Seongsu-dong, the hippest place in Korea

In this post, we're going to dive Seongsu-dong, the hippest, most happening place in South Korea. Stick with me to the end of this post, and I promise your trip to Seoul will be elevated like never before.

Did you hear about the building in Seongsu-dong that sold for $100 million? That’s the kind of buzz that Seongsu-dong is generating, attracting not only locals but also international tourists as well.

Why you should go to Seongsu-dong, what makes it the epicenter of cool, the must-see spots, and even some handy Korean phrases - I’ll spill it all! And wait for it... at the end, I'll reveal my personal favorite spot in Seongsu-dong.

Then, let's dig into Seongsu-dong.

Why is it a must visit?

Seongsu-dong is the place where it all comes together - trendy pop-up stores, cafes, cultural experiences, restaurants, you name it. Just one day here is enough to spice up your SNS with awesome spots. If you follow this video, one day is all you need to soak up the vibe.

That’s how packed this place is with charm. If a more leisurely pace is more your style, I highly recommend spending 2 to 3 days to discover the hidden gems of Seongsu-dong.

Why is the hippest place?

Seongsu-dong is known as the coolest district in Korea. Starting off as an industrial district in the 1960s, it became famous for its handmade shoe factories in the 1970s, and the legacy continues with artisans still working there. It's where the rough, old-school charm meets today's trendy buzz of today, blending past and present in a unique way.

Usually, gentrification is used in a bad way, with new businesses pushing out the old ones, but the gentrification of Seongsu-dong is actually a good situation where the old and the new trends can come together and make Seongsu-dong even more famous.

Now I will introduce you to the must-see place in Seongsu-dong!

No.1 Pop-up stores

Seongsu-dong is the heart of Seoul's pop-up store trend. Companies invest a hefty $5,000 to $30,000 per day, and much more in interior design and event preparation. This shows the market importance of Seongsu-dong. Especially for the emerging 20-something consumer base, these brands are creating memorable experiences for brand recognition. It’s all about enjoying what these innovative brands have to offer.

These pop-ups are free, and they even give away souvenirs. The more popular the location, the longer the lines, so it's wise to get there early. But Seongsu-dong’s pop-ups are constantly changing, so it's a bit of a challenge for tourists to keep up.

If the lines are too long, move on to the next cool thing – that’s the beauty of Seongsu-dong, there’s always something more!

No.2 Selected shop

- Point Of View (the stationery store)

It’s a three-story paradise of papers, pencils, pens, and more, with the feel of an old-fashioned bookstore. It's a place where you can temporarily escape the digital world and immerse yourself in the nostalgia of paper and pencil. The items can be a little pricey, so beware of impulse buys!

- Apartmentfull (an interior design store)

Vintage furniture and decor are on display here. The price tags easily reach the $10,000 mark, so tread carefully. But it's a feast for the eyes and the imagination to imagine, picturing how these unique pieces could transform your space.

I leave here vowing that one day I will be able to afford these expensive products!

No.3 Unique cafe

Seongsu-dong is full of creative, unique cafes. Each one tells its own story. While I could talk about them all day, I want to highlight two must-visits.

- Tongue Cafe

First up, it's all about savoring flavor and communicating through taste. Here, the drinks and interior design, themed around the tongue, offer a sensory experience similar to an art gallery or showroom.

Signature coffee $5 (= 7,000 won)

London Fog $6 (= 7,500 won)

- Scene Cafe

It's spacious and often host different pop-up stores, making each visit unique. You can sip coffee on the first floor and effortlessly lose track of time exploring the second floor.

No.4 Special flagship stores

- Pan-am

Here takes its inspiration from airlines and offers an exceptional concept in its flagship store. I believe that the success of a brand is determined by how well it can conceptualize its brand. In this sense, 'Pan-am' is one of the places in Seongsu-dong that is the best embodies of the brand concept.

- Tamburinz

It's a recent hit, a concrete building with only the basement in use, making it a trendy, indescribable space. Famous for hand cream and perfume, this place was created by the same people behind the popular sunglasses brand 'Gentle Monster'. With the Dior store right next door, it's a hot photo spot!

No.5 Food

- Maple Top Pancakes

While Korean cuisine is amazing, sometimes you crave a taste of home. 'Maple Top Pancakes' is the place to go. It's a hit with foreigners, who often outnumber locals. Earlier, my friend and I enjoyed their 'Breakfast Charcuterie', a hearty meal that transported us straight to New York! It served 2-3 people.

Breakfast Charcuterie $40 (= 39,000 won)

Also, don't be surprised to see robots serving food in some restaurants here. It's part of Korea's charm to embrace modern services. Just put your food on the table and dig in!

No.6 Clothes

- Musinsa

Fashion is a big deal in Seongsu-dong, and 'Musinsa' is a household name in Korean fashion. The brand that represents Korean style is 'Musinsa'. Musinsa started as a small shoe online store, and now it's a leading fashion brand. The Musinsa store in Seongsu-dong offers visitors a wide range of choices. This is evident in its size and variety of products. It's the perfect place to try on and find your style.

- Beaker

If you're looking for something more unique, look no further than 'Beaker'. It's not only just popular with consumers but also with fashion industry insiders. Here, you can try on unique pieces from famous brands and the hottest designer labels.

No.7 New experiences

- Sumsei Terrarium

Finally, my all-time favorite place in Seongsu-dong. Seoul is a busy city where you can't feel nature. Sometimes I want to relax and feel nature. That's when the 'Sumsei Terrarium' can help to ease your nostalgia. This hands-on exhibit allows you to feel the natural world with your whole body. Through the earth, the wood, the water, the gravel and the wind, and it's like a little escape in the city.

It's also a fantastic place to get that perfect SNS shot. They usually offer a barefoot experience, but provide socks in the winter. Wrapping up with a cup of tea in this serene setting is an unforgettable way to end finish your Seongsu-dong trip.

PLUS

When traveling in Korea, you may need to ask someone to take your picture. Here's a Korean phrase you can use, "사진 부탁드려요 (Sajin butakdeuryeoyo)", which means, "Could you please take a picture?"

If you say, " 사진 부탁드려요 (Sajin butakdeuryeoyo)" and ask nicely, offering your phone with both hands, most Koreans will gladly take a picture of you.

As we wrap up our Seongsu-dong adventure, remember that this is a peaceful, safe city. The nightlife may not be bustling and restaurants close early, but it's clean and quiet. Today's just a glimpse of what Korea travel has to offer.

I'll be making more posts about Korea in the future. Check out more posts on how to enjoy Korea to the fullest.

See you in the next post!

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