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Seongsu-dong has a long history and tradition as one of Seoul’s leading industrial districts. Beginning in the 1960s, Seongsu-dong’s industrialization led to a concentration of small industrial factories, such as printing houses and handmade shoe manufacturers, which played a key role in its development into the unique neighborhood where industry and art still coexist today.
What was once a neighborhood of red brick buildings has been transformed over time and has emerged as a creative and cultural center, often referred to as the Brooklyn of Korea.
Seongsu-dong began to grow as an industrial district in the 1960s, taking advantage of its proximity to Seoul’s city center. At the time, Seoul was undergoing rapid industrialization and urbanization, and Seongsu-dong was at the center of this change.
Home to printing houses and handmade shoe factories, it was a vibrant economic center for workers and factory owners. By the 1990s, Seongsu-dong was still functioning as an industrial area, but its importance gradually declined as South Korea’s economic structure changed.
Since the 2000s, however, Seongsu-dong has undergone a new transformation. Artists and creatives who could not afford the high rents in areas like Gangnam and Hongdae began to flock to Seongsu-dong, and the neighborhood gradually developed a creative infrastructure.
Seongsu-dong was transformed from an industrial district to a place of art and culture, which is one of the reasons why the neighborhood has become known as the Brooklyn of Korea.
There are several important factors that have contributed to Seongsu-dong’s transformation into a new cultural center, rather than simply remaining the industrial district it once was. First of all, Seongsudong still retains traces of its industrial past, which gives it a unique atmosphere.
The red-brick factories and warehouses have been remodeled and transformed into cafes, galleries, and restaurants, transforming the area into a space where retro and modern sensibilities coexist.
“Daelim Warehouse” and “Hallabang Factory” are gallery cafes in former factories that have become icons of Seongsudong’s rebirth. These spaces combine art and everyday life, making Seongsudong a place for artistic inspiration rather than just consumption.
This transformation of Seongsu-dong has also become very popular with many MZers, whose individuality and uniqueness is a great match for the neighborhood’s vibe, further highlighting the cultural significance of the area.
In recent years, Seongsu-dong has become a fashion mecca, and “Dior Seongsu” is one of the neighborhood’s trend-setting venues, and the first concept store by Dior in Korea.
It is not just a store, but a space reminiscent of a greenhouse in the city center, offering visitors a connection with nature. “Dior Seongsu” not only sells Dior’s most popular products, but also offers limited edition products and initial engraving services that are only available in Seongsu-dong.
Another fashion spot in Seongsu-dong, “Tambourines” and “Seongsu Flagship Store” are known for their unique exposed concrete architecture and modern interiors. Here you can experience a variety of perfumes, hand creams, and more, especially the signature products of the Seongsu Flagship Store. Tambourines blends well with the unique sensibility of Seongsu-dong and is leading the fashion trend in the area.
In addition, the “Amore Seongsu Beauty Lounge” is a multicultural space that combines beauty and culture, and is a place where visitors can relax while communing with nature.
It is a space where visitors can experience Amorepacific’s various beauty products, and various beauty-themed events and experience programs are held. These spaces make Seongsudong a modern place that emphasizes experience and culture, not just consumption.
Seongsu-dong is home to a variety of unique cafes and restaurants. “Onion Seongsu” is a cafe in a renovated building from the 70s, known for its vintage atmosphere and variety of breads and coffees.
The interior is reminiscent of a former factory and is a great example of the retro feel of Seongsu-dong.
“Elephant Bagel” is one of the most famous bagels in Seongsu-dong, and is loved by many for its unique flavor and rich ingredients. “Seongsu Potato Soup” is also one of the most famous local restaurants in Seongsu-dong, made famous by the recommendation of Korean singer Sung Si-kyung.
In addition, “Zesty Salon” is known for its shrimp burgers, and “Lowkey” is popular for its hand-drip coffee.
Seongsu-dong is also recognized as an attractive place for foodies, with a variety of restaurants and cafes, each with its own unique atmosphere and menu, offering visitors the opportunity to experience a variety of gastronomic experiences.
Seongsu-dong’s “Atelier Street” is a collection of small workshops and galleries where artists and craftspeople gather to showcase their various works. The street is recognized as a space for art and creation, rather than just a commercial district, and many artists continue their creative activities here. It is a great example of the creative atmosphere of Seongsudong, and many visitors come here for artistic inspiration.
“Handmade Shoe Street” is a historic part of Seongsudong that still has handmade shoe shops, reflecting the neighborhood’s character as a former shoe factory.
Here, you can see handmade shoe shops run by real shoemakers and experience the process of making handmade shoes firsthand. The handmade shoe street in Seongsu-dong is a place where you can feel the tradition and history of the area, and where the past and present blend seamlessly.
While Seongsu-dong retains its history as an industrial district, it has been transformed into a modern and artistic neighborhood, becoming one of the hottest commercial areas in Seoul. Seongsu-dong’s unique blend of old and new continues to attract visitors, and its diverse shops and spaces are playing an important role in setting trends in Seoul.
Seongsu-dong’s transformation is likely to continue in the coming years, especially as the neighborhood is becoming increasingly popular with Generation MZ, who value individuality and conscious consumption, and the neighborhood’s cultural significance will only grow as their values align with the neighborhood’s vibe.
Seongsu-dong will continue to serve as a space where new culture and art are created, and as a representative creative center in Seoul. Visiting Seongsu-dong is a unique experience that allows you to experience the past, present, and future of Seoul at the same time.
