Yeonseo Market

Step inside Yeonseo Market and you’ll find yourself in the middle of Seoul’s most vibrant indoor pojangmacha experience. This sprawling collection of food stalls operates under one roof, each booth helmed by seasoned aunties who take their cooking personally—like they’re on a mission to make sure nobody in the neighborhood goes hungry. The energy here is infectious, with the clatter of dishes, sizzling grills, and animated conversations creating a soundtrack that’s unmistakably Korean.

The real star here is the seafood, sourced directly from the market next door. You might find yourself watching live clams get tossed onto a grill, their shells popping open to reveal briny perfection. Or maybe you’ll opt for snapper sashimi, sliced with practiced ease right before your eyes. The whelk dishes are piled generously with noodles and vegetables, offering a satisfying tangle of textures and flavors that pairs beautifully with a cold drink.

What sets Yeonseo Market apart is its flexibility. The menus at each stall are really more like starting suggestions. Fancy a kimchi jeon but don’t see it listed? Just ask—the cook will likely dash into the market, grab what she needs, and whip one up on the spot. This kind of spontaneous, personalized cooking is rare and wonderful.

Come hungry, come thirsty, and come prepared to stay a while. This is quintessential Korean drinking food at its finest, best enjoyed with good company and an open mind. Just don’t forget to grab a hangover cure from the convenience store on your way out—you’ll probably need it.