A perfect day trip to Seochon, Seoul! From Tongin Market's oil tteokbokki to Hyoja Bakery—a complete guide for walkers 🚶‍♂️

If you walk slowly for about 10 minutes after coming out of Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 2, you'll find the cozy, quiet alleyways that make Seochon so special. Since it's an artist's alley, every single mural feels like a masterpiece, making the walk so much fun! 🗺️

Even the signboards for things like Seochon Daily or Seochon Lounge are placed so stylishly, which makes exploring even more enjoyable. I couldn't help but snap a photo in front of a Hanok gate with a vintage bicycle parked out front, haha. It's so charming how this peaceful, timeless scenery exists right amidst all the modern buildings.

When you think of Seochon, you absolutely can't leave out Tongin Market. The delicious smells hit you right from the entrance, but I only had one destination in mind: Original Grandma Jung's Oil Tteokbokki. 🚌

Since it was the weekend, the line was pretty long, but seeing that visual of the tteokbokki sizzling on the iron plate, I had no choice but to wait. It's 6,000 won per serving, and you can choose between gochujang (spicy) or soy sauce flavors. ⏱️

Here's a quick reality check! There's a rule that if you want to eat inside the shop, you must order at least 2 servings. Also, there's a sign at the entrance saying "Order first, then enter," so you definitely have to finish your order outside before heading in.

They serve it in a cup, which makes it perfect for snacking while wandering around the market. The sauce is deeply infused into every single piece of rice cake, and the more you chew, the more that savory and spicy flavor kicks in. I really felt the expertise of a long-standing local spot! When you pick one up with a skewer, the thickness of that sauce is just insane.

Even though it's an old-school spot tucked away in a market alley, they actually have air conditioning installed, so you can enjoy your meal comfortably even in the middle of a hot summer. You can tell just by looking at all the photos of their TV appearances covering the walls that this place has been around since 1956. If you grab the 9,000 won Bindaetteok to eat with it, the combo is absolutely heavenly.

Now that I've filled up on Tteokbokki, it's dessert time! I headed over to Hyoja Bakery, which is right near Tongin Market. Since they've been in business since 1985, the place has a totally different vibe from the outside. 🚶

To get their #1 menu item, the Corn Bread, you need to know how the system works. First, you pay at the counter and receive a number tag along with your receipt. Depending on your timing, you might have to wait about 20 minutes to get your hands on that freshly baked bread.

Seeing the Seoul Master Artisan certification plaque on the wall immediately boosted my trust in this place. The shop was filled with the savory aroma of freshly baked bread, so waiting wasn't boring at all! It's such an exciting space when you're picking out bread.

The corn bread isn't your typical sweet corn bread; it's a moist, savory flavor—almost like a croquette filling with a mix of potato, onion, corn, and pepper—so it might be different from what you expect. Also, the Choco Rumbol, which is only sold on weekends, is so popular that they set aside pre-ordered items separately, so grab one immediately if you see it!

I was looking for somewhere with a bit more vibe for dinner, so I headed to Hanokdal. It's tucked inside the Sejong Village Food Culture Street, and once night fell, the orange lanterns lit up and the atmosphere was absolutely insane. I honestly thought there couldn't be a better spot for a date.

Their signature seafood pasta comes served in a traditional earthenware pot, and with the crispy scorched rice on top, it looks absolutely unique! Sipping a glass of wine under the Hanok rafters, I felt totally swept away by the amazing atmosphere. The stacks of firewood and wine bottles at the entrance add such a chic, trendy vibe.

If you're a fan of buckwheat dishes, you absolutely have to visit Jalppajin Memil. Since it was featured on Master of Living, expect a wait, but they have a QR code at the entrance so you can check out the menu in advance, which was super convenient. 🍽️

One thing to watch out for, though! The first floor is just a waiting area with no seating, so you have to head up to the second floor via the stairs, and they are pretty steep. Also, there are no restrooms on the second floor—only a single unisex restroom next to the first-floor entrance, which was a bit of a hassle, haha.

Even if you just order a single bowl of Makguksu, they serve you four pieces of bossam and a small rice ball like a free side, so the value is incredible. Wrapping the bossam in gamtae (seaweed) instead of using salted shrimp was such a unique touch, though I personally found the leafy greens on top of the perilla oil Makguksu a bit distracting from the texture of the noodles.

After finishing my meal, I realized that the night in Seochon is actually even more charming than the day. The signs for Jeokseongol Food Culture Street were glowing warmly, and the quietness of the deserted night streets really helped me feel at peace.

I even got lucky enough to catch a traditional Korean music performance happening in a Hanok courtyard! The melody of the gayageum blended so beautifully with the night air, creating such a deep, moving vibe. Seeing the streetlights casting long shadows through the narrow alleys made all the fatigue from the day just melt away.

Seochon is a place you can fully enjoy even if you're just traveling on foot, so you should definitely drop by this weekend. It's super easy to get to via public transport, and there are so many great budget-friendly restaurants, making it the perfect spot for a day trip. I'll be back soon with more hidden gems!