As a local Korean who grew up in Seoul, I’m excited to share my tips on the Best Things To Do in Seongsu-dong.
Once an industrial hub full of artisan shoemakers, Seongsu-dong is now a hip neighbourhood with a ton of trendy cafes and flagship stores that are situated in former factories and warehouses.
Why is Seongsu-dong called the Brooklyn of Seoul?
Artists moved out from Manhattan to Brooklyn in the 90’s after rental prices started rising rapidly. Simliarly, young artists started moving out from neighborhoods like Gangnam and Hongdae out to Seongsu-dong due to rising costs.
It makes sense that artists were drawn to Seongsu-dong, given its artisan roots. During the 60’s and 90’s, Seongsu-dong had a thriving scene of custom shoemakers and printing houses.
Today, tons of abandoned former factories and red brick warehouses live a second life as cool cafes and alternative shopping centers.
I’m super excited to share my honest tips on the Best Things to do in Seongsu-dong with you!
First of all, where is Seongsu-dong?
Seongsu-dong is a neighborhood in the eastern part of Seoul, South Korea.
The Seongsu-dong area cuts across 3 different subway stations on the subway line, the Green Line, namely Seongsu Station, Ttukseom Station and Seoul Forest Station.
From Seongsu Station to Ttukseom Station is modern-day Artisan Street, as the locals call it, where you’ll continue to find custom shoemakers.
Near Ttukseom Station is Seongsu-dong Galbi Alley, where you’ll find a strip of some of the best KBBQ in Seoul!
Where did Ttukseom get its name?
Ttukseom means Ttuk “island.”
But why is Ttukseom called an island, when it’s clearly smack in the middle of the city? Ttukseom got its name during the Joseon Dynasty because the area stood out like an island whenever the Han River flooded!
Lastly, Seoul Forest Station is part of Seongsu-dong. Celebrities live in the luxury high rises in this area. The area north of Seoul Forest, dubbed “Atelier Street,” is full of trendy fashion brands, cute gift shops and tons of eateries.
Seongsu-dong is close to the Konkuk University areas. From Konkuk University, the nearest subway station is Seongsu Station!
Best Coffee Shops in Seongsu-dong
1. Tongue Planet
Tongue Planet is the funkiest cafe I’ve been to in Seongsu-dong. It’s seriously a whole ‘nother colorful world in there!
I love the blocky furniture and unique interior of Tongue Planet. Plus, there’s a random wig hanging in one corner. Creepy, I know, but it makes the whole place feel like an exhibition in itself!
If the unique concept wasn’t enough, the entrance of Tongue Planet is actually a media gallery! Oh yes, and don’t forget to try their tongue-shaped cookies!
Address: 2/F, 82 Seongsui-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
2. Daelim Changgo (Daelim Warehouse)
From the outside, you could never tell.
Enter this old looking red brick building and you’ll be STUNNED.
The ceilings are mega high in this OG warehouse turned cafe. I love the grungy, grey cement walls.
The skylight toward the end of the cafe lights up the whole space.
What I love so much about Daelim Changgo is that every time I visit, there’s new pieces of art that can totally change the vibe of the venue. Be sure to check out their most recent featured exhibition on their Instagram!
This romantic and charming cafe is perfect for dates.
The second floor of this cafe is a bit tighter, but a quieter respite.
An Americano at Daelim Changgo will set you back 6,000 won (~4.60 USD)!
Address: 78 Seongsui-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
3. Grandpa Factory
Should we go sip on coffee in a treehouse? In the middle of Seoul? YES!
Grandpa Factory is a huge two-story cafe with exposed ceiling beams, situated in a former warehouse.
Not only is the interior space huge, but so is the outdoor courtyard.
This Seongsu dong cafe gets tons of natural sunlight from the wide windows that span the whole front of the space.
I love the first floor because of the super high ceilings, but the second floor is cool because there’s a little library area that makes the space super cozy.
Grandpa Factory is the perfect place to lounge for a while or work from home. Plus, if you’re in a big group, then it’s a no-brainer.
This hip cafe was created by Hong Dong Hee, who also founded Daelim Warehouse. Hong Dong Hee bought an old factory building and transformed it into this charming concept.
