosirak (brass coin lunchbox). Introduced in 2012, this system lets visitors exchange Korean won for old-style brass coins, then wander the market buying small portions from vendors and assembling a customized lunchbox. It's an interactive way to experience traditional market food, turning lunch into a playful, multi-vendor experience. The market sits just west of Gyeongbokgung Palace in the historic Seochon neighborhood.
The Dosirak Cafe experience runs Tuesday-Sunday, 10:30am-2:30pm (limited hours). On weekends, it closes when food runs out, so arrive early. Most vendors shut down by 2:30pm.
Weekends are crowded—arrive by 11am to beat the lines. You'll have more vendor selections available and a more leisurely experience assembling your lunch.
After assembling your box, take it to the Dosirak Cafe (upstairs) where there's a designated seating area with tables on two floors. Eat at a communal table or in a quiet corner depending on your mood.
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