Myeongdong Topokki: TV-Featured Shinsegae Topokki

After staying at L YOUNG Inn Capsule Hotel Myeongdong, I stopped by Shinsegae Topokki the next day while exploring Myeongdong. If you are looking for Myeongdong topokki, this is one of the best-known old-school spots in the area.

Shinsegae Topokki is a small local bunsik shop that has been featured on Korean TV and remains popular with both locals and visitors. Myeongdong has plenty of food stalls and casual snack places, but this shop feels different. It is not a trendy café or a modern restaurant. Instead, it is a tiny, old-school place with simple seating, quick service, and a very local atmosphere.

If you want to try a more classic style of topokki in Myeongdong, this is a good place to start.

Location & Quick Summary

• Address: 10 Myeongdong 9-gil, Jung District, Seoul
• Opening Time: 9:00 AM
• Closing Time: No fixed closing time. The shop closes when the topokki sells out
• Closed: Every 4th Sunday of the month
• Payment: Cash and card accepted

Good to know:

• Famous TV-featured topokki spot in Myeongdong
• Small, old-school Korean bunsik shop
• Good selection of classic menu items
• Free oden soup is included
• You can ask for more oden soup
• Better to visit early in the day
• Can sell out before late afternoon

A Small but Famous Bunsik Spot

Shinsegae Topokki is very small, but that is part of its appeal. It feels more like a neighborhood snack shop than a place designed for tourists.

Inside, the seating is limited and simple. If it is busy, many people just eat quickly and leave. As you get closer to the counter, you will see classic bunsik items lined up, including topokki, sundae, fish cake, dumplings, and gimbap.

The shop has also been featured on Korean TV, which helps explain why it is still one of the more talked-about Myeongdong topokki spots.

Opening Hours

Shinsegae Topokki opens at 9:00 AM.
The shop is closed on the fourth Sunday of every month.

There is no fixed closing time. Instead, the shop closes once the topokki is sold out for the day.

That is important to keep in mind when planning your visit. I once stopped by at around 4:00 PM, but the topokki was already sold out, so I had to leave without getting anything. Since then, I have felt that this is the kind of place you should visit earlier rather than later.

Menu & Prices

The menu is simple and focused on classic bunsik.

Here is what I ordered:

• Topokki (1 portion): 5,000 KRW
• Sundae (1 portion): 5,000 KRW

Other menu items include:

• Gimbap (5 pieces): 4,000 KRW
• Gunmandu / Fried Dumplings (5 pieces): 4,000 KRW
• Oden / Fish Cake (3 skewers): 4,000 KRW

Prices are as of late February 2026 and may change.

For payment, both cash and card are accepted.

What the Food Is Like

The topokki here has a chewy texture and a thick red sauce. The flavor is rich, bold, and more savory than the sweeter style some travelers may expect. There are also large pieces of green onion mixed into the sauce, which give it extra texture and flavor.

The spice level may feel a little strong if you are not used to Korean food, but it still feels approachable for many visitors who want to try a more local style of topokki.

The sundae goes especially well with the topokki. It adds a different texture and makes the meal feel more complete.

What to Order

If you are visiting alone, I recommend ordering topokki plus one more item you want to try. Sundae, fish cake, or fried dumplings are all good choices.

If you are visiting with two or more people, this is the kind of place where it makes sense to order one of every menu item and share. The menu is simple, the portions are easy to divide, and trying several dishes together gives you a better bunsik experience.

Local Tips

This is the kind of place where it helps to keep your expectations simple.

The seating area is small, so it is better for a quick stop than a long meal. If you arrive during a busy time, you may need to eat quickly or wait a little.

One nice extra here is the oden soup. Even if you do not order oden, they give you a small cup of warm oden broth for free. If you finish it and want more, you can ask for another serving.

For solo visitors, a simple order works best. For groups, sharing several dishes is the better approach.

Conclusion

Shinsegae Topokki is a good stop if you want to try a classic, local-style Myeongdong topokki shop. It is small, simple, and easy to miss, but clearly popular for a reason.

What I liked most was that it still feels like a real neighborhood bunsik place rather than a spot made only for tourists. If you are looking for a TV-featured topokki spot in Myeongdong, Shinsegae Topokki is worth trying.

Just try to go early.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)