In this article, I would like to tell you about Seongsu-dong, a hot place in Seoul.
1. The charm of Seongsu-dong combined with historical background and cultural richness
Seongsu-dong, located in the east of Seoul, was once known as an industrial district. In the mid-20th century, this area was filled with factories along with the economic growth of the Korean Peninsula, and various industries such as textiles, furniture, and printing were actively carried out here. However, as the 21st century began, these traditional industries gradually moved to the outskirts, giving Seongsu-dong a new look.
Since the mid-2000s, Seongsu-dong has gradually become a destination for artists and designers.
They transformed old factory buildings here into creative spaces. These changes breathed new life into Seongsu-dong, resulting in its current nickname, ‘Korea’s Brooklyn.’
Seongsu-dong is now filled with galleries, artist studios, design shops, unique cafes, and more. And these spaces are located in every alley of Seongsu-dong, so visitors can explore and make new discoveries. The buildings here retain their industrial feel, but are filled with modern art and design. These contrasting feelings give Seongsu-dong a unique charm. Additionally, Seongsu-dong is adjacent to Riverside Park, so it is also known as a place where you can enjoy nature in the city. Here, you can relax while looking at the Han River or ride a bicycle and enjoy the cityscape of Seoul. Seongsu-dong is a place that combines its unique historical background and cultural richness, leaving a unique experience and impression to those who visit it. For this reason, Seongsu-dong is called a hidden gem in Seoul that has not been known to many people until now.
2. Seongsu Art Hall, a cultural landmark in Seongsu-dong
Seongsu Art Hall is a cultural landmark in Seongsu-dong and is a space where various art events and exhibitions are held. This is a place where artists can engage in creative activities and showcase their works, and is an important place that represents the artistic atmosphere of Seongsu-dong.
To be more specific, Seongsu Art Hall hosts various art events. Among them, the most popular are exhibitions on various topics. Exhibitions in various fields, including contemporary art, photography, and design, are held here, and visitors can enjoy a variety of works of art created by Seongsu-dong creators.
Additionally, Seongsu Art Hall is also used as a performance hall. A variety of performances, including musicals, plays, and concerts, are held here, allowing visitors to experience the cultural energy of Seongsu-dong. These performances further emphasize the artistic atmosphere of Seongsu-dong and leave a deep impression on those who visit.
Seongsu Art Hall is a work of art in itself. The building here was created by recycling factory buildings, showing the intersection between Seongsu-dong's industrial history and modern art. In conclusion, Seongsu Art Hall is an important place to experience the art and culture of Seongsu-dong. This place represents the artistic atmosphere of Seongsu-dong and provides visitors with deep inspiration for creativity and art.
3. Seongsu-dong’s delicious food and unique cafe culture
Seongsu-dong is also well known for its unique cafes and restaurants. Unlike other areas of Seoul, this place has many unique and cozy cafes and restaurants located in small alleys. Most of the cafes are operated in renovated factory buildings or old houses, taking advantage of the atmosphere of this place. Most of these cafes have their own themes, and you can enjoy a variety of coffees and desserts within them.
Seongsu-dong's cafes and restaurants are popular with many people due to their unique atmosphere and delicious food. There are many unique cafes in Seongsu-dong, but we will introduce you to a few particularly famous cafes.
'Central Coffee': Central Coffee is one of the most famous cafes in Seongsu-dong. This place was created by renovating a characteristic factory building in Seongsu-dong, and offers delicious coffee with a unique interior. In particular, the hand drip coffee here is loved by many people.
'Metapo Cafe': Metapo Cafe is a representative cafe in Seongsu-dong and is often visited by artists and designers. This space was created by renovating a factory building, providing a cozy atmosphere while maintaining the original industrial atmosphere.
'Coffee Libre': Coffee Libre is one of the oldest cafes in Seongsu-dong and is especially popular among coffee lovers. Here, they sell their own roasted coffee, and you can enjoy the various flavors of coffee.
‘around the Neighborhood’: One Wheel in the Neighborhood is one of the most unique cafes in Seongsu-dong. This place is a combination of a café, gallery, and bookstore, where you can read a book or admire works of art while drinking coffee.
Seongsu-dong is also famous for its variety of delicious restaurants. In particular, the restaurants here serve cuisine from a variety of countries, and we will introduce you to some of the most famous ones.
'Dodohanmyeon(HaughtyNoodles)': This restaurant is becoming more and more famous as it was recently aired in a restaurant lined up as an emerging powerhouse restaurant.
It is located between houses in Seongsu alley, but there are many people waiting, so you can find it quickly. The recommended menu is cutlassfish udon, and other side dishes are also recommended.
'Soul Kitchen': A restaurant serving modern Korean food, reinterpreting traditional Korean ingredients and recipes in a modern way. Not only the food but also the atmosphere here is very unique and cozy, making it loved by many people.
'Willow Tree House': This place serves traditional Korean chicken dishes, and is especially famous for its chicken braised chicken soup. Dakbokkeumtang is a traditional Korean chicken stew dish that is characterized by a spicy yet mild taste.
'Cafe Onion': Originally a bakery, it has now been converted into a café offering excellent brunch menus and desserts. In particular, the sandwiches and pastries here are loved by many people.
'Piu Da': This restaurant specializes in Vietnamese cuisine, especially Pad Thai and Pho. This place where you can enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine in Seongsu-dong is loved by many people.
'Platform 61': This is a representative brunch cafe in Seongsu-dong, especially famous for its avocado toast and pancakes. The cozy atmosphere and delicious brunch menu here make it popular with many people visiting Seongsu-dong.
4. Shopping in Seongsu-dong
Seongsu-dong is a place where many designers and artists gather, and there are many unique shops run by them. These shops sell products with unique designs, which showcase the creativity and artistry of Seongsu-dong.
‘Inside a Small World’: This is a place that sells products that reinterpret traditional Korean materials and designs in a modern way. In particular, the ceramics and fabric products here are loved by many people.
'Paul & Mary': This is a shop that sells antiques and vintage accessories, and reflects the vintage atmosphere of Seongsu-dong. Here you can find vintage items from various eras.
'Furniture Ravine': This is one of the furniture specialty stores in Seongsu-dong, selling furniture with unique and beautiful designs. The furniture here has a modern yet vintage style that is loved by many people.
‘Studio Concrete’: This is a place that sells design products, mainly products made with concrete. The products here have a unique design and a sense of luxury.
'Taylor Coffee': This place sells coffee equipment and is a must-visit for coffee lovers. Here you can find a variety of coffee equipment, from high-end coffee machines to hand drip equipment.
Seongsu-dong, a unique cultural experience that you will never forget once you visit This neighborhood in Seoul is a place you will never forget once you visit due to its unique culture, artistic atmosphere, delicious food, and various shopping destinations. On your next trip to Seoul, don't miss Seongsu-dong and experience its charm for yourself.
This concludes “Seongsu-dong: Brooklyn in Korea”