An Ode to my Favorite Neighborhood in Seoul: Seongsu-dong
By: Kaitlyn Kong
When people think of Seoul, many may immediately envision the hustle and bustle of districts like Gangnam or Myeongdong. However, for me, there’s one neighborhood that stands out as my favorite: Seongsu-dong. A direct subway ride from Sinchon Station Line 2, it is a vibrant, ever-evolving district that perfectly blends old industrial factories with contemporary creativity. From pop-up stores to Korean brands to unique cafes, Seongsu-dong offers something special to anyone seeking the charm of the city's modern culture.
Pop-Up Stores: One of the things I love most about Seongsu-dong is its ever-changing landscape of pop-up stores. From concept shops to limited-edition releases, there’s always something new and exciting popping up around every corner. This is what draws me back every week whenever I have free time.
One of my favorite pop-ups is the recent Uniqlo Heattech pop-up showcasing all their Heattech technologies and clothing designs just in time for the peak of winter. It was the most interactive pop-up I have been to, in which you are given the task as a Heattech agent and receive prizes upon completion of tasks. Another one of my favorite pop-ups was one by Diptyque, the fragrance brand from France. The interior was beautifully decorated with artwork inspired by the perfume collection and discounts were offered that you cannot find at department stores.
Korean Brands: Korea has long been at the forefront of global trends, and Seongsu-dong is home to some of my favorite local brands.
In terms of fashion, Musinsa Store Seongsu@DaelimChanggo has a perfectly curated collection of up-and-coming fashion brands. For a more affordable option, Indibrand has cute, high-quality sweaters and knitwear at very reasonable prices. Kodak is a vintage camera turned clothing brand, unique to Korea with 90s inspired designs. My favorite store for fashionable, yet practical bags/purses is Standoil.
Fragrance lovers like me will also find Seongsu-dong to be a hidden gem. Korean fragrance brand, Tamburins, by the creator of Gentle Monster (Korean eyewear label known for their bold designs) has its flagship store in Seongsu-dong. The storefront is almost an art gallery, showcasing their products in an immersive manner. Other notable Korean fragrance shops housed in Seongsu-dong are Kinfolk and Nonfiction.
Cafes: Korean cafe culture is very large, and Seongsu-dong is no exception. Home branches of the famous Jaeyeon Do Salt Bread and Daelim Bread (cute bear shaped bread), there are always lines in front of the cafes that make the streets of Seongsu-dong smell like warm, buttery bread. Another one of the best bakeries I’ve eaten at is Standard Bread. Known for pairing their soft, savory bread with many different jams, Standard Bread will leave you wanting more. In the middle of the heart of Seongsu-dong is a cafe called Marly, known for its beautiful crepe cakes and industrial-chic interior. It is the perfect place for a post-shopping sweet treat.
Why Seongsu-dong Stands Out
Seongsu-dong is more than just a neighborhood — it's a reflection of Seoul’s evolving creative culture. The neighborhood has retained its gritty charm, with graffiti-covered walls and exposed brick buildings giving it a raw, artistic edge. The juxtaposition of the old and new is one of the main draws of Seongsu-dong, and whether you're an art lover, fashion enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a cool spot to hang out, Seongsu-dong has a way of making you feel like you’ve stumbled upon something special. Next time you’re in Seoul, be sure to visit. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Related Posts
Planning a trip to Busan in less than a week
By: Yohanan Brown As the semester was starting to come to an end my friends and I decided to take a trip to Busan. We were at dinner on a... keep reading
Things I wish I knew before coming to Seoul
By: Benson Zou I was super excited to interact with the vibrant/diverse Korean community before arriving. However there were a few things that I did not have on my bingo... keep reading
Essentials for Study Abroad
When getting ready for your study abroad there are many resources that CIEE provides that can help you figure out what to pack. However, I thought that a more personal... keep reading