An Americano at Grandpa Factory will set you back 6,000 won (~4.60 USD).
Address: 9 Seongsui-ro 7ga-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
4. Cafe Onion (Onion Seongsu)
Cafe Onion Seongsu is located in a former metal factory that exudes grungy hip. I love that there’s so many different parts of the cafe, including a patio that connects the ground floor and second floor.
Cafe Onion Seongsu is the perfect place to recharge especially during the warmer months. Their patio seating is complete with comfy lean back chairs and huge overhead umbrellas!
Try their signature sweet Italian bread, Pandoro (6,000 won, ~4.60 USD)! Their Americano will set you back 5,500 won (~4.20 USD).
Address: 8 Achasan-ro 9-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
5. Lowkey
If you’re a major coffee fan, the best coffee in Seongsu-dong is arguably at Lowkey. There’s a few different blends of coffee to pick from, including beans from Colombia, El Salvador and more.
Pair a good cup of joe with pleasant service at Lowkey. The baristas (and the owner if you’re lucky!) are friendly and very helpful in navigating the different menu and coffee options.
If you’re looking for a more calm spot to chat, or need to get some work done, Lowkey is a fantastic, low key option for that 🙂
I’d recommend heading down to the basement for the extra cozy, quiet vibes.
An Americano will set you back 5,000 won (~3.80 USD).
Address: 6 Yeonmujang 3-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
6. Cheongsang Gaok
Kickback with a delicious dessert at the beautiful (and doggo-friendly) Cheongsang Gaok cafe!
The desserts are not only delicious, but also very Instagrammable. Definitely give the Victoria Pound Cake (8,900 won, or ~6.80 USD) a try; the homemade raspberry jelly is garnished with a halo of leaves! The Brick Cake is shaped exactly like it sounds and is an ice-cream cake with an oreo “cement” cream exterior!
If you’re a pup-lover, you’ll be delighted to meet floofy Kelly and golden retriever Eden, who are at your service. You might just find a ton of other doggos sipping on their Puppy Latte (3,000 won, or ~2.30 USD) from Cheongsang Gaok.
Needless to say, the venue has a ceiling with white, draped curtains that make Cheongsang Gaok a great place to snap up pics for social media.
Address: 3/F, 14 Seongsui-ro 14-gil, Seongsu-dong 2(i)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
7. Center Coffee
Center Coffee is a cozy three-story coffee shop with lovely views of Seoul Forest.
I love the rustic vibes of Center Coffee, with its exposed white brick and rugged floor.
This coffee shop is on the quieter side and it’s great to catch up with friends or to come solo. The outdoor patio on the third floor is a fantastic place to chill during the warmer season!
Address: 28-11 Seoulsup 2-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Best Shopping in Seongsu-dong
8. ADERERROR
ADERERROR’s space-themed flagship store, contrastingly situated in a red brick industrial building, is definitely worth the visit.
There’s asteroids and space dust sprawled all across the floor, and an astronaut hanging from the ceiling.
Plus a spaceship that’s fallen into a pool of water. All in the store!
ADERERROR is a home-grown Korean brand with streetwear basics. Cardigans go for 300 USD and sweatpants will set you back 192 USD.
After checking out the store, step downstairs to Tongue Planet for a wholly different, but also other-worldly experience!
Address: 82 Seongsui-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
9. Coor
I love the cool simplicity of the Coor flagship store in Seongsu-dong. The store is situated in a loft with high ceilings, with light shining through the large windows onto exposed, long concrete pillars.
The clothing is hung up piece by piece, in continuation with the minimalist decor.
This relatively young Korean brand was founded in 2017 and creates simple pieces with edgy silhouettes for men and women. Finds include a fine merino wool top for 144,000 won (~108 USD) and wide-leg cinched side chinos for 130,000 won (~97 USD).
Address: 1-4/F, 14-2 Yeonmujang-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
10. Point of View Seoul
Every floor of this three-story Point of View flagship store is uniquely themed and well-curated. Although I’m not an especially passionate stationary collector, I found myself captivated by the fun of browsing through each section.
