Top 8 Street Food Spots in Dongmyo & Dongdaemun

From Grandpas to Gen Z: The Changing Face of Dongmyo

Dongmyo has long been a nostalgic shopping ground for the elderly, filled with flea market treasures and old-school charm. But in recent years, it’s become a magnet for the MZ generation and young trendsetters looking for unique finds and retro vibes.

 

One thing that hasn’t changed? The food. This area is still known for its old-style Korean snacks—think deep-fried donuts, twisted crullers, and steamed corn—rather than trendy cafés or modern desserts.

From sizzling tteokbokki stalls to hidden makgeolli corners, Dongmyo and Dongdaemun are a haven for street food lovers. Whether you’re thrift shopping or just exploring local markets, this area offers a taste of true Seoul street culture.

 

Note: Street food availability may vary by season. For example, you’ll find steamed corn and chilled drinks in summer, while winter brings out warm treats like hotteok and bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastries).

1. Tteokbokki & Twigim Stall (Dongmyo Exit 7)

Right outside Dongmyo Station Exit 7, you’ll find a humble cart serving up spicy tteokbokki and crispy twigim (fried snacks). It’s a popular stop for morning shoppers and market vendors.

 

2. Kkwabaegi (Twisted Doughnuts)

Across the street from the tteokbokki stand, another vendor sells freshly fried kkwabaegi. Soft, chewy, and rolled in sugar, they’re a nostalgic Korean favorite.

Kkwabaegi (Twisted Doughnuts) [ⓒPhoto Korea - KTO_Kim Jiho]

3. Toast, Sikhye, and Mixed Coffee Vendors (Inside Dongmyo Market)

As you enter deeper into Dongmyo’s flea market alleys, look for stalls selling hot toast, cups of homemade sikhye (sweet rice drink), and classic Korean instant coffee. It’s where locals stop for a quick snack between deals.

4. Kkwabaegi, Dumplings, and Old-School Donuts

Further inside the market, you'll find another vendor offering a trio of old-school treats: twisted doughnuts, fried mandu (dumplings), and sugar-coated round donuts.

5. Slice Pizza Stand (Yes, really)

A more recent addition to the market scene, this store sells single slices of hot pizza—often with Korean-style toppings. Affordable, quirky, and surprisingly popular.

6. Jeon & Makgeolli Grandma

In the heart of the main alley, you might spot an elderly lady grilling savory jeon (Korean pancakes) and pouring makgeolli into plastic cups. It’s unpretentious and delicious—just the way locals like it.

7. Hoddeok, Corn-on-the-Cob, and Herbal Tea

On the walk from Dongdaemun Station to Dongmyo, you’ll come across small vendors selling piping-hot hoddeok (sweet pancakes), steamed corn, and warm herbal teas from health supplement stores.

Steamed Corn-on-the-Cob [ⓒPhoto Korea - Lee Beomsu, KTO]

 

8. Korean Tongdak (Whole Fried Chicken)

Along the main road near Dongmyo—not inside the flea market—you’ll find a proper tongdak restaurant serving whole Korean-style fried chicken. Crispy on the outside, juicy inside.

 Sample Itinerary

• Start: Dongdaemun Station Exit 4
• Walk toward Dongmyo while sampling hoddeok and herbal tea
• Shop at Dongmyo Flea Market (1–2 hours recommended)
• Snack your way through the stalls — toast, donuts, jeon, and more
• Finish: Yukjeon Gukbap in Sinseol-dong for a hearty dinner

You can easily walk between these areas in under 30 minutes, or take the subway one stop if you're short on time.

 Getting to Yukjeon Gukbap

From Sinseol-dong Station Exit 11, it’s just a 4-minute walk to this beloved restaurant. Known for their savory pancakes, buckwheat noodles, and rich broth, it’s a comforting way to wrap up your day.

 

 

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

 

Yukjeon Gukbap Sinseol-dong Review: A Family Dinner with Buckwheat Noodles and Juicy Meat Patties