Discover Hipjiro & Seoul’s Brooklyn: Ultimate Guide to Korea’s Coolest Neighborhoods
Euljiro and Seongsu are two of Seoul’s trendiest districts, buzzing with creativity and youthful energy. Both neighborhoods offer their own distinct character, packed with hip cafés, artisanal workshops, pop-up galleries, and chic eateries, making them hotspots for younger crowds and tourists alike.
Let’s dive deeper into each neighborhood:
1. Euljiro – The Retro-Industrial Playground
Euljiro, affectionately known as “Hipjiro” among locals, perfectly blends nostalgia with urban hipness. Once a gritty industrial hub full of metalworkers and print shops, it now hosts a thriving youth culture alongside traditional workshops. Here, old meets new in fascinating ways.
🔸 Atmosphere & Features:
- Retro-Industrial Charm: Old workshops transformed into trendy bars, cafés, and galleries.
- Nightlife Scene: Lively evenings with neon signs illuminating narrow alleys, bustling with vibrant bars and eateries.
- Hidden Gems: Unique, tucked-away places popularized through social media.
🔸Top Spots to Visit in Euljiro:
Cafés:
- George Seoul (죠지서울)
A popular vintage-style café famous for its cozy ambiance and artisan coffee.
📍 Location: 21 Chungmu-ro 7-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Anthracite Coffee (앤트러사이트 을지로점)
Industrial chic café housed in a renovated factory. Known for specialty coffee and relaxed vibes.
📍 Location: 10 Toegye-ro 27-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Restaurants & Food:
- Eulji Darak (을지다락)
Offers Korean fusion dishes and craft beer in a quirky rooftop setting, perfect for chilling with friends.
📍 Location: 43-1 Supyo-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul - Manseon Hof (만선호프)
Classic Korean beer pub beloved for affordable fried chicken and draft beer in an open-air market atmosphere.
📍 Location: 19 Eulji-ro 13-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Bars & Nightlife:
- Jan (잔)
Hidden speakeasy-style bar serving creative cocktails amid a moody retro interior.
📍 Location: 3rd Floor, 26 Eulji-ro 12-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul - Seendosi (신도시)
An art-bar hybrid attracting young artists and hipsters, hosting indie music performances and DJs.
📍 Location: B1F, 11 Chungmu-ro 7-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Galleries & Pop-ups:
- Sewoon Plaza (세운상가)
A cultural complex hosting pop-up events, art exhibitions, and markets highlighting young creators.
📍 Location: 159 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Hotel Soo (호텔수선화)
A former motel converted into a trendy multi-floor gallery space showcasing contemporary art and installations.
📍 Location: 17-5 Chungmu-ro 7-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
2. Seongsu-dong – The Brooklyn of Seoul
Seongsu-dong, often dubbed “Seoul’s Brooklyn,” is a former industrial district turned creative hub filled with independent brands, workshops, and stylish cafés. Young artists and entrepreneurs have revitalized old warehouses, creating a vibrant, stylish, and distinctly modern atmosphere.
🔸 Atmosphere & Features:
- Modern Industrial Vibes: Former shoe factories and printing shops now house innovative businesses.
- Artisanal Shopping: Numerous pop-ups, boutiques, and markets featuring handmade and sustainable products.
- Instagram Hotspot: Known for photogenic café interiors and stylishly dressed young crowds.
🔸Top Spots to Visit in Seongsu-dong:
Cafés:
- Daelim Changgo Gallery Café (대림창고)
A sprawling warehouse café combining art gallery and café. Known for stunning industrial decor.
📍 Location: 78 Seongsui-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
- Center Coffee (센터커피)
Minimalist, chic café famous for specialty coffee and pastries. Popular among local influencers.
📍 Location: 28 Seoulsup 4-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Restaurants & Food:
- Grandpa Factory (할아버지공장)
Creative eatery known for modern Korean fusion dishes served in a converted factory setting.
📍 Location: 9 Seongsui-ro 7ga-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
- Seongsu Yeonbang (성수연방)
Food hall concept with trendy eateries, dessert shops, and casual dining options under one roof.
📍 Location: 14 Seongsui-ro 14-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Bars & Nightlife:
- TBD (티비디)
Modern cocktail bar serving innovative drinks in a sleek industrial-style space.
📍 Location: 22 Seongsui-ro 7-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
- Zest Seoul (제스트서울)
Craft beer and cocktail bar with a laid-back, youthful vibe ideal for socializing.
📍 Location: 17 Yeonmujang 3-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Galleries & Pop-ups:
- Understand Avenue (언더스탠드에비뉴)
A cultural complex hosting rotating pop-up stores, exhibitions, and flea markets featuring local creators.
📍 Location: 63 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
- Layer 57 (레이어57)
Exhibition and event space hosting seasonal markets, art fairs, and fashion events in a renovated warehouse.
📍 Location: 82 Seongsui-ro 20-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Quick Travel Tips:
- Best Times to Visit:
- Euljiro: Late afternoon to nighttime for vibrant nightlife and neon vibes.
- Seongsu-dong: Daytime for leisurely café-hopping and boutique shopping, evening for bars.
- Getting Around:
Both neighborhoods are accessible by subway: - Euljiro: Euljiro 3-ga Station (Lines 2, 3) or Jongno 3-ga Station (Lines 1, 3, 5)
- Seongsu-dong: Seongsu Station (Line 2)
Exploring these two neighborhoods will give you an authentic taste of Seoul’s youthful spirit, creative energy, and unforgettable urban charm. Grab your camera and dive into the heart of Korea’s modern culture!
