Spring has fully arrived in Seoul, and Shinheung Market in Haebangchon is one of the best places to feel it.
Originally formed after Korea’s liberation as a local market for daily necessities, Shinheung Market has transformed into one of Seoul’s most atmospheric alley destinations. Old signs, weathered buildings, small bistros, and casual bars now sit side by side, creating a space where old Seoul meets the city’s modern dining culture.
Shinheung Market has even appeared as a filming location in the Netflix drama “Can This Love Be Translated?”, highlighting its uniquely cinematic and foreign atmosphere. For many international visitors, the alley feels like a scene straight out of a film.
This is also one of the easiest places to experience Yajang, Korea’s outdoor street dining culture. As the weather gets warmer, restaurants bring tables and chairs outside, and on weekends the entire alley can feel like one long open-air pocha.
If you enjoy local market neighborhoods in Seoul, you may also want to read my Ttukdo Market day-to-night guide. For a nearby route, pair this area with my Hannam-dong shopping guide or Hannam-dong restaurants guide.
Table of Contents
- What Is Yajang?
- How to Get to Shinheung Market
- Shinheung Market Outdoor Dining at a Glance
- 6 Best Outdoor Dining Spots
- Practical Waiting & Reservation Tips
- How to Enjoy Shinheung Market at Night
What Is Yajang?
Yajang refers to South Korea’s unique outdoor street dining culture, where tables and chairs are set up in alleys or on sidewalks during pleasant spring and autumn evenings.
It is not just about eating outside. It is about sitting close to the street, hearing the noise of the neighborhood, sharing drinks and food, and letting the night unfold naturally. Shinheung Market is one of the most charming places in Seoul to experience this atmosphere.
How to Get to Shinheung Market
Shinheung Market is located on the hill of Haebangchon, so it is important to know how to get there before you go.
1. Walking from Noksapyeong Station
- Subway: Line 6, Noksapyeong Station, Exit 2
- Walking time: About 20–25 minutes
- Note: The route goes uphill toward Haebangchon
The walk can be scenic, but the slope is steep. I would not recommend this route in hot weather, with heavy bags, or if you are not wearing comfortable shoes.
2. Local Bus Route: The Easiest Way
- Bus: Yongsan 02 local village bus
- Where to board: Near Sookmyung Women’s University Station Exit 5, or across from Namyeong Station Exit 1
- Where to get off: Haebangchon Ogeori bus stop
This is the local route I recommend most. The bus announcement may say Haebangchon Ogeori rather than Shinheung Market, so make sure to check the stop name carefully.
If you use this route, you can avoid most of the uphill walk and arrive very close to the market entrance.
3. Taking a Taxi
- Destination to say: Haebangchon Ogeori, in front of Shinheung Market
- Navigation address: 95-9 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
For taxi apps, you can use Kakao T or Uber in Korea. If you plan to take public transportation often, check my T-money card guide for Seoul before your trip.
- Shinheung Market: View on Google Maps
- Haebangchon Ogeori: View on Google Maps
Shinheung Market Outdoor Dining at a Glance
| Spot Name | Best For | Atmosphere | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haebangchon Dak | Chicken & Beer | Classic market-side yajang | Herbal rotisserie chicken |
| Bistro Jojo | Bistro Dining | European alley mood | Outdoor tables along the alley |
| Gilbardak | Cocktails | Vintage bar mood | Outside food is allowed |
| The Old Vic | Brunch & Wine | Multi-floor dining space | Outdoor seats and rooftop mood |
| Tipsy Taco | Tacos & Beer | Casual two-person outdoor seats | Tipsy taco and bulgogi taco |
| H5NG | American Chinese | Counter, semi-outdoor, and street tables | Mongolian beef |
* Scroll horizontally to view the full table on mobile.
6 Best Outdoor Dining Spots in Shinheung Market
1. Haebangchon Dak
#HaebangchonDak #ChickenAndBeer #ShinheungMarket #Yajang
Haebangchon Dak serves herbal rotisserie chicken filled with good ingredients and roasted until the excess oil is rendered out. It is one of the most satisfying first stops in the market.
Order a whole chicken, add a cold beer, and sit right in the middle of the market alley. It is simple, local, and exactly the kind of experience that makes Shinheung Market worth visiting.
