The hottest place for the MZ Generation as of 2023. The place where a reversal drama, created by aging, is currently unfolding. Prop Shop, Pop-up Store, Charming Cafes, Restaurants, and a Red Brick Factory. Must see in Seoul, Korea.
© KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION – Kim Jiho
Access by subway
Line 2 Seongsu Station, Line 2 Ttukseom station, Suin–Bundang Line Seoul-forest station
Information
Sungsu-dong refers to the area from Seoul Forest Station on the Suin–Bundang Line to Seongsu Station on Line 2. During the industrialization era of the 1970s and 1980s, this area was filled with factories and warehouses constructed with red bricks. In the 1990s, small red-brick houses were built, and now it’s a neighborhood lined up densely with old buildings made of red bricks.
However, surrounded by the Han River and Jungnangcheon, the development in this area was delayed and overshadowed as it lagged behind in the city’s priority projects. In 2005, Seoul Forest Park was created, and in 2012, this area was designated as an artisanal shoe industrial zone, gaining attention from the public. Despite being considered less developed compared to other areas in Seoul, creative minds found charm in the neglected ‘red brick’ concept, and young entrepreneurs discovered advantages such as affordable rent and easy access to major areas like Sadaemun and Gangnam. Creators and entrepreneurs, gathering little by little, revitalized neglected factories, warehouses, and old buildings. They partially renovated, fixed only some, and adorned them anew, transforming them into functional workshops and offices. These spaces were not only used for work but also utilized as venues for exhibitions and gatherings. Daelim Warehouse, known as the landmark located in Seongsu-dong, is a red-brick building that served as a rice mill in the 1970s. Maintaining much of its original structure from the rice mill era, the warehouse has been renovated to exude a vintage charm, making it a popular destination among young couples. I consider it a result of overcoming aging through art. Nearby, there’s a place called Onion, which, like Daerim Warehouse, exposes the weathered charm of an old building.
This area is far from being neatly organized. It presents a different scene compared to the carefully planned new towns. Among the inconvenient distances for walking, you’ll find outdated factories and run-down old houses coexisting with modern accessories shops, pop-up stores, charming cafes, and restaurants.
Perhaps due to the desire to feel the breath of regeneration, many MZ generations, who have grown up in the neat and organized modern cities like new towns and Gangnam, are drawn to this place. It seems like this trend might solidify into a new cultural characteristic. Thanks to its unique features, this area has become a gathering place for the epicenter of fashion and entertainment.
Useful tips for tourists
It seems like a more detailed explanation is needed for tourists. This area can be broadly divided into three regions: (1) the area around Seoul Forest Station to Ttukseom Station, (2) the Yeonmujang-gil area, and (3) the northern area of the road from Ttukseom Station to Seongsu Station.
First, it’s the area from Seoul Forest Station to Ttukseom Station. This area mainly starts from the left side of Seoul Forest Station, extends northward, continues eastward, and encompasses the Ttukseom Station area. When you get off at Seoul Forest Station and head to the left, you’ll encounter high-rise buildings and luxury apartments such as Acro Seoul Forest, Hanwha Galleria Forêt. There’s also ‘D MUSEUM’ operated by the prominent Daelim Museum, and for K-POP enthusiasts, there’s the popular destination SM Entertainment. Heading north, between the rectangular alleyways, there are workshops, cafes, and restaurants converted from 2-3 story houses, alongside red brick houses. People refer to this area as Seoul Forest Cafe Street, Atelier Street, and Seongsu-dong Red Brick Village. This concept extends eastward to the southern area near Ttukseom Station. Seongdong-gu is implementing the ‘Seongsu-dong Red Brick Building Preservation and Support Project’ in this area. Blue Bottle near Exit 1 of Ttukseom Station is also praised for contributing to the revitalization of this commercial district.
Secondly, it’s the area around Yeonmujang-gil. This area, located below Seongsu Station, is known by the address Yeonmujang-gil. The name Yeonmujang-gil is derived from the fact that there was a Yeonmujang (Martial arts training facility) in this area during the Joseon Dynasty. This place is a representative commercial district that has turned Seongsu-dong into a hotspot, starting as a cafe street and transforming into a fashion hub. Virtually all of Seongsu-dong’s iconic landmarks are concentrated in this area. Notable establishments include the factory-style cafes Daelimchanggo_Gallery and Grandpa Factory, the concept store Dior Seongsu from the luxury brand Dior, 29CM’s curation showroom 29CM Seongsu, a select shop Beaker Seongsu for Samsung C&T’s fashion division, the complex cultural space LCDC Seoul and S Factory where various pop-up stores open. This area needs no further explanation, as it can be considered a place one would be labeled a stranger for not knowing.
Thirdly, it’s the northern area of the road from Ttukseom Station to Seongsu Station. Here, you’ll find the Seongsu-dong Handmade Shoes Street. This place is the largest producer of handmade shoes. Over 500 handmade shoe-related establishments, including 300 footwear manufacturers, as well as 100 intermediate processing businesses and 100 raw material distribution businesses, are densely packed. In the 1970s and 80s, those who wanted to show off their style in Seoul would get high-priced handmade shoes at Myeongdong Yanghwa-jeom(Western-style shoes store). In the 1990s, as factories began producing mid-priced and low-priced branded shoes, and the nation experienced the 1997 Currency Crisis, the area’s affordable rent and proximity to the headquarters of Geumgang Shoes led to the influx of shoe businesses into Seongsu-dong. In the 1990s, there were over 1,000 shoe manufacturing businesses. Shoe Street was created to revitalize the handmade shoe industry and promote it properly. Another landmark in this area is likely Cafe Onion, which showcases the concept of Seongsu-dong well. The building, constructed in the 1970s, underwent various transformations over nearly 50 years, serving as a supermarket, repair shop, and metal factory. The cafe preserves the traces of the past, including peeled paint and worn-out cement bricks, showcasing the aging elements. The coffee and pastries are said to have exceptional aroma and taste. Other significant establishments include the large cluster-type commercial facility Seongsu Naknak, the multi-cultural space Ground Siso Seongsu, and Amore Seongsu Beauty Lounge, transformed from a car repair shop. It seems like MUSINSA also has a strong affinity for Seongsu, with MUSINSA Campus, Studios, and related companies clustering in the area.