Meta Description: Discover Cheongnyangni Market in Seoul, a must-visit for international students to save money on food, shopping, and more in 2025.
Introduction
For international students studying in South Korea in 2025, managing expenses while embracing the local culture is a top priority. Amid the bustling streets of eastern Seoul lies Cheongnyangni Market, a hidden gem that offers an affordable haven for those looking to stretch their won. Known for its vibrant food stalls, fresh produce, and budget-friendly shopping, this market is a must-see for students aiming to save money without sacrificing the rich experience of Korean life. As of August 2025, with living costs rising in cities like Seoul, Cheongnyangni Market stands out as a practical and cultural hotspot, easily accessible via its major railway station. This article explores why it’s an essential stop for students and how to make the most of it.
Why Cheongnyangni Market Appeals to Students
Cheongnyangni Market, located near Cheongnyangni Station, is a sprawling traditional market that combines affordability with authenticity. Unlike larger chains like E-mart or Lotte Mart, it offers goods at a fraction of the price, making it ideal for students on tight budgets. Web insights from 2024 highlight its reputation for fresh seafood, vegetables, and unique food alleys like Tongdak Alley, where fried chicken and rice cakes are sold at reasonable rates. With international students spending an average of 10–20 million KRW (INR 6–12 lakh) annually on living costs, according to 2025 estimates, this market provides a lifeline for cutting expenses on groceries and dining. Its proximity to public transport, including Seoul Subway Line 1 and KTX services, also makes it convenient for students across campuses like Korea University or Seoul National University.
Money-Saving Opportunities
Affordable Food Options
One of the biggest draws is the food, particularly at Tongdak Alley, famous for its fried chicken varieties—plain, spicy-sweet, feet, and gizzards—priced at around 62,000 KRW ($45) for a group of 10, as noted in a 2024 visit. This translates to roughly 6,200 KRW ($4.50) per person, far cheaper than restaurant meals in Seoul, where prices are 74.8% higher than in Delhi for Indian students. Freshly shucked oysters are another bargain, with large trays available for 10,000 KRW ($9), a steal compared to specialty stores. Cooking at home with market ingredients like vegetables and seafood can further reduce costs, with bulk purchases cutting grocery bills by up to a third, a tip echoed by teachers and students in 2023 web reports.
Budget Shopping
The market’s covered arcades offer a mix of fruits, grains, and household items at lower prices than supermarkets. Students can buy large quantities of produce for as little as 2,000 KRW ($1.50) for items like carrots, a strategy used by expats to save on food costs. Cash is king here, so bringing 15,000–20,000 KRW ($11–$15) ensures you’re prepared. For alcohol, convenience stores near the market sell four tall cans for 11,000 KRW ($8), beating bigger retail prices. Secondhand goods, though not as prominent as at online platforms like KOPAS, occasionally surface, offering additional savings on essentials.
Transportation Savings
Cheongnyangni Station’s connectivity—serving KTX, ITX-Cheongchun, and subway lines—makes it easy to visit without extra travel costs. Students with T-money cards or SMART IDs can ride buses and subways for as low as 1,250 KRW ($0.90), with free transfers within 30 minutes. This accessibility is a boon for students at nearby universities, reducing reliance on pricier taxis or rideshares.
Cultural Immersion on a Budget
Beyond savings, Cheongnyangni Market offers a cultural experience that enriches student life. Wandering through its halls, you’ll encounter the dynamic buying and selling culture, from haggling with vendors to sampling local delicacies. The market’s seafood presence reflects Korea’s coastal heritage, while Tongdak Alley’s fried chicken ties into the country’s love for affordable street food. For international students, especially those from India or Vietnam, where markets are central to daily life, this setting feels familiar yet novel. Engaging with vendors, many of whom speak basic English, provides language practice and insight into Korean norms, enhancing the study-abroad experience without extra cost.
Practical Tips for Students
- Plan Your Visit: Go early in the morning for the freshest produce and fewer crowds. Markets operate daily, with peak activity before noon.
- Bring Cash: ATMs are available near the station, but vendors prefer cash, so carry 15,000–20,000 KRW.
- Cook at Home: Buy bulk ingredients like rice, vegetables, and fish to prepare meals, cutting restaurant expenses.
- Explore Deals: Look for seasonal discounts on fruits or seafood, and ask vendors for samples to try before buying.
- Travel Smart: Use your T-money card for affordable transit, and check KTX schedules on Trip.com for potential student discounts.
- Safety First: Stick to well-lit areas and travel with friends, especially at night, to ensure a secure visit.
Comparing Cheongnyangni to Other Markets
While Gwangjang Market in central Seoul is popular, it’s pricier and more tourist-heavy, with less focus on everyday student needs. Cheongnyangni’s lower costs and proximity to student hubs like Dongdaemun-gu make it a better fit. Web critiques from 2024 suggest skipping Gwangjang for budget travelers, favoring markets like Cheongnyangni for authentic, affordable experiences. Its lack of tight organization—mixing seafood with produce—adds charm but requires patience, contrasting with the structured layout of larger retail chains.
Student Stories and Impact
International students, particularly English teachers and exchange participants, rave about Cheongnyangni. A 2023 report from a TEFL intern highlighted saving thousands by shopping here instead of supermarkets, with bulk vegetable buys reducing monthly food costs by 30%. Another student in 2024 enjoyed a filling lunch for under $5, praising the market’s value. These anecdotes align with 2025 data showing students saving 20–30% on living expenses by leveraging traditional markets, a trend supported by South Korea’s Study Korea 300K Project to attract affordable student living.
Accessibility and Location
Cheongnyangni Market is steps from Cheongnyangni Station at 214 Mangu-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul. It’s a 20-minute subway ride from Seoul National University or a short bus trip from Korea University, with free campus shuttles aiding access. Hotels like Hotel the Designers Cheongnyangni offer nearby stays with free WiFi and parking, ideal for weekend visits. The station’s KTX link to cities like Gangneung (1.5 hours) also allows affordable day trips, enhancing the market’s appeal.
Conclusion
Cheongnyangni Market is a must-see for international students in South Korea in 2025, blending cost-saving opportunities with cultural richness. From affordable fried chicken at Tongdak Alley to bulk produce buys, it helps stretch budgets while immersing you in Korean life. With easy access via Cheongnyangni Station and practical tips like cooking at home, students can save significantly—up to 30% on food costs—while enjoying a vibrant market experience. Whether you’re studying in Seoul or exploring beyond, make this market a regular stop to thrive financially and culturally. Visit today and discover the savings for yourself!
