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

 

If you're looking for a local Seoul experience that blends vintage markets, street culture, and traditional food, this one-day walking course is for you. From the nostalgic chaos of Dongmyo Flea Market to the cultural charm of Seoul Folk Flea Market, and ending with a savory feast of jeon (Korean pancakes) and makgeolli (Korean rice wine) in Sinseol-dong — this route captures the soulful, hidden side of the city.

1. Dongmyo Flea Market: Seoul’s Vintage Treasure Trove

 

Start your journey at Dongmyo Station (Line 1 or 6) and step into a maze of vintage wonders. Dongmyo Flea Market is famous for:

• Old clothes sold in bulk (₩2,000 each or 3 for ₩5,000!)
• Vintage electronics, LPs, film cameras, and toys
• Military surplus and unique retro fashion

“골라 골라! 하나 이천 원~ 세 개 오천 원~” (Pick what you want! Just ₩2,000 each, or ₩5,000 for three!)

Whether you're here to shop or people-watch, this market is a must-see. It gets especially lively on weekends, when young Seoulites and tourists come hunting for fashion and Instagrammable finds.

 

A vibrant corner of Dongmyo Flea Market—where locals dig for hidden gems among piles of retro electronics and toys.

Dongmyo's street-style shopping—pre-loved items, electronics, and unexpected treasures around every corner.

2. Seoul Folk Flea Market (서울풍물시장)

From Dongmyo, it’s a short 10-minute walk to the Seoul Folk Flea Market, a two-story indoor market filled with Korea’s past. It’s not just a shopping spot—it’s a living museum.

What you’ll find here:

• Antique furniture and vintage tableware
• Handcrafted goods and traditional tools
• Old coins, stamps, calligraphy brushes, and more

Make sure to check out the food stalls inside—the knife-cut noodles (칼국수) and Korean sweets are a hidden treat.

This market feels like time travel, and it's a great place to understand how Korea's daily life has evolved over the decades.

Brass bowls and Korean antiques stacked to the ceiling at Seoul Folk Flea Market—an old soul's paradise.

3. Sinseol-dong Jeon & Makgeolli at Yukjeon Gukbap (육전국밥)

After all that walking, reward yourself with a meal at Yukjeon Gukbap in Sinseol-dong, just around the corner. While the name suggests a soup (gukbap), most come here for one thing: perfectly pan-fried jeon and ice-cold fruit makgeolli.

Top Jeon Picks:

• Beef Yukjeon (육전): Thin beef slices dipped in egg batter
• Seafood Pajeon (해물파전): Crispy outside, chewy inside
• Cheese Kimchi Jeon (치즈김치전): Modern and spicy twist
• Modum Jeon (모둠전): A mix of several kinds, perfect for sharing

Pair your pancakes with makgeolli in flavors like lemon, green grape, or grape fruit. It’s the kind of place where locals unwind, and visitors get their first real taste of Korea’s bar food culture.

Easy Walking Route

Here’s how your day looks:

• Start at Dongmyo Station (Exit 3) and explore the retro wonderland of Dongmyo Flea Market.
• Take a 10-minute walk to the nearby Seoul Folk Flea Market, packed with antiques, brassware, and old-school charm.
• When you're ready for food, head to Yukjeon Gukbap near Sinseol-dong Station (Exit 11)—just a 4-minute walk from the exit.

Everything is within a 20–25 minute walking loop, but if you're tired, you can always hop on the subway for just one stop.

Final Thoughts

This Seoul hidden course is perfect for travelers who love street markets, retro finds, and traditional flavors. It's low-cost, high-impact, and 100% local. You won’t just eat and shop—you’ll feel the rhythm of the old city still pulsing under its modern skin.

For more authentic Korean food adventures, visit Simply Korean Food