Seongsu-dong
성수동
A “Seoul’s Brooklyn” made from former shoe factories and warehouses, packed with brand pop-up stores, specialty coffee and select shops. It is Seoul’s trendiest neighborhood.
Seongsu-dong is located in Seongdong District on the north bank of the Han River. It was originally an industrial area where shoe factories and printing plants were concentrated. Since the 2010s, the old factory buildings have been converted into cafés and creative spaces, and it is now Seoul’s hottest trendy district, nicknamed “Seoul’s Brooklyn.” Landmarks include Daelim Changgo, a gallery café converted from a rice warehouse; Onion Seongsu, a bakery café in a former factory; Amore Seongsu, AmorePacific’s flagship experience store, where you can try beauty products for free; Musinsa and the pop-up stores of various brands, which are updated almost weekly and draw young people queuing to check in; and the handmade shoe shops and designer select shops along Seongsu’s “Shoe Street.” Nearby, Seoul Forest is a large urban park with a deer enclosure and a ginkgo-lined path, and it is also the headquarters of SM Entertainment, so fans often visit. Visit suggestion: go to Seongsu Coffee Street near Exits 3 and 4 of Seongsu Station at midday; browse the pop-up stores and Amore in the afternoon; walk through Seoul Forest in the evening; then have dinner at a grilled sausage or Western restaurant in Seongsu. The visit takes about half a day. Getting there: take Subway Line 2 to Seongsu Station, Exits 3 or 4, or the Bundang Line to Seoul Forest Station. Notes: popular pop-up stores have waits of over an hour on weekends, and you can take a number through apps such as Catch Table. The district still has factory vehicles, so watch out for safety.
Opening hours
Shops approx. 11:00–21:00
Nearby sights
- Seoul Forest
- Bongeunsa Temple
- Starfield Library (COEX Mall)
- Garosu-gil
- Dongdaemun Design Plaza
- Heunginjimun (Dongdaemun Gate)
- Leeum Museum of Art
- Ihwa Mural Village & Naksan Park