Seongsu-dong: A Guide To The Brooklyn Of Seoul

The shoe district that has become the “it” spot to hang out in Seoul, Korea what with the warehouses being converted to art spaces and cafes and the boutique shops has something around every corner. Where to begin in Seongsu-dong?! Some have even called it the “Brooklyn of Seoul” so I knew I’d like it before I even got over there. Everywhere you look there is street art celebrating the district known for shoe factories and design and now with more artists moving in, there is bound to be ever more creative hot spots to appreciate.

Young creatives started heading to the area back in 2011 due to the low rent prices and easy access to transportation as happens and with the influx of young blood, the area has become hip and cool which could be good for a while until the rent prices go up and they all have to move on. But, right now, is definitely the time to check out what’s going on in Seongsu-dong. As of 2022, Seongsu-dong was one of the most tagged locations in Korea on Instagram and it’s not really tourists that are flocking there but locals. 

Much like Mullae-dong an industrial neighborhood that has seen more and more young artists and musicians moving in as the artsy district of Hongdae gets too expensive for them, Seongsu-dong is currently a mix of older industrial vibes and bright young enthusiasm. Trendy galleries and cafes sit next to manufacturing hubs. It makes for a very fun neighborhood to walk around in Seoul.

Want to skip around?

• How To Get To Seongsu-dong
• Where To Stay
• Where To Eat In Seongsu-dong
• What To Do In Seongsu-dong
• Cafes With All Of The Aesthetics

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How To Get To Seongsu-dong

When people talk about Seongsu-dong and the hot places, cool cafes, and hip spots, they’re talking about the area that can be reached from Ttukseom Subway Station, Seongsu Subway Station, and Konkuk University Subway Station.

Note that this is also the area that is connected to the Ttukseom Han River Park area so if you want to have a great day out, start in Seongsu and get some eats and then head to the riverside for some epic flowers, views, and the J-Bug.

Take a tour: Seongsu-dong can be a bit difficult to navigate if you’re new to Seoul or just touring. It’s a lot of alleys and warehouses so you sort of have to know where to look to find things. Join a Seongsu Walking Tour to get acclimated.

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Where To Stay

Hotel The Designers Premier Kondae

H Avenue Hotel Kondae Seongsu

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Where To Eat In Seongsu-dong

There are a plethora of restaurants and eateries to be found in Seongsu-dong and this is but a handful. But they are a delightful handful that you’ll be happy with I’m sure of it. So let you eyes do the reading, your belly do the grumbling and when you’ve seen enough, go eat!

Grandpa Factory (할아버지공장)

Grandpa Factory immediately garnered my attention when I saw a picture with a tree house. This cafe/culture space was opened by Hong Dong Hee, who also owns Daerim Warehouse a hot spot in Seongsu-dong. Hong Dong Hee is an artist and woodworker so it’s no wonder that both spaces feature prominent wooden designs.

Order some coffee and food and then head up to see the tree house while you wait. You can walk in and through and get a great few of the seating down below. There is substantial seating on the first and second floors and great food. For those looking for a little childlike whimsy, this is a great cafe and restaurant to check out.

• Address: Seongdong-gu Seongsu-ee-ro 7-ga gil 9  (성동구 성수이로7가길 9)
• Hours: Every day: 11:00am ~ 10:00pm

Hanoi 102 (하노이102)

This was a truly special place to have a bite to eat near Galleria Foret. The decor is beautiful and gives off a retro ambiance. There is plenty of space to eat and lots of good Vietnamese soups and banh mi too. Sometimes in areas where there’s a sudden influx of visitors and new spots to eat, you can get many that aren’t well thought out and are just slapped together. This is NOT one of those places.

I’ll definitely be back for more here. If you want some good eats in a retro homey style restaurant, this is the spot for you. I think anyone headed here will be pleased.

• Address: 668-18 Seongsu-dong 1(il)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (성수동 1가 668-18)
• Hours: 11:30am ~9:00pm (Break time 3:00pm ~ 5:00pm)
• Days: Closed Tuesdays

Daelimchanggo Gallery (대림창고갤러리)

The Daerim Warehouse is actually six warehouse spaces that have been converted into restaurants, cafes and culture spaces. This is one of the most popular stops in the area for food and chatting. You can find restaurants, food, and a lot of art.The warehouses were originally used in the 1970s at rice mills and then became an industrial warehouse in the 1990s. The brick walls of the former factory have been unchanged and high beamed ceilings left exposed. The entire place is very cool. Definitely check it ALL out.