- Instagram: @haebangchondak
- Address: 1F, 97-5 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Map: View on Google Maps
- Best For: Herbal rotisserie chicken with beer
2. Bistro Jojo
#BistroJojo #HaebangchonBistro #OutdoorDining #SeoulNightOut
Bistro Jojo is a small bistro that stretches along one side of the alley. Its outdoor tables are one of the reasons people talk about Shinheung Market as a yajang destination.
The mood is relaxed but stylish, and the long alley seating makes it feel like you are dining inside the rhythm of the neighborhood.
- Instagram: @bistrojojo_seoul
- Address: 1–2F, 95-15 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Map: View on Google Maps
- Closed: Mondays
3. Gilbardak
#Gilbardak #CocktailBar #HaebangchonBar #VintageSeoul
Gilbardak is a cocktail bar built into a former tailor shop, keeping the old “DRESS SALON” sign and grid-style windows. That preserved detail gives the space its character before you even step inside.
Cocktails are reasonably priced, and outside food is allowed, which makes it especially useful if you want to bring something from the market and finish the night with a drink.
- Instagram: @gilbardak
- Address: 1F, 26-18 Sowol-ro 20-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Map: View on Google Maps
- Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
4. The Old Vic
#TheOldVicSeoul #HaebangchonWine #RooftopSeoul #BrunchAndWine
The Old Vic works as a brunch spot during the day and a bottle wine spot at night. From the first-floor outdoor seats to the upper-floor rooftop mood, each level has a slightly different atmosphere.
If you want a more polished space within the casual market setting, this is one of the most recognizable names in the alley.
- Instagram: @theoldvic.seoul
- Address: 1–3F, 95-13 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Map: View on Google Maps
- Break Time: 3:30 PM–5:00 PM
5. Tipsy Taco
#TipsyTaco #SeoulTacos #HaebangchonFood #TacosAndBeer
Tipsy Taco is a small Mexican taco bar inside Shinheung Market. The tiny outdoor tables for two are part of its charm, especially on a warm evening.
Order the signature Tipsy Taco or bulgogi taco with a beer, and it becomes an easy, casual stop before moving deeper into the market alley.
- Instagram: @tipsytaco
- Address: 1F, 99-1 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Map: View on Google Maps
- Break Time: 3:00 PM–5:00 PM
6. H5NG
#H5NG #AmericanChinese #HaebangchonRestaurant #MongolianBeef
H5NG is read as “Hong,” using the number 5 like the letter O. It is an American Chinese bistro with a unique seating setup: counter seats, semi-outdoor window-facing seats, and street tables.
The Mongolian beef is the dish to try here. It works especially well as a second stop when you want something flavorful but still easy to share over drinks.
- Instagram: @h5ng_hbc
- Address: 95-17 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Map: View on Google Maps
- Break Time: 3:00 PM–5:00 PM
Practical Waiting & Reservation Tips
Restaurants in Shinheung Market do not all operate the same way, so it is worth checking the basics before you go.
Walk-in Only Is Still Common
Many local favorites still operate on a first-come, first-served basis rather than digital reservations. Places like Haebangchon Dak and H5NG may require you to visit in person, write your name on a waiting list, and wait nearby.
While you wait, the best thing to do is simply explore the alley. That is part of the Shinheung Market experience.
Catch Table Is Not Universal
Some larger or more modern spots, such as The Old Vic, may use digital reservation or waiting systems like Catch Table. However, this does not apply to every restaurant in the market.
Best Time to Arrive
- After 6 PM on weekends: Outdoor seats are often full
- Best arrival time: Around 5:00–5:30 PM
This is the safest time window if you want to secure an outdoor table without a long wait.
Pro Tip: Not all restaurants in Shinheung Market support digital reservations like Catch Table. Many local favorites still operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Be prepared to write your name on a physical waiting list and explore the nearby alleys while you wait.
How to Enjoy Shinheung Market at Night
Shinheung Market is not the kind of place where you need to stay in one restaurant all night. It works best when you move naturally from one spot to another.
- First stop: Haebangchon Dak for rotisserie chicken and beer
- Second stop: H5NG for American Chinese dishes and drinks
- Final stop: Gilbardak for cocktails and the Haebangchon night mood
Each restaurant has a different atmosphere, so moving through the alley becomes part of the experience. On a good-weather evening, Shinheung Market does not need a strict plan. The best way to enjoy it is to let the night unfold naturally.
Information may change depending on each restaurant’s operating schedule. Check the latest hours before visiting.
Images courtesy of @haebangchondak, @bistrojojo_seoul, @gilbardak, @tipsytaco, and @h5ng_hbc.