Sometimes, a desire to break away from the familiar cycle and discover something new arises. Seongsu, with its trendy pop-up stores, galleries, and the vibrant energy of its restaurants and cafés, offers such a chance to briefly escape the ordinary. With this, the Sungkyun Times (SKT) hopes to gift Kingos a special day in Seongsu by sharing essential information and highlighting spots that are simply too good to miss.
Transformation into a Trendsetting District
-From Factory Town to Trendy Hub
Seongsu, located in Seongdong District, Seoul City, is a neighborhood brimming with diverse charm and energy. Although it is rapidly rising as a trendy hotspot, especially beloved by the younger generation, it was nothing like this back in the day. In the 1960s, it used to be a place where the sounds of machinery never stopped, serving as the beating heart of South Korea’s economy, fueled by sweat and passion. However, in the 1990s, many factories closed down or relocated, gradually emptying the once lively streets and leaving behind old industrial buildings. Starting in the late 2000s, artists drawn by the affordable rent prices and spacious interiors began to arrive, breathing new life into the old structures. Much like Brooklyn in New York City, a former industrial hub that was revitalized through the infusion of art, Seongsu also experienced a rebirth. Today, its special story lives on as the old and the new continue to blend in harmony.
-How to Get to Seongsu
From the Humanities and Social Science Campus (HSSC), Kingos can get on the Line 4 subway at Hyehwa Station. Then, transfer to Line 2 on Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station and get off at Seongsu Station. Meanwhile, Kingos departing from the Natural Sciences Campus (NSC) can take the No. 7800 bus to Sadang Station, where they can get on the Line 2 train to reach Seongsu.
Seoul’s Hippest Place
-Catch the Moment, Experience the Brand
Seongsu is a heaven for diverse pop-ups and flagship stores. In fact, a new pop-up store, each with its own unique story, seems to appear every 10m. Because they operate for a limited time, their experiences become all the more memorable, like a sudden summer rain shower. One such brand running a pop-up until June 30th is the skincare brand, Torriden. Within a space awash with blue waves, Kingos can make their own paper keychains and take photos in areas perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy moments. Furthermore, Seongsu is filled with beautiful flagship stores where one can truly feel the essence of a brand. The Dior Seongsu flagship store, a 5-minute walk from Seongsu Station Exit 4, is designed to recreate the exterior of the Dior boutique in Paris. Upon stepping inside, one will be enveloped in a dreamlike atmosphere, akin to entering a work of art.
Not far from this stands an eye-catching concrete frame — a flagship store of the fragrance brand, Tamburins. Kingos will surely be captivated by the deep musky scent and the sensuous interior design that stimulates all five senses. Indeed, the stores in Seongsu go beyond simply displaying products; they have various immersive experiences that allow consumers to engage with and enjoy the brands firsthand. Given their subtly changing atmosphere every season and the limited time frame for purchasing products at discounted prices, the SKT highly recommends visiting the pop-ups and flagship stores at Seongsu before it is too late.
-Step Inside the Art
Seongsu has been emerging as a hub of culture and art. A short walk from the flagship stores will lead to the vintage red-brick Daelim Changgo Gallery. Inside, one will be greeted by an enormous wooden sculpture, which creates the sensation of stepping into a new world through a single doorway. Once a factory, it now bears the marks of its past in its concrete walls, steel frame structures, and high ceilings. Strolling through the gallery mimics a journey through time. Sophisticated art pieces are displayed against the backdrop of aged spaces, forming an alluring contrast between the past and present. A few steps away is the Teal Table pop-up store’s plant exhibition space. The gentle fragrance of flowers and the warm ambiance of natural light softly embrace and soothe a weary heart. Skilled florists bring out the inherent beauty of fresh flowers and greeneries to their fullest bloom, pairing them with uniquely shaped vases that will capture one’s attention. Seongsu is truly evolving into a genuine arena for enjoying culture and arts through these creative places.
A Foodie's Guide to Seongsu
-Hidden Culinary Gems
Among the trendy pop-up stores and galleries, hidden culinary gems are waiting to awaken the tastebuds of Kingos. First on the list is Goun Tonkatsu, located in a narrow alleyway off the bustling main streets of Seongsu. Among its menu items, the SKT recommends the tenderloin katsu curry. The pork cutlet’s tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the crispy breading provide a delightful crunch with every bite. Dipping a piece of katsu into the spicy curry enhances the deliciousness, creating a perfect burst of flavors. Another place on the must-visit list is ASAP Pizza, which serves authentic American-style pizza. Its bright neon signs, hip-hop beats, and free-spirited energy will instantly transport customers to a tucked-away hangout in a New York alley. Their signature pizza, topped with savory pepperoni slices, will surely hook anyone from the first bite. The chicken tenders served alongside are also a highlight — crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside — a testament to why this spot has captured the hearts of so many Western food enthusiasts.
-More than Just Coffee
No Seongsu outing is complete without a visit to one of its many cafés to perfectly round off a meal. Cheonsang Gaok, meaning house in the heavens, has a comfortable and relaxing mood, just as a cozy house in the sky would have. Surrounded by lush flowers and plants that create the impression of being inside a garden, Kingos will feel a sense of healing. Beyond this, Cheonsang Gaok is also famous for its delicious beverages. Must-try recommendations include the Deep Chocolate Latte, a perfect harmony of rich chocolate flavor and soft marshmallows, and the Matcha Cream Latte, which satisfyingly pairs the subtle bitterness of matcha with the specially made sweet cream. Another café option is Haru&Oneday, which is located next to Goun Tonkatsu. The SKT recommends Spring Blossom, a seasonal strawberry drink, and Earl Grey Milk Tea infused with the scent of bergamot-infused tea. Wrapping up a Seongsu outing with refreshments at these charming cafés will serve as a pleasant end to the day.
Leave everything behind for a moment and lose oneself in the trendy rhythm of Seongsu. Freely express your individuality and reignite the long-forgotten passion and energy within. By following the SKT’s selection of charming spots in Seongsu, Kingos will surely rediscover the excitement and vitality that they have been missing. So, who is ready to head to Seongsu right now?