Pojangmacha, or street food stalls, offer a unique and vibrant experience and are an integral part of Seoul‘s nightlife scene. Depicted a lot in Korean dramas, these mobile food carts offer a variety of food and alcoholic beverages and have become an indispensable part of the spiritual life of Korean people.
In recent years, they have adapted to changing tastes, and many now offer set menus with combinations of individual snacks. Indoor restaurants and bars have started replicating the aesthetic, and the appeal has broadened to attract a younger crowd alongside the traditional older clientele. Here are some of the most popular ones you must check out the next time you’re in Seoul!
Popular Pojangmacha Spots
1. Jongno 3-ga Pojangmacha Street
| How to get there: Take line 1, 3, or 5 to Jongno 3-ga Station. Exit 5 or 6 will lead you directly to the street)
| Opening Hours: Daily 17:00-00:00 (hours may vary by vendor)
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Located in front of Ikseon-dong, a charming area known for its blend of traditional architecture and modern culture, Jongno is by far one of the most famous areas for pojangmacha. Stretching out for 200 meters from exits 5 to 6 of Jongno 3-ga station this street transforms into a lively nighttime spectacle, with plastic tables and stools overflowing onto the pavements as vendors open their doors as it gets dark.
The area is a rare remnant of Seoul’s older pojangmacha culture, making it a must-visit area for lots of young locals looking to get a drink after a long day of work with co-workers or friends. It’s a great place for you to immerse yourself in Seoul’s local culture while enjoying budget-friendly food and drinks!
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2. Euljiro Pojangmacha Street
| How to get there: Take line 2 or 3 to Euljiro 3-ga Station and exit from exit 4
| Opening Hours: Daily 17:00-02:00 (hours may vary by vendor)
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Euljiro Pojangmacha Street, also known as Euljiro Nogari Alley, is a vibrant area that transforms from an industrial area by day into a lively food and drink scene by night. The area is also called “Hipji-ro” due to its trendy vibe and is characterized by orange tents with plastic chairs lining the streets, a mix of traditional street food tests and larger indoor establishments, and a blend of old industrial charm and trendiness.
Manseon Hof is a well-known spot in Euljiro, famous for its simple yet delicious menu, ranging from Nogari (dried young pollack) to garlic chicken. With locations all over Korea, the original location is in Euljiro, and you’ll find it filled with people during spring and fall when the weather is optimal for drinking outside.
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3. Dongdaemun Dak Hanmari Alley
| Address: 247-3 Jongno 5-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
| Opening Hours: Daily 10:00-00:00 (hours may vary by vendor)
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Once you emerge out of exit 9 of Dongdaemun Station, you’ll come across the Dongdaemun Dak Hanmari Alley, a famous food destination in Seoul. Dak hanmari, which literally means “one whole chicken” in Korean, is the alley’s specialty, with many restaurants in the alley in operation for 5 to 30 years.
The area originated when workers from the nearby shopping complex prepared chicken noodle soup in the alley. A whole chicken is boiled in soup and served with a special sauce, and you can add knife-cut noodles into the remaining broth for the perfect finish. The area offers you a chance to experience authentic Korean cuisine in a historic setting. The broader Dongdaemun area also offers a variety of other dining options, including fried chicken and beer, commonly referred to as “chimaek.”
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4. Hoegi Station Pajeon Alley
| Address: 329 Hwigyeong-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
| Opening Hours: Daily 12:00-04:00 (hours may vary by vendor)
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Located near exit 1 of Hoegi Station near Kyung Hee University, Hoegi Station Pajeon Alley is known for its delicious Korean pancakes (jeon) and traditional rice wine (makgeolli). The alley has been a favorite spot for both locals and students since the 1970s and is home to numerous restaurants selling the combination. Jeon and makgeolli are a perfect pairing, especially on a rainy day, as the jeon is savory and crispy, and the makgeolli is slightly sweet and tangy. There are several varieties of jeon, like pajeon (green onion pancakes), kimchi, and haemul (seafood pancakes).
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5. Myeongdong Street Food
| How to get there: Take line 4 to Myeongdong Station. Use exits 5,6,7, or 8 to access the main shopping and food streets
| Opening Hours: Daily 15:00-22:00 (hours may vary by vendor)
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Myeongdong is one of Seoul’s premier shopping streets but also boasts a lively street food scene, especially in the evenings. The area is known for a diverse range of food and drink including spicy rice cakes (Tteokbokki), blood sausage (soondae), tornado potato (hweori gamja), fish cakes (odeng), sweet pancakes (hotteok), dragon’s beard candy, freshly squeezed fruit juice, and more. It’s the perfect place to fill up after a long day of shopping in the vicinity.
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6. Gwangjang Market
| Address: 2-1 Yeji-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
| Opening Hours: Daily 09:00-18:00 (hours may vary by vendor)
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Established in 1905, Gwangjang Market is one of Seoul’s oldest and largest permanent traditional markets, offering a vibrant atmosphere that will allow you to experience authentic Korean culture. Although it is not technically a pojangmacha, you’ll be able to feel the vibes as it’s a lively setting with lots of food stalls and bustling crowds. It’s a great destination for those looking to immerse themselves in Seoul’s traditional culture and culinary delights.
📌Recommended experiences:
- Gyeongbokgung Palace (+ Bukchon Hanok Village/ Naksan Park/ Gwangjang Market) Walking Tour
- Changgyeonggung Palace (+ Naksan Park/ Gwangjang Market) Night Walking Tour
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7. Namdaemun Market Pojangmacha
| Address: 21 Namdaemun Market 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
| Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-17:30
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Namdaemun Market is a large and historic traditional market, known for its diverse offerings of goods and food. Established in the early 15th century, it is one of the oldest traditional markets in Korea. You can find a variety of food stalls that sell delicious food and drink. It’s a great place for exploring unique and local items like traditional Korean crafts, hanbok and traditional attire, handmade pottery and ceramics, local snacks, and handmade accessories. Make sure you try the vegetable sweet pancakes (hoddeok) , as they’re so delicious that people line up to buy them!
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Popular Korean Street Food & Beverages
Here are some popular street foods, typically enjoyed with alcoholic beverages.
1. Gyeran-mari
Rolled omelet, often served in slices. It’s a simple yet delicious dish that pairs well with drinks and usually comes drizzled in mustard and ketchup.
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2. Udon
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A thick wheat noodle soup, perfect for warming up on cold nights. It’s often served with various toppings.
3. Dakddongjip
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Grilled chicken gizzards, known for their chewy texture and rich flavor. They’re a popular choice among pojangmacha patrons.
4. Kkomjangeo
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Grilled hagfish, often served with vegetables like red and green peppers. It’s believed to be good for stamina.
5. Jeon
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Korean pancakes, with varieties including pajeon (green onion pancake) and nokdujeon (mung bean pancake). These crispy, savory pancakes are excellent with drinks.
6. Soju & Beer
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A clear, distilled spirit often referred to as “Korean vodka.” It’s the most popular alcohol in Korea and is known for its affordability and social drinking culture. Korean beer is typically lager-style, with popular brands like Hite and Cass. Craft beers are also gaining popularity, with brands like ARK and 7Bräu offering a variety of styles
7. Makgeolli
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A traditional Korean rice wine, also known as “takju” or “cloudy alcohol,” is made from fermented rice, nuruk (Korean koji), and water.
📌Check out these must-join food tours in Seoul!
- Gyeongbokgung & Insadong Food Walking Tour
- Korean Cooking Class + Local Market Tour with a Michelin 1-star Chef in Mangwon
