Seongsu district
Let me take you to a part of Seoul that few travelers know about, but which is full of unsuspected wonders. If you think Hongdae or Itaewon are the only trendy neighborhoods in the Korean capital, prepare to be surprised. The Seongsu District (성수동), often dubbed the "Brooklyn of Seoul", is a real gem just waiting for you. Ready to dive into an urban adventure off the beaten track?
The Seongsu district: A perfect blend of tradition and modernity
Lost between the glittering skyscrapers of Gangnam and the hustle and bustle of Hongdae, the Seongsu district is a haven of creativity that harmoniously merges Seoul's industrial past with its artistic present. Once the beating heart of the shoe industry, its disused factories have been reinvented as innovative cultural spaces.
Did you know that Seongsu was once known as the "Shoe Quarter"? Yes, in the 70s, it was the nerve center of shoe manufacturing in South Korea. Today, these same buildings are home to trendy cafés, art galleries and local designer boutiques.
Working in the neighborhood for several months now, I've been able to observe this striking contrast between raw industrial architecture and modern artistic touches. As Ji-Hoon, a friend of mine who lives in the neighborhood, told me, "Seongsu is where the past meets the future, creating a unique atmosphere." And that's exactly what it is! On one side you'll see car garages, and right next door a brand-new building housing a luxury boutique. This contrast gives Seongsu its charm.
The Fascinating History of the Seongsu District
The Seongsu district tells the story of modern South Korea's economic evolution. In the 1960s, as the country launched its industrialization program, this area east of the Han River became a major industrial center thanks to its strategic location and affordable land.
From "Shoe Alley" to Seoul's Brooklyn
In the 1970s-80s, Seongsu specialized in the shoe industry, earning the nickname "구두창 골목" (The Alley of Soles). At its peak, the district boasted over 1,200 factories and workshops employing nearly 20,000 people, producing 80% of Korean footwear.
The Asian financial crisis of 1997 and globalization hit Seongsu hard, with the company losing 60% of its factories between 1995 and 2005. Vacant industrial buildings marked a period of decline for the district.
The renaissance began in the early 2010s, when artists and entrepreneurs were attracted by the large industrial spaces and moderate rents. In 2014, the "Seongsu-dong Rehabilitation" project encouraged the renovation rather than demolition of historic buildings, thus preserving the soul of the district. Since then, the number of cultural spaces has risen by 230%, and land prices have quintupled.
Witnesses to history not to be missed
This rich past can be explored at several emblematic sites:
- Seongsu Art Hall (S Factory): Former shoe factory (1968) turned cultural center in 2016
- Shoe Museum Presenting the history of the industry, with original machines and demonstrations.
- Rue des Artisans (성수동 수제화거리): About 50 traditional shoemakers still in business
- Seongsu Bridge Built in 1979, tragically collapsed in 1994 and rebuilt in 1997, it symbolizes the resilience of the district.
This transformation from industrial zone to creative hub, while preserving its heritage, explains why Seongsu is often compared to Williamsburg in Brooklyn.
What to do in Seongsu (My favorite places)
Having worked in the neighborhood for five months, I had the opportunity to explore every nook and cranny of Seongsu and experience its evolution in real time. Here are my personal recommendations for making the most of this vibrant district:
Pop-up Stores: Shopping must-haves in Seongsu
In Seongsu, you can find an impressive number of pop-up stores. Every month, you'll discover new brands and ephemeral boutiques. I've taken part in several events myself (and won lots of freebies in the process!). One of my best memories is my participation in the Squid Game organized by Wakemake, where I won a cosmetic product worth €25. Every week brings something new - there's never a dull moment at Seongsu!
Luxury: When Seongsu rivals Gangnam
The district now attracts some of the world's biggest brands:
- Dior Seongsu (Naver link): An absolutely gorgeous space and perfect for taking Instagram photos worthy of Korean influencers.
- KITH Seoul (Naver link): A store offering luxury clothing and footwear, with pieces created especially for this Korean boutique.
Cosmetics: Korean skincare paradise
- Olive Young Seongsu (Naver link): The largest skincare store ! Seoul's Olive Young is spread over 4 floors! Here you can test products, get your make-up done and even create your own personalized Korean skincare routine with expert advice.
- Le Labo (Naver link): Certainly French, but the experience of custom perfume creation is worth the detour.
- Dasic (Naver link): A Korean cosmetics brand with an integrated café offering a breathtaking view of the Dior store.
