Experience Seoul Like a Local: Exploring Jongno 3-ga’s Pocha Street

When in Seoul, one of the most authentic ways to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife is by visiting a pocha—a casual, tented street bar where locals gather for food, drinks, and lively conversation. If you’re looking to dive into this quintessential Korean experience, make your way to Jongno 3(sam)-ga Subway Station Exit 3 for a fun evening out!

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What is Pocha?

"Pocha" (포차) is short for "Pojangmacha" (포장마차), which literally means "covered wagon" in Korean. Traditionally, it referred to street food stalls set up under a tent or canopy where people could enjoy simple, affordable food and drinks like soju and makgeolli. These stalls are often found along streets and offer a casual, lively atmosphere. Nowadays, while many pochas still follow the street stall format, some have evolved into indoor bars or restaurants, retaining the same casual vibe.

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Jongno 3(sam)-ga Pocha Street

As soon as you step out of Exit 3, you’ll be greeted by a street lined with pochas on both sides, their brightly colored tarps and string lights instantly catching your eye. Each pocha has its own charm, but the vibe is the same—casual, communal, and buzzing with energy. The great thing about these street bars is that you can simply take your pick and sit down at any table with empty seats.

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Most pochas offer similar menus, typically consisting of popular street food and an array of drinks. Whether you’re craving savory jeon (Korean pancakes), or fresh seafood like grilled clams and squid, you’ll find something to satisfy your appetite. And of course, no pocha experience is complete without soju and makgeolli (Korean rice wine).

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Good news for non-Korean speakers: most pochas menus are also in English, making it easy to navigate through the options. So, don’t worry about any language barriers—ordering your food and drinks will be a breeze.

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Tips for Your Pocha Night

1. Be sure to bring cash! Pocha stalls are old-school in many ways, and one of them is payment. Most pochas don’t accept credit cards, so be sure to bring cash. Alternatively, if you have a Korean bank account, bank transfer is also a common method of payment.
2. Pocha food is meant to be shared and enjoyed with drinks, making it a great chance to order a few dishes and try different street foods.

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Jongno Sam-ga’s pocha street is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Seoul's local nightlife in a unique way. It’s unpretentious, full of character, and the perfect way to spend an evening in the city. Whether you’re with friends or hoping to meet new people, a night at the pocha promises great food, affordable drinks, and a lively atmosphere.

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Photo souce: Joongang