Dongdaemun Seoul: 5 Must-Visit Spots — Jinokhwa Dakhanmari, J.Hidden House, Sami Coffee & The Griffin Bar

Dongdaemun Seoul: 5 Must-Visit Spots — Jinokhwa Dakhanmari, J.Hidden House, Sami Coffee & The Griffin Bar | Seoul Explorer

Dongdaemun is a vibrant mix of late-night shopping, traditional Korean flavours, and cafés tucked into narrow alleys. This verified walking route (starting near Dongdaemun Station) includes classic local food, hanok-style cafés, specialty coffee and an elegant rooftop bar — all photographed and checked for accuracy.

1. Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari (진옥화 할매 원조 닭한마리)

Experience an iconic Korean communal meal: whole chicken simmered in a clear, savoury broth served with dipping sauces and optional noodles. A classic Dongdaemun comfort food staple.

Address: 18 Jong-ro 40ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Hours: 10:30 - 01:00(Last Order 23:30)
Price: Dakhanmari ₩33,000, a bowl of noodles (사리) ₩2,000, Soju ₩5,000, Beer ₩5,000 (Around ₩35,000 per serving)

Tip: Order with a bowl of noodles (사리) to finish the broth — locals love this. Best to visit slightly before peak dinner time (around 5–6pm) to avoid queues. Shared between 2–3 people. It's located in an alleyway if you exit Dongdaemun Station (Line 4, Exit 9). Directions can be tricky, so please refer to the map before heading.

2. J.Hidden House — Hanok Café

A tranquil hanok-turned-café where traditional wooden beams mix with modern coffee culture — excellent for interior and courtyard photos.

Address: 269-4, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Hours: 12:00 - 18:00
Price: Americano ₩8,000, Cafe Latte ₩8,000, Cold Brew Decaf ₩8,000, Cappuccino ₩8,000, Einspanner ₩9,000, Milk Tea ₩8,500, Detox Wheatgrass Lemon Juice ₩9,000, Croffle Hotteok w ice cream ₩12,000, Assorted Cookies ₩5,000

Tip: Visit between 3–5 PM for the best natural light in the courtyard. Perfect for peaceful shots without crowd noise. It closes at 6pm, so it's best to visit after lunch. It's located in an alley on the right, a short walk from Exit 10 of Dongdaemun Station (Line 4). There's a sign, so please look carefully.

3. Sami Coffee (사미 커피)

A trendy local specialty coffee shop near Dongdaemun Station, known for creative signature lattes and photogenic presentations — great for social media shots.

Address: 17, Jong-ro 41-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Hours: 8:00 - 19:00(Last Order 18:30, Closed every Sunday)
Price: Sami Latte ₩6,000, Samon Latte ₩5,500, Einspanner ₩5,000, Dongdaemoon ₩7,000, Americano ₩3,000, Cafe Latte ₩4,000, Strawberry Latte ₩4,500, Sweet Potato & Apple Cream Latte ₩5,500

Tip: Try their signature seasonal latte. Good spot for influencer-style shots — balance natural light and shadows for best results. All espresso menu items can be decaffeinated for an additional ₩500.

4. The Griffin Bar — JW Marriott Dongdaemun

A sophisticated rooftop bar on the 11th floor of JW Marriott offering skyline and fortress-wall views — ideal for sunset cocktails and night shots.

Address: JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul, 11th floor, 279 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Hours: 18:00 - 01:00(Last Order 00:00)
Price: Signature Cocktail ₩37,000, Non-Alcohol Cocktail ₩31,000, Pasta ₩42,000-₩45,000. Main Dish ₩49,000-₩95,000, Dessert ₩21,000-₩45,000, Salad ₩35,000, Fried ₩21,000-₩39,000

Tip: Arrive before sunset to catch both golden-hour photos and the night skyline. Dress smart-casual for entry. Reserve a window/terrace seat for sunset.

5. DOOTA Mall

Located right next to Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Doota Mall is one of Seoul’s most vibrant late-night shopping destinations. This massive fashion complex stays open well past midnight, offering everything from local designer brands to affordable streetwear. Foreign visitors love its tax-free counters, trendy K-fashion collections, and the rooftop rest area that overlooks the glowing Dongdaemun district.

Address:275 Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Hours: 10:30 - 24:00
Price: Free entry; items vary by brand

Tip: Visit after 8 PM to see Doota Mall light up with live street performances and a buzzing night market vibe. It’s also one of the best spots to capture the neon-lit Dongdaemun skyline at night.

Why This Mix Works

This route balances authentic Korean flavours (Jinokhwa's chicken hotpot) with photogenic hanok cafés, specialty coffee, rooftop skyline views, and late-night shopping. It’s ideal for foreign visitors who want both cultural context and modern K-urban experiences in one compact area.

Practical Tips

Nearest subway: Dongdaemun Station (Line 1 / 4 nearby) — start here and follow the order above for a walkable route.
Carry small cash for some traditional stalls; most cafés and the bar accept cards.
For The Griffin Bar, check reservation requirements and dress code for busy evenings.
Behind DDP is a huge accessory shopping mall.

Getting There: Take Line 1 or Line 4 to Dongdaemun Station. The route above keeps walking short (most gaps under 15 minutes) and is great for afternoon-to-evening visits.

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