- Tamburins (Naver link): A Korean brand with a unique and easily recognizable building. The store is hidden in the basement, creating an immersive experience for fans of concept stores.
Clothing and Accessories: From street to designer
- Musina Standard (Naver link): One of Seoul's biggest Musinsa stores, comparable to the Zara we have in Europe. Quality basics at reasonable prices.
- Daelimchanggo (Naver link): A former factory completely refurbished as a semi-luxury clothing store. The building is owned by Musinsa and also houses a café.
- EMPTY (Naver link): Created by Musinsa, this store offers only rare luxury and designer pieces.
- EQL (Naver link): A concept similar to KITH with several major brands at affordable prices.
- New Balance (Naver link): Here you can personalize your own t-shirts and sweatshirts with Korean designs and lettering - a perfect souvenir that's both unique and wearable every day!
- Ader Error (Naver link): A Korean brand very much in vogue in the semi-luxury segment. The store is splendid, with a "web culture" concept based on computer bugs and a characteristic electric blue.
Seongsu's best coffees: My personal selection
Onion coffee is just the tip of the iceberg. Here is my selection of coffees after many tastings:
- LOOOP (Naver link): A 3-storey café with excellent pastries. You can even take photos on old industrial machines converted into decor.
- Airdrop (Naver link): A huge space mixing co-working and a cosy atmosphere with sofas. After 7pm, it turns into a bar! Don't miss the space with spotlights for a particularly warm ambience.
- Guten Leute (Naver link): Good coffee, simply, and ideally located close to all the stores mentioned.
- Onion (Naver link): The must-have that I already mentioned in my article on Seoul's best cafés. Their pastries are not only delicious, but also very Instagrammable.
- Concrete (Naver link): A minimalist café offering sophisticated pastries that will make a splash on your social networks.
- Puff Out (Naver link): I loved their signature latte, especially the granola one which was generously good. Space is limited, so take it to go to enjoy as you continue your exploration.
Seongsu's best restaurants
Forget generic recommendations, here's where the locals really eat:
- Xiongmao (시옹마오) (Naver link): My favorite restaurant in Seongsu! Incredibly tasty Taiwanese cuisine. Beware, it's a small establishment and the wait can last between 20 and 40 minutes, but it's really worth it.
- Neungdong Minari (능동미나리성수점) (Naver link): Michelin-recognized restaurant serving bibimbap with raw beef (Yukhee). Fans beware: if you don't like coriander, avoid this place!
- Seongsu Jjigae (성수찌개) (Naver link): For an authentic Korean dish, try their Kimchi Jjigae. Be careful, it's spicy!
- 소문난성수감자탕 (Naver link): Always crowded, with 30-minute to 1-hour waits, a sign of its excellent reputation.
Trendy bars to extend the evening
- The Storage Room (더스토리지룸) (Naver link): A very Instagrammable hidden bar offering unique cocktails. Expect to pay around 20,000 won per glass.
- Royal Poverty (로열포버티) (Naver link): A bar with a chic, refined ambience.
- Glimmer (글리머바) (Naver link): An elevated cocktail bar offering views of Seongsu's Olive Young and the surrounding neighborhood.
Unique activities in Seongsu
- Seongsu climbing park (클라이밍파크 성수점) (Naver link): An impressive climbing gym on 4 levels (including a basement). For 25,000 won per person, you can climb unlimited and even rent shoes on site.
- Seoul Forest (서울숲) (Naver link): A huge park in the heart of Seoul, perfect for escaping the urban hustle and bustle. I particularly recommend this activity in spring, when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
The Seongsu district in constant evolution
What makes Seongsu so special is its constant state of transformation. The district has recently emerged on Seoul's cultural scene, and all the trendy, luxury boutiques are now snapping up a location in this little corner of Seoul.
I observed that the district has two facets: car garages rub shoulders with brand-new buildings housing luxury boutiques. This contrast between old and new creates a unique atmosphere, characteristic of Seongsu.
The shoe street, although less present today, still bears witness to the district's industrial history. It's this blend of working-class heritage and creative revival that has earned Seongsu its nickname, the "Brooklyn of Seoul".
How do I get to the Seongsu district?
Take metro line 2 (green) and get off at Seongsu station (성수역). Take exit 3 or 4 and you'll be right in the heart of the district. If you prefer the bus, several routes also serve the area, including routes 2016, 2222, and 2413.
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