Exploring Dongmyo: Vintage Markets, Bibimbap, and the Best Whole Chicken in Seoul

If you’re looking for the best flea market in Seoul for vintage shopping, head straight to Dongmyo.
Located between Dongdaemun and Sinseol-dong, this neighborhood is famous for its gritty charm, overflowing secondhand stalls, and cheap street food.
Unlike the polished streets of Gangnam or the traditional beauty of Bukchon, Dongmyo flea market offers a raw, real glimpse of local Seoul — where thrift lovers, foodies, and curious travelers come together.

What Is Dongmyo?

Located between Dongdaemun and Sinseol-dong, Dongmyo is best known for its massive flea market, quirky shops, and affordable eats. The area gets its name from the shrine (Dongmyo, or 東廟) dedicated to Guan Yu — a famous Chinese general — but it’s now a mecca for bargain hunters and vintage seekers.

Whether you're after retro jackets, vinyl records, or old-school gadgets, Dongmyo has it all — spread out over narrow alleys and open-air stalls.

Dongmyo Flea Market & Vintage Treasures

One of the biggest draws here is the Dongmyo Flea Market. It’s gritty, colorful, and filled with surprises. Want to grab a 90s windbreaker for cheap? A dusty Walkman? A military jacket? This is the spot.

• How to get there: Take Line 1 or 6 to Dongmyo Station, Exit 3
• Best time: The Dongmyo flea market is usually open from around 11am to 5pm, including weekdays.
  But weekends are the best time to visit — more vendors, more vintage treasures, and a much livelier atmosphere.
  If you're wondering “Is Dongmyo open on weekdays?” — the answer is yes, though it's quieter and less crowded.
• Related keywords: dongmyo flea market, dongmyo vintage market, seoul thrift shopping

Where to Eat: Dongmyo Bibimbap & Whole Chicken

After thrifting, you're going to be hungry. And luckily, Dongmyo delivers.

One great spot is Gohyang Sikdang (고향식당), a small local diner tucked into a quiet alley.

Their bibimbap isn’t just served — you build it yourself.
Order something like kimchi jjigae, doenjang stew, or spicy pork, and you’ll get access to a counter full of fresh namul (seasoned veggies).
Scoop your own rice, pile on your favorites, and mix it all up — a warm, filling DIY bibimbap for just ₩6,000.
It’s a perfect local-style lunch after a morning of thrifting.

• Address: 72 Nangye-ro 29-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Opening hours: 5:00am – 3:00pm (Closed on Mondays)
• Best time: Lunch — it gets busy with locals
• Keywords: dongmyo bibimbap, dongmyo food

 

Now, here’s the real hidden gem: a retro-style place called Korea Tongdak (한국통닭 숭인동본점). Located near Dongmyo, it serves a full crispy chicken in a no-frills metal tray. The skin? Shatteringly crisp. The meat? Juicy to the bone. 

At Korea Tongdak, each chicken is double-fried fresh when you order — not pre-packed or sitting under a heat lamp.
Once it’s sizzling hot and golden, the staff cuts it into easy-to-eat pieces right in front of you using kitchen scissors.
It’s crispy, juicy, and made to order — just the way fried chicken should be.

• Address: 370-1 Jongro,  Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Best time: Dinner — often crowded in the evening
• Keywords: dongmyo whole chicken, dongmyo food

 

Korea Tongdak is a local favorite that has appeared on major Korean TV programs like KBS and MBC. You can get one whole fried chicken for just ₩5,500 — or save more with sets of two or three. No wonder it’s popular with locals and vintage hunters alike.

Golden, crispy whole chickens at Korea Tongdak, freshly fried and laid out for cooling. You can also try chicken gizzards, wings, or even grab a 1,000cc draft beer with your order.

At Korea Tongdak in Dongmyo, freshly fried whole chickens are stacked high, cooling on trays right beside the sidewalk. It’s a visual feast — golden, crisp, and irresistible to passersby.

At Korea Tongdak, your fried chicken is cut fresh to order — crispy on the outside, steaming hot inside. They use kitchen scissors and tongs to quickly portion each bird before packing it up.

Tips for Visiting Dongmyo Like a Local

• Bring cash — most vendors are cash-only
• Wear comfortable shoes — there’s a lot of walking
• Don’t dress fancy — you’ll be digging through piles of clothes
• Try haggling — it’s part of the fun

Bonus Tip: Soak and Relax at Sparex Dongmyo

After hours of vintage hunting and eating your way through Dongmyo, why not end the day like a local? Just a short walk from the market, Sparex Dongmyo is a newly opened Korean-style sauna (jjimjilbang) where you can unwind in hot baths, sweat rooms, and nap zones — all for under ₩20,000.

Since it’s relatively new, the facilities are clean, modern, and well-maintained — a rare find among budget jjimjilbangs in Seoul.

• Address: 13F, 19 Jibong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (동묘역 6번 출구에서 도보 40m)
• Hours: 24 hours, open every day
• Parking: Free for 3 hours
• Instagram: @sparex_sauna_dm

 

Entry Fees (includes jjimjil access):

• Weekday adult: ₩13,000
• Weekday child: ₩10,000
• Night adult: ₩16,000
• Night child: ₩10,000
• Overnight stay (찜질+외출 후 재입장): ₩20,000

It’s not fancy, but it’s real. After a long day of walking and eating, this might just be the best ₩13,000 you’ll spend in Seoul.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Dongmyo

Dongmyo isn’t for everyone. It’s loud, messy, and sometimes overwhelming. But if you love hunting for vintage finds, eating where the locals eat, and seeing Seoul’s rawer side — this is your spot. It’s not curated, and that’s the charm.

 

Hidden Korean Pancakes & Makgeolli Route in Seoul: Dongmyo to Sinseol-dong