Point of View gets the old English vibe right. My favorite floor of the store was entirely wood panelled, with a stunning octagonal-patterned ceiling design.
From journals, calendars and pens to charming home decorations, Point of View’s got something that’ll tickle your eye.
Address: 18 Yeonmujang-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
11. Marhen J
Marhen J is a vegan Korean handbag brand, with practical and functional totes. Many of their bags have smartly thought-out compartments and are pretty lightweight for their size.
Most notable in this store is their HUGE, bright orange Marhen J bag sculpture.
Marhen J’s most popular bag, the popcorn swing, is a crinkly casual crossover bag that costs 149,000 won (~112 USD).
Address: 4 Yeonmujang 5-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
12. Tamburins
The Tamburins store is hum
bly situated under an unfinished, three-story set of concrete pillars. I haven’t seen anything like it. I’ve been in one too many brutalist buildings (I don’t miss those college libraries!), but to see a brutalist structure purposefully unfinished is pretty genius on the marketing front.
Tamburins is a Korean fragrance and cosmetic brand, and you’ll see from this building how sophisticated the Korean thinking around the in-person shopping experience is.
Address: 8 Yeonmujang 5-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
13. Dior Seongsu
Yes, I know you’ve heard of Dior… But it’s hard not to snap pics of the glinting golden butterflies affixed to the metal beams of the flagship building.
This stunning Dior building has quickly become a Seongsu-dong landmark since opening in 2022.
You can see and feel the traces of Dior’s Paris headquarters at this Seongsu-dong location. While the exterior is made of a very modern and flashy metal, it structurally resembles the Paris HQ.
Inside and outside the store, you’ll see decorative lamp posts and sculptures inspired by the famous Pont Alexandre III bridge atop the Seine. The well-curated garden is also inspired by French culture.
There is a cafe inside the building but do note that an Americano will set you back 19,000 won (~ 14.40 USD)! The drinks do come with complimentary macaroons in a cute paper “handbag.”
Address: 7 Yeonmujang 5-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Best Places to Eat in Seongsu-dong
14. Zesty Saloon
Zesty Saloon’s wasabi shrimp burger is SO good! The patty is seriously packed with freshly poppin’ shrimp.
The scent of the salty and savory wasabi sauce cuts through any potential heaviness coming from the fried patty.
If you’re sensitive to spice, ask for less wasabi sauce!
The wasabi shrimp burger costs 11,300 won (~8.50 USD).
15. Kokkili Bagel (Elephant Bagel Seongsu)
You’ve heard of New York bagels and Montreal bagels… What about Korean bagels?
Try the best bagels in Seoul at Kokkili Bagel! It’s always fun to see how different countries interpret the same type of food. You’ll sense the Korean imprint on these bagels.
They’re extra chewy, and remind me of hodduk, which are Korean sweet pancakes. Plus, there’s interesting savory options, like black squid ink bagels and salty choco bagels. Do note that the bagels are on the smaller side; they’re not hefty like New York bagels!
Well, maybe with the exception of the sumptuous Cream Cheese Fresh Cream Bagel! It’s THICK with fluffy and sweet whipped cream.
And don’t miss their classic Butter Salt Bagel!
Expect a line over the weekends. P.S., there’s a limit of 8 bagels per person!
After you grab your bagels, head on over to the second floor, where there’s plenty of seating.
Address: 17 Seongsui-ro 26-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
16. Soba Shikdang (소바식당 성수점)
Cool down with an incredible bowl of soba noodles at Soba Shikdang!
The refreshing broth of the cold soba bodes well with the almost springy, chewy buckwheat noodles. Everything I’ve tried on their menu is fantastic, from the sides to the warm noodles as well.
Plus, the food usually comes out super fast!
Address: 6 Yeonmujang 7ga-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Best Things To Do in Seongsu-dong (Conclusion)
In this article, we went over the best things to do in Seongsu-dong. Here’s a summary of the most popular spots in Seongsu-dong!
Thanks for checking out my guide to the Best Things To Do in Seongsu-dong!
For more cool neighborhood ideas, check out the 5 Best Seoul Neighborhoods You Need to Visit (Hip & Trendy)!
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