Seoul Food Guide: The Best Korean Jeon in Namdaemun Market

Wondering What to Eat at Namdaemun Market? Try Korean Jeon!

If you're wondering what to eat while visiting Namdaemun Market, I'd highly recommend trying Korean jeon (savory pancakes).

I visit Namdaemun quite often for work, and it's one of my favorite places to grab a quick, satisfying meal. Namdaemun is one of Seoul's most famous traditional markets. It's also a major wholesale market, so you'll see both local shoppers and business owners browsing everything from accessories, clothing, bags, and hats to kitchenware and delicious street food. It's a must-visit destination for both locals and travelers.

Whenever I'm there, I almost always stop by one particular restaurant.

• My Favorite Restaurant: Sunhuine Bindaetteok (순희네 빈대떡)
• Address: 25-8 Namdaemunsijang-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

The restaurant is tucked away inside Namdaemun Market. It's small, simple, and has an old-fashioned atmosphere. As soon as you arrive, you'll probably notice the cooks preparing and frying jeon right in front of you. Watching them work is part of the experience!

⭐ What to Order

1. Mung Bean Pancake (녹두전)

Made with ground mung beans, bean sprouts, and vegetables, this pancake is wonderfully crispy on the outside and soft inside. It's rich, nutty, and much more flavorful than it looks.

2. Gogi Wanja-jeon (고기 완자전)

These pan-fried pork patties are one of the restaurant's signature dishes. They might remind you of a hamburger patty, but they're softer, juicier, and packed with savory flavor.

3. Tteokbokki (떡볶이)

The chewy rice cakes are coated in a sweet and spicy sauce that's incredibly addictive. The spice level is just right for me, although some international visitors may find it a little spicy. That said, every foreign friend I've brought here has loved it!

4. Potato Pancake (감자전)

If you enjoy hash browns, you should definitely give this a try. It has a completely different texture and flavor, with a crispy exterior and a rich, earthy potato taste that's uniquely Korean.

🙏Don't Forget the Dipping Sauce

The restaurant serves kimchi and a soy sauce with sliced onions. There aren't many side dishes, but you don't really need them.
Be sure to dip the jeon into the onion soy sauce or even eat it together with the onions. It makes the pancakes even more delicious.

🍶Pair It with Makgeolli

Many Koreans enjoy jeon with makgeolli, Korea's traditional rice wine. If you'd like to experience Korean drinking culture, I highly recommend giving it a try.

I've also written a separate guide about makgeolli, so be sure to check that out if you're interested in learning more. 

(Click the image below to learn more!)

✨Prices & Tips

The prices here are very reasonable. A group of three or four people can order several dishes and spend around ₩50,000 (about US$30–40) in total.

🚩There are a few things to keep in mind: The restaurant is quite small, so there may be a wait on weekends.
It can sometimes get noisy, especially when groups are enjoying drinks. Personally, I prefer visiting on weekdays when it's much quieter.
The restaurant is closed on Sundays, so be sure to check before you go.

Sunhuine Bindaetteok has locations in both Namdaemun Market and Gwangjang Market. If you find yourself visiting Gwangjang Market, I highly recommend stopping by there as well.

😊Visit with Me!

One of my Seoul walking tours includes lunch at this restaurant. If you'd like to explore Namdaemun Market together while enjoying authentic Korean jeon, feel free to check out my tour.

🔍Please click the image or URL below for more details about the tour!

airbnb.co.kr/x/seoul-culture-walk-with-judy

I hope you have a wonderful time exploring Namdaemun Market and enjoy some of the best Korean pancakes Seoul has to offer!