Namdaemun Market: Good Spots Ranking 5 — Hotteok, Mandu, Galchi Jorim & Café
Namdaemun Market: Hotteok → Mandu → Galchi Jorim → Gabaedo → Souvenir & Fashion
A compact, camera-friendly walking route that starts at Hoehyeon (Line 4) — perfect for first-time visitors who want street food, a sit-down local meal, a restful cafe stop, and shopping for Seoul souvenirs.
Start: Hoehyeon Station (회현역) Exit 5 → includes the market tourist information desk for an easy meetup and photo with local guides.
① 남대문 야채호떡 (Namdaemun Vegetable Hotteok)
Start here for an energetic market intro: a warm, seed-crusted hotteok filled with savory vegetables or sweet syrup. This is one of the most photogenic and quick-to-eat street snacks in Namdaemun — easy to shoot and taste on the move.
- Location: Near Hoehyeon Station Exit 5 / Market Gate 2 area
- Hours: 08:00–18:30 (Closed on Sundays)
- Price: Vegetable Hotteok ₩2,500, Sweet-Seed Hotteok ₩2,500, Red-Bean Hotteok ₩2,500
Ask for a cut-in-half shot so you can show the filling and steam.
Warn guests: the filling is very hot just after cooking.
② 가메골 손왕만두 (Gamegol Handmade King Mandu)
Traditional mandu (Korean dumplings) served steamed or in a hearty mandu-guk (dumpling soup). This shop has a long local history and is popular with visitors who want a comforting, easy-to-eat Korean meal.
- Address (reference): 42 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Phone (reference): +82-2-755-2569
- Hours: 08:20–19:30 (Closed on Sundays)
- Popular:Meat King Mandu, Kimchi King Mandu, rib mandu, shrimp mandu, mandu-guk
Point at the display or show the dish name — many vendors understand basic English, and staff often accept simple gestures for takeaway.
③ 우리식당 (Galchi Jorim — Braised Hairtail Specialist)
For a true local meal, try braised galchi (hairtail). Rich, spicy-sweet sauce and soft fish make this an unforgettable Korean lunch. This restaurant sits inside the small galchi-golmok (alley) and is often recommended by bloggers who write about Namdaemun’s specialty eateries.
- Address (reference): 22-18 Namdaemunsijang-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Hours: 05:00–22:00 (Closed on Mondays)
- Price: Grilled and braised fish ~₩14,000–₩30,000
- Be careful, as braised dishes can be spicy.
- Order one braised dish and one grilled dish to share with a friend or loved one.
- Share a plate if you are sampling other foods on the route.
- Bring wet wipes — it can be a bit saucy.
④ 가배도 회현점 (Gabaedo Café — rest & shoot)
A short walk from the market, Gabaedo offers a calm, photogenic space to rest. The cafe's decor mixes traditional materials and modern lighting — ideal for lifestyle and portrait photos after the busy market scenes.
- Address: 11 Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Hours: ~09:00–21:00 (Last Order 20:30)
- Popular: Americano, Bombon, Cortado, Latte, Milk Tea, Matcha Latte
If possible, sit by the window.
morning/early afternoon light photographs beautifully.
Nearby are Sungnyemun Gate, a national treasure of the Republic of Korea, and City Hall.
⑤ 기념품 & 패션 상가 (Namdaemun Central Arcade — souvenirs & accessories)
Finish with a short shopping session in the central arcade where you can find Korean-style keyrings, jewelry, hats, and traditional crafts. It's a great place for gift shopping and for capturing colourful shop displays.
- Location: Namdaemun Central Arcade / 1–2 floor accessory zones (market interior)
- Hours: Typically 09:00–18:00
Tourist Information
Exit Hoehyeon Station Exit 5 and enter the market to find the tourist information center. You can find a variety of information about Namdaemun Market here. Feel free to ask for directions or find your way around. We'll be happy to assist you.
Tourist Information Guide
If you're lost or need assistance, look for a guide wearing a red hat and red clothing. They'll be happy to help you in English. See photo.
Note
- Start point: Hoehyeon Station (회현역) Exit 5 — meet at the market tourist information desk for group shoots and guide photos.
- Timing: Aim for 10:00–14:00 for full shop activity yet avoid the very largest lunch crowds.
- Payments: Cash still common at stalls; bring small bills. Many shops accept cards but verify at the counter.
- Food safety: Hotteok & mandu are hot — let them cool slightly before biting. For galchi, order individual servings or share.
- Permissions: Ask permission before filming staff close-up or making long video takes inside a shop.
an instant street-food bite (hotteok), a comforting traditional meal (mandu), a true local specialty (galchi jorim), a relaxing cafe break (Gabaedo), and souvenir shopping. It balances taste, texture, and tempo — perfect for short visits and for photo-driven blog stories.
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