1. Euljiro’s history and culture
The name of Eulji-ro comes from General Eulji Mundeok, a famous general of the Joseon Dynasty. This was originally a commercial center around the Cheonggyecheon Stream, and was later transformed into a modern city center with the intensive construction of buildings during the Japanese colonial period.
- Euljiro as the commercial center of Seoul
Euljiro, located in the center of Seoul, is a place where Korea's economy and culture come together. This is the commercial center of Seoul, where financial institutions, commercial facilities, and large department stores were once located. Additionally, this place played an important role during the Korean War.
Since the mid-20th century, Euljiro has developed into Seoul's central commercial district and is closely connected to Korea's modern history.
- The changing culture of Euljiro
Euljiro is changing into a creative space and street for artists. Euljiro, once the commercial center of Seoul, has recently been changing into a place visited by young artists and designers. We are creating new cultural grounds by renovating existing abandoned factories and warehouses into art studios, galleries, cafes, and bookstores. We provide emerging artists with a space for creative activities and the opportunity to exhibit and sell their work. As a result, this area has become a place where young artists and audiences communicate with each other and share creative energy. Additionally, Euljiro is known as a place where various cultural events and festivals are held. A variety of events are held, including music performances, art exhibitions, film screenings, and craft workshops, providing opportunities for new cultural experiences not only for young people but also for people of all ages. Euljiro is constantly changing. New ideas and creativity are always emerging here, showing that Euljiro will continue to change and develop in the future. Euljiro has become one of Seoul's important attractions due to its unique culture and art.
- Modern art in Euljiro
Euljiro is home to many independent art spaces. Here you can find a variety of works of art, including contemporary art, crafts, paintings, sculptures and installations. The gallery frequently hosts individual and group exhibitions, providing opportunities for artists and audiences to meet and communicate in person. It is also a place where artists and designers gather to engage in creative activities and share their work. Art studios and workshops in the area host a variety of artistic events and workshops, allowing artists and audiences to engage in creative activities and share new experiences.Euljiro is a space where you can enjoy art in the city center. The streets and spaces here are works of art in themselves, and the various works of art produced here enrich the cityscape. Euljiro's contemporary art blends into the city's daily life, providing visitors with new perspectives and experiences.
2. Cultural events and festivals in Euljiro
- Euljiro Light Way
“Euljiro Lightway” is a festival held every winter. The buildings and streets of Euljiro are decorated with various lights, creating a festival of lights in the city center. This event features unique light installation works by artists from various fields such as art, design, and technology, allowing visitors to have a special experience in the city center.
- Euljiro Festival
“Euljiro Festival” is an event where artists of various genres, including music, art, crafts, and performance, gather to share their creative activities. This festival further revitalizes the culture and arts of Euljiro and provides a venue for audiences and artists to communicate through participatory culture.
- Euljiro Art Workshop
“Euljiro Art Workshop” is an event where workshops in various art fields are held. Participants can learn techniques from artists and create their own works. This event provides creative experiences for participants and delivers fun through art.
- Euljiro Film Festival
“Euljiro Film Festival” is held at an independent movie theater and screens films of various genres, focusing on independent films. This event is a place to understand and empathize with various cultures, providing time to think about social issues and artistic values through movies.
3. Food tour of Euljiro
- Euljimyeonok
‘Eulji-ji Ok’, one of Eulji-ro’s representative restaurants, is famous for its Pyeongyang naengmyeon. The cold noodles here, featuring rich broth and chewy noodles, are especially popular during the summer. Also, it is even more delicious when enjoyed with pork bulgogi.
- Euljiro Gamjatang
Euljiro Gamjatang, as its name suggests, is a restaurant famous for its Gamjatang. The gamjatang here is characterized by a spicy and spicy taste with plenty of ingredients, and is a popular lunch among office workers.
- Euljiodeng
One of the most popular late-night snacks in Euljiro is fish cake. 'Eulgeo-muk' is one of the most famous fish cake restaurants here. With a long tradition, you can enjoy spicy sauce with various types of fish cakes.
- Euljiro Golbaengi Alley
Euljiro Golbaengi Alley is a food alley located in the Euljiro area and is famous for its Golbaengi cuisine. This place is filled with small restaurants that are open from dinner until late at night, and is a popular place for company dinners. You can taste whelk cooked in a variety of ways at restaurants here. We have a variety of menus available, including seasoned whelk, stir-fried whelk, and canned whelk. In particular, the combination of spicy seasoning, fresh vegetables, and chewy bonefish is excellent.
- Rich menus of cafes
There are a variety of cafes in Euljiro. The cafes here each offer unique coffee and desserts, and ‘Euljiro Coffee’ is especially famous among people. It is a place where many office workers visit during lunch time or after work, as they can enjoy a cozy atmosphere with delicious coffee.
- Euljiro Restaurant Alley
Euljiro has alleys lined with various delicious restaurants. You can taste various types of food here, including Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Western, and it is a popular place for lunch or company dinners among office workers. As such, Euljiro has a variety of delicious restaurants and restaurants, making it a place where you can enjoy the diverse food culture of Korea. There are many restaurants here that office workers enjoy, so you can have a pleasant experience during meal time.
4. Tourist attractions in Euljiro
- Cheonggyecheon
Cheonggyecheon is a beautiful waterway located in the center of Seoul, adjacent to Euljiro. Cheonggyecheon is a place where traditional Hanok buildings and modern cityscapes harmonize, and you can enjoy a fantastic night view, especially at night.
- Euljiro Underground Shopping Mall
Euljiro Underground Shopping Mall is lined with a variety of shops and is one of Seoul's traditional commercial districts. Here you can purchase various fashion items, accessories, home appliances, etc. at low prices.
- Euljiro Art Street
Euljiro Art Street is home to a variety of art galleries, cafes, and design studios, and is known as a hub for modern art. Here, you can enjoy various exhibitions and performances and purchase uniquely designed products.
- Euljiro Traditional Market
There are various traditional markets in Euljiro. At the market here, you can purchase a variety of products, from fresh ingredients to traditional hanbok and crafts. In particular, here you can taste a variety of foods that allow you to experience the real taste of Korea.
- The alleyways of Euljiro
The alleys of Euljiro embody the history and culture of the area. In the alleyways here, you can enjoy a unique landscape where old and modern buildings coexist, providing an opportunity to experience first-hand the changes and development of Euljiro. As such, Euljiro offers a variety of tourist attractions, cultural experience spaces, and shopping spaces. Here, you can experience Seoul's history and culture and modern city life at the same time.
Euljiro, the center of Seoul, fascinates everyone with its unique charm and diverse culture. When you visit Euljiro, you can experience a unique blend of Korean tradition and modernity. If you're planning to visit Seoul, don't miss Euljiro.
This concludes the section “Euljiro: From the heart of Seoul to the center of art"