• Address: 78 Seongsu Ee-ro, Seongsu-dong, Seoul (서울 성동구 성수이로 78)
• Hours: Everyday: 11:00am ~ 10:00pm

Lemon Grass (레몬그라스)

One of my favorite restaurants in the area. It’s been open for years and has a super cool aesthetic with a moss covered central table that is super appealing. While a lot of places can be appealing for the eyes but the food doesn’t stand up, it’s not the case here. Lemon Grass has just delicious Thai cuisine. It serves the “taste of Thai”, as they say, to a T.

• Address: 41-26 Yeonmujang-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울 성동구 연무장길 41-26)
• Hours: Wednesdays – Sundays: 12:00pm ~ 8:30pm (Break time 3:00pm ~ 5:00pm)

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What To Do In Seongsu-dong

Seongsu-dong is a great district to hang out in because there’s plenty to do in between the eating spots and cafes. Prepare to spend the whole day in Seongsu hopping from parks to galleries.

Seoul Forest (서울숲)

Opened in 2005, the park was previously royal hunting grounds for the kings but is now a eco-friendly public park that features five parks within it’s entirety. The Culture and Arts Park is in the central area and features the popular flower beds that have tulips in the spring not to mention the numerous cherry blossoms trees in the spring that make it one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Seoul.

There is also a skate park, outdoor stages, and plenty of open space to spread out. If you’ll be visiting in the spring, start your trip at nearby Eungbongsan Mountain to see a mountainside of forsythias before walking across a bridge to Seoul Forest.

The Eco Forest is an area that connects the park to nearby Han River in the Jungnang Stream area. There are deer, elks and other wildlife that live in this area as well and visitors can walk along an observatory to see them. The Experiential Learning Park is where the former Ttukseom Water Treatment Facility once was and now features a beautiful botanical garden and wild flower garden in the industrial facades.

There is so much to enjoy here, and if you visit in the spring, head from here across a nearby bridge to see Eungbongsan Mountain covered in an amazing number of forsythia flowers. So much in this park to see, you really need to visit a few times to see it all.

If you love parks as much as we do, don’t miss a visit to the Han River Parks. Did you know there are eleven of them?

• Address: 273 Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (성동구 뚝섬로 273 (성수동1가))

Amore Seongsu (아모레 성수)

This year, the Amore Pacific Art Museum has become one of my favorite spots to check out exhibitions and now they have an amazing showroom in Seongsu-dong where you can try a TON of their products for FREE and purchase what you like… if you want.

The industrial building features sinks to cleanse in, and tables to put on make up galore should you want to try any  number of their products. There is also an OSulloc cafe upstairs and a great rooftop to sip tea or coffee before you head back in to try more. After trying, you can also pick out some tester products to take home for free. It’s an amazing stop with so much to do and so much to check out. Learn more about the Amore Seongsu expreience.

• Address: Seongdong-gu Achasan-ro  11-gil 7 (서울특별시 성동구 아차산로11길 7)
• Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:30am ~ 8:30pm

Pow!Wow! Korea Street Art

In 2019 there was an awesome event in Seongsu-dong where Pow! Wow!, a gathering of contemporary artists to engage the community with art and music, took place. Pow! Wow! is a worldwide event that has taken place in Hawai’i, Washington DC, Japan, Taiwan, Nepal, and Korea to create some stunning new murals.

As you walk through the streets of Seongsu-dong, definitely be on the look out for these awesome fifteen pieces. For more information about the artists, check out the official Pow!Wow! website. The new murals are spread throughout the area and require quite a walk if you plan to see all of them. Be prepared to hop into a cafe or restaurant for a rest halfway through. We started at Common Ground and visited half before stopping and then visited the rest.

Where to find the Pow!Wow! murals in Seongsu-dong:

• JOSHUA VIDES: 200 Achasan-ro, Jayang 4(Sa)-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 광진구 자양4동 아차산로 200)
• ZEBU: 200 Achasan-ro, Jayang 4(Sa)-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 광진구 자양4동 아차산로 200)
• SEMI: 200 Achasan-ro, Jayang 4(Sa)-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 광진구 자양4동 아차산로 200)
• GR ONE: 82 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 성동구 아차산로 82 (성수동2가))
• SUITMAN: 107 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 성동구 왕십리로 107 (성수동1가))
• HITOTZUKI: 12 Seongsui-ro 20-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 성동구 성수이로20길 12)
• JODAE: 32 Yeonmujang-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 성동구 연무장길 32 (성수동2가))
• INSA: 47 Seongsuil-ro 6-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 성동구 성수일로6길 47 (성수동2가))
• ROSTARR: 11 Yeonmujang 3-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울 성동구 연무장3길 11)
• AMY SOL: 110 Yeonmujang-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 성동구 연무장길 110 (성수동2가))
• KIMCHI JUICE: 55 Dongil-ro 20-gil, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 광진구 동일로20길 55 (자양동))
• VOEUN: 11 Yeonmujang 3-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울 성동구 연무장3길 11)
• NOVO: 110 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 성동구 아차산로 110 (성수동2가))
• KAY2: 45 Seongsui-ro 26-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 성동구 성수이로26길 45 (성수동2가))
• SOYOUN LEE: 6 Yeonmujang 3-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 성동구 연무장3길 6 (성수동2가))

Common Ground (커먼그라운드)

Korea’s first pop-up store built with shipping containers, Common Ground is approximately 5,300 square meters in scale, made up of 200 large containers and is capable of transforming into different structures or moving into different places. Look out for looks by up-and-coming designers and young and trendy designs. There are also performances and exhibitions held there consistently so stop in to see what’s going on.

• Address: 200 Achasan-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 광진구 아차산로 200)

Veranda Industrial (베란다 인더스트리얼)

While you walk from cafe to restaurant or vice versa, stop into one of the galleries. Veranda Industrial is a free gallery in one of the old metalworking buildings that has been given new life by a local interior design firm. Check out the artworks and maybe buy a little snack or tea. Walk around the side to check out the cafe that’s there and the rooftop as well. It’s a nice little spot to hang out for a bit.

• Address: Seongdong-gu Seongsu-ee-ro 7-gil 26 (성동구 성수이로7길 26)

Supy (수피)

Across the street from Baesan is a fashion, culture and art stop known as Supy. They currently have a collaboration with Benjamin Moore paints which is pretty modern and cool which is why we initially went though we did end up shopping as well. A cool hub of hip fashion and accessories you should definitely check out in the area. There is something for everyone and filled from the first floor to the second and there are cool installations around every corner. Stop in at least to peruse what’s hip in the world.

• Address: Seongsu-dong 2-ga 320-5 (성수동2가 320-5)
• Hours: Every day: 12:00pm ~ 9:00pm

Galleria Foret (갤러리아포레)

This building near Seoul Forest looks like an apartment so you’d probably walk right by without realizing there are three floors full of galleries inside. From B1 to B3, you can find various exhibition spaces and each exhibiting something different. There were at least four different exhibitions going on when we last visited. It might be a bit expensive to do them all in one day, BUT if you’re in the area and want some great art and photo-ops to enjoy, then this is the place for you.

If you don’t like what you see on the first floor, go up or down and see what else is going on. It’s a great spot to see something and take fun photos as the exhibits are all experiential. We’ve enjoyed everything we’ve seen. Don’t miss out on this spot if you want to do something other than just eating or sipping coffee in the area. Because all of the exhibits are experiential, they’ve all been great for taking my little one who loves to enjoy art through touch. Take your friends. Take the kids. Just go! Trust me, it’s fun.

• Address: 685-696 Seongsu-dong 1-ga Seongdong-gu (서울특별시 성동구 성수동1가 685-696)

Seongsu Yeonbang (성수연방)

Much like everything else in Seongsu-dong, Seongsu Yeonbang was an old factory that has now been converted into a three story arts and culture complex. There are cafes, restaurants, a bookstore, and a lifestyle shop. Instagrammers stop by to see the seasonally changed exhibition in the central courtyard before heading off to find what else is in Seongsu-dong.

• Address: 14 Seongsu Ee-ro 14-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울 성동구 성수이로14길 14)
• Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ 10:00pm

Monami Seongsu (모나미스토어 성수점)

Established in 1963, Monami revolutionized the stationery industry with its groundbreaking Monami 153 ballpoint pen and now they are a household staple in Korea. The Monami Concept Store not only provides all of their many amazing stationary products, but also special experiences like creating your own unique ink, putting together your own pen, and personalized engraving.

• Address: 104 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울 성동구 아차산로 104)
• Directions: From Seongsu Subway Station, the Monami shop is in a building that is located between exits 3 and 4 so once you exit from either one, turn around to see the building.
• Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ 9:00pm

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Cafes With All Of The Aesthetics

Seoul Angmusae (서울앵무새)

One of the most popular cafes in Seongsu-dong features a rainbow colored exterior wall that invites everyone to take photos before entering. Step inside to see a large selection of different kinds of cinnamon rolls from the expected to the unexpected.

