Quick Info
• Area: Jongno (Jonggak / Ikseon-dong /
Gwangjang Market)
• Type: Claw Machine Arcade (인형뽑기 + 오락실)
• Best For: Date, kids, quick fun stop
• Price: ₩1,000–₩2,000 per play (≈ $1–$2)
• Payment: Cash & Card (unmanned system)
• Tip: Try multiple places – each machine has
different difficulty
Introduction
Jongno is one of the best areas in Seoul to enjoy claw machines and arcade-style fun.
What used to be small game corners has now evolved into full-scale claw machine arcades that are easy to access and fun for everyone.
A claw machine arcade (인형뽑기방) is a space where you control a crane to grab prizes like plush toys or keychains. Many of these places are now unmanned and support card payments, making them very convenient even for first-time visitors.
Instead of staying in one place, the best way to enjoy claw machines in Jongno is to move between different arcades, since each location has a different difficulty level and prize setup.
👉 The best strategy is to try multiple arcades, not just one.
Cacti Gachashop Jonggak
• Location: Near Jonggak Station (~3–4 min from Exit 4)
Address
• 9 Jong-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• 서울 종로구 종로12길 9 1~2층
✔ Google Maps Location:
👉 View Jongno Night Arcade & Claw Machine Spots on Google Maps
Experience & Vibe
Cacti Gachashop stands out with its bright pink exterior and modern interior.
The machines are neatly arranged, and the space feels clean and well-maintained compared to typical arcades.
It has a wide variety of prizes, especially character plush toys and keyrings, making it a great starting point for beginners.
👉 Clean and modern setups are beginner-friendly but not always the easiest to win.
Daebbang Arcade Ikseon
• Location: Ikseon-dong (~1–2 min from Jongno 3-ga Station)
Address
• 31 Donhwamun-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
✔ Google Maps Location:
👉 View Jongno Night Arcade & Claw Machine Spots on Google Maps
Experience & Vibe
Daebbang Arcade offers a more traditional arcade atmosphere with multiple floors and a mix of claw machines and classic games. The neon lighting and layered layout create a fun and slightly retro vibe.
This place is great if you want more than just claw machines and prefer a full arcade experience.
👉 This is the best spot if you want both games and claw machines together.
Momo Station Gwangjang Market
• Location: Near Gwangjang Market (~1–2 min from Exit 7)
Address
• 403-13 Dongho-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
✔ Google Maps Location:
👉 View Jongno Night Arcade & Claw Machine Spots on Google Maps
Experience & Vibe
Momo Station is packed with machines and filled with plush toys, creating a vibrant and playful environment.
Its pink neon theme makes it visually striking and popular among both locals and tourists.
Because of its dense setup, it’s a great place to explore different machines, especially after visiting Gwangjang Market.
👉 More machines mean more options—but also different difficulty levels.
How to Use Claw Machines
Most claw machine arcades in Jongno support both cash and card payments.
Typically, you select the number of plays on a small display screen and insert your card to complete the payment.
After payment, you need to choose the correct machine using a round selection button located next to the joystick.
You can then move the claw in all directions using the joystick and press the drop button to lower it.
Since machines are placed very close together, each one has its own selection button.
It’s important to press the correct one before starting.
👉 Always double-check the machine selection button before playing.
Real Claw Machine Tips (From Experience)
From my experience, choosing the right machine makes a big difference.
Instead of picking machines where the prizes are perfectly arranged, it’s better to look for machines where other players have already tried and failed. Slightly messy setups often mean the items have been loosened, increasing your chances.
👉 Machines that look messy often give you a better chance.
It’s also better to start with smaller prizes like keyrings or mini plush toys. Larger plush toys may look appealing, but they are much harder to grab successfully.
👉 Small prizes are much easier to win than big ones.
Another important point is to control your spending. It’s very easy to spend ₩20,000 to ₩30,000 without realizing it, so setting a budget beforehand is essential.
👉 Set a budget first—these games can get expensive quickly.
A good strategy is to try about five times per machine and then move on if you don’t win. Switching machines or even locations can significantly improve your chances.
👉 If it doesn’t work, move on—don’t get stuck on one machine.
Best Route (Walkable Plan)
The three arcades are all within walking distance, making it easy to visit them in one trip.
Start at Jonggak (Cacti Gachashop), walk to Ikseon-dong (Daebbang Arcade), and finish at Gwangjang Market (Momo Station).
This route naturally connects games, walking, and food, creating a fun half-day plan in Jongno.
Nearby Attractions in Jongno
• Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace in Jongno for a royal palace experience
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• Visit Ikseon-dong Hanok Village for trendy cafes and alleys
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• Visit Gwangjang Market for Korean street food and local vibes
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More Places to Eat in Jongno
• Visit Gwangjang Market food stalls in Jongno for bindaetteok and mayak gimbap
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• Visit a Korean BBQ restaurant in Jongno for authentic samgyeopsal experience
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• Visit a local tteokbokki spot in Jongno for quick street food
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Final Thoughts
Jongno is not only about history—it’s also a fun and modern place to explore. Each arcade has a different vibe, and the best experience comes from trying multiple locations rather than staying in one place.
If you approach it with the right strategy, claw machines can be a fun and rewarding part of your Jongno visit.
Practical Information
✔ Google Maps Location:
👉 View Jongno Night Arcade & Claw Machine Spots on Google Maps