Pojangmacha (포장마차 also abbreviated as pocha 포차) is a street stall or small tent in South Korea selling popular street foods such as hotteok, gimbap, tteokbokki, sundae, dakkochi (Korean skewered chicken),[1]fish cake, mandu, and anju (foods accompanying drinks).[2] In the evening, many of these establishments serve alcoholic beverages such as soju.[3] Pojangmacha literally means "covered wagon" in Korean.[4]
Pojangmacha is a popular place to have a snack or drink late into the night. The food sold in these places can usually be eaten quickly while standing or taken away. Some offer cheap chairs or benches for customers to sit, especially the ones serving late night customers who come to drink soju.[5]
As of 2012[update], there were approximately 3,100 pocha in Seoul. This number has declined since city officials sought to shut them down, as they are considered by them to be eyesores, illegal and unsanitary.[6]
Jongno is the most famous area for Pojangmacha but you can still find some decent food in Gwangjang Market. Some pojangmacha in Jongno and other areas now offer set menus, with a combination of individual snacks put together in one plate.
Pojangmacha, have been in existence for less than 60 years, yet they embody a long-standing Korean tradition. Historically, Korean peddlers have delivered goods, services, and food directly to customers, adapting to their needs rather than requiring customers to seek them out. Pojangmacha represent the contemporary evolution of this service model, offering fast food and beverages in close proximity to customers' workplaces and residences.
The origins of pojangmacha can be traced back to the early 1950s, with the first establishments emerging in and around the Cheonggyecheon area in Seoul. These initial pojangmacha differed significantly from their modern counterparts, consisting of small cars and carts exposed to the elements, primarily selling snacks and drinks. Over time, innovative merchants began to enhance their setups by covering carts with orange tarps, providing stools for seating, and offering small appetizers. This transformation became standard, with a characteristic setup featuring a tent housing a small cart and a limited number of stools.
In subsequent decades, pojangmacha experienced further evolution. During the 1970s, they thrived in Seoul, capitalizing on the prevalent Palli-palli (빨리-빨리: “hurry up”) culture that kept Koreans working late. As workers left their workplaces, they frequently visited pojangmacha for a quick drink and a snack. The establishments continued to expand, incorporating larger structures and additional seating options.
In recent years, pojangmacha menus have diversified, offering a broad range of food and beverages. The seating arrangements have also evolved to provide increased comfort. Pojangmacha can be found in various locations, including the back streets of major cities such as Seoul, Daegu, Daejeon, and Busan.