There’s an extensive drinks and dessert menu and they invite people inside to sit back, get out some paper and create your own art and drawings. 

• Address: 3 Seoulsup 9(gu)-gil, Seongsu-dong 1(il)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울 성동구 서울숲9길 3)
• Hours: Every day: 8:00am ~ 11:00pm

Cafe Cha (카페ㅊa)

Cafe Cha is the only place making real dalgona coffee. Unlike the viral challenge sweeping the Internet that is making something called dalgona coffee, Cafe Cha makes milk teas, coffees, and desserts with traditional Korean dalgona which is a Korean street food.

It’s a modern industrial cafe that is an amazing ode to a traditional street food that might have been on the way out but is not being re-introduced to a younger generation of connoisseurs. Meet the staff and watch as they delicately make dalgona and then choose your item from the list.

• Address: 2 Seoul Forest 6-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울 성동구 서울숲6길 2)
• Hours: Every day: 11:00am ~ 10:00pm

Myosa (묘사서울)

Myosa Seoul is a lovely simple cafe with some very interesting menu items that change seasonally. There isn’t a ton of seating in the simple space, but the seating that is there, is interesting to look out. One bench is an entire log that multiple tables share.

The desserts that come out are based on traditional snacks which was fitting since we’d just come from Cafe Cha where their drinks are based on a traditional snack. It’s really appealing and a comfortable spot to grab a drink if you can find a seat. We walked right in and found space but numerous people came in after us and couldn’t find a spot. So be aware of that.

• Address: 2 Seoul Forest 2-gil, Seongdong-gu 1-ga, Seoul (서울 성동구1가 서울숲 2길 2)
• Hours: Every day: 12:00pm ~ 10:00pm

Cafe Bot (카페봇)

Cafe Bot is one of those spots you gotta check out just to see what’s new in the world. There are two robotic doohickies that are pretty cool to check out. One decorates cakes and you can choose what goes on them and the other makes your coffee. The cake one is definitely cooler because you can watch as it moves across the surface of the came laying down some artistic masterpiece.

The walls are moving images and a flamingo robot finds you as you walk by and displays you to the cafe. I wouldn’t say the coffees or the cakes are truly outstanding taste-wise, but this is definitely one of those cafes that is all about the experience.

You can’t miss this cafe as the reflective exterior glistens in the sunlight. Walk through the doors to see a pretty big space but walk upstairs to see even more. There is a great rooftop from which you can check out the people sitting on the Onion Cafe rooftop just next door.

• Address: Seongdong-gu Achasan-ro 9-gil 8 (서울 성동구 아차산로9길 8)
• Hours: Weekdays: 8:00am ~ 10:00pm; Weekends: 10:00am ~ 10:00pm

Mellower (멜로워)

Mellower is chic and modern in an industrial surrounding. Go through the colorful doors to find a bakery with some great baked goods. We ate some and then bought more to take home because they were just that good. This cafe is just up the street from Veranda Industrial so worked easily for us to hit both. This spot opens early during the week when so many cafes just don’t in Korea, so keep it on the list if you’re an early riser for sure.

• Address: Seongsu-dong 2-ga 333-94 (성수동2가 333-94)
• Hours: Every day: 11:00am ~ 10:00pm

Matchacha (맛차차)

The industrial space that lets the greenery stand out amid hints of color pops from benches, stools and sofas is very cool yet cozy. The staff is so friendly and didn’t mind my clumsy toddler checking out all of their plants. She may have even watered a few… okay a lot of them. The tea was delicious even for a non-tea drinker like myself and the vibes were right up my alley. This is definitely that afternoon cozy tea spot you’ve been looking for.

• Address: Seongsu-dong 1-ga 685-254 (성수동1가 685-254)
• Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 11:00am ~ 7:00pm

Cafe Glow (글로우)

Onion, a super popular cafe in the area, is just up the street from this more understated spot BUT, Glow has some great bakery treats including scones, carrot cake, and tarts. The cafe also features a rather substantial rooftop which would make for a great place to hang out on the warmer weather days. If you head to the area to visit the more popular brother down the street but it’s packed, don’t just turn around, check out Cafe Glow.

• Address: Seongdong-gu Achasan-ro 9-gil 20 (서울 성동구 아차산로9길 20)
• Hours: Weekdays: 9:00am ~ 10:00pm; Weekends: 10:00am ~ 10:00pm

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