Nandaemun Market is a huge area, so snacking and meals are essential as you’re likely to get hungry while exploring this extensive space! Here you’ll find many street foods and dining options, so make time to grab a bite while you’re enjoying the market.

Keep in mind that Namdaemun Market is closed on Sundays, which means that most street food stalls and restaurants are also closed.

Kalguksu Alley

From Hoehyeon Station Exit 5, you’ll immediately find a narrow alley specializing in kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup). This food alley is renowned for its combo meal menu that includes knife-cut noodle soup, spicy cold noodles, and bibimbap with various vegetables, for only 8,000 won. Local vendors working in Nandaemun gather around small tables, and the food is usually prepared within a minute, allowing them to grab a quick meal. Due to its affordable price and unique local vibe, this alley is a popular spot for travelers visiting the market.

• Address: Kalguksu Alley in front of Hoehyeon Station Exit 5

• MAP: https://naver.me/xUSkm1kh

Hotteok

For 1,500 won, you can enjoy a Korean fried pancake known as hotteok. This is a famous snack in Nandaemun. Particularly, the vegetable hotteok stands out as a well-known specialty. Filled with glass noodles and vegetables like onions and carrots, it’s tastefully seasoned with soy sauce. Most locals enjoy this treat, while some foreigners might prefer a sweeter option like the sugar-filled or honey hotteok that is another favorite.

• Address: two different places

In front of Hoehyeon Station exit 5 & 12 Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu (남대문로 12)

Gamegol Son Wangmandu (Homemade large dumplings)

Gamegol Son Wangmandu is one of the hottest restaurants in Nandaemun, serving up large homemade dumplings with a variety of fillings. You’ll likely have to wait in line even on the weekdays, but the food is worth the wait. Don’t forget to grab steamed buns with red bean paste filling, and kalguksu Korean knife-cut noodle soup. The dumplings come in both spicy and meat flavors and are also available to go.

• Address: 42 Namdaemun-sijang 4-gil, Jung-gu (가메골손왕만두)

• MAP: https://naver.me/FrKlK5sn

• Hours: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Sunday is closed)

Daedo Restaurant

Daedo restaurant is well known for its spicy marinated pork with red pepper paste, called “Red meat.” If you can handle spicy food well, you’ll truly enjoy the red meat. Also, this restaurant is located in the “Galchi Alley,” a specialty alley selling galchi (hairtail fish) dishes. Daedo also serves up a variety of meat or fish dishes. Although it’s an authentic local spot, many foreigners can find their favorite menu here such as Korean BBQ, stir-fried pork, and squid stir-fry.

• Address: 12-15 Namdaemun-sijang-gil, Jung-gu (대도식당)

• MAP: https://naver.me/GmFdtIms

• Hours: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. (Sunday is closed)

Korean

USAG Yongsan

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