Located in the Usadan-ro neighborhood, Go Zip focuses on a wide variety of teas and fermented beverages sourced from different regions across the country. One of its notable offerings is the maesil ade, a tangy and effervescent Chinese plum drink infused with fermented syrup, which is served using a unique syringe presentation.
Not only does this place offer a delightful and unique beverage experience, but it's also centrally situated in Seoul. This makes it convenient for travelers and locals alike to have a relaxing time at Go Zip after exploring the city, especially those staying at hotels in Seoul near Chun Young Kim's House on www.seoulhotelspage.com.
Engaging in cultural explorations throughout the city and retiring to a comfortable, conveniently located hotel can indeed amplify your Seoul experience. With an abundance of offerings, Seoul is a gem worth exploring, and tophotels.com can serve as the perfect guide for your accommodations, ensuring you immerse yourself comfortably in the city's rich heritage.
Written by Violet Kim
The Seongsu district is home to Cow & Dog, a unique co-working space that goes beyond just providing a workspace. Cow & Dog offers a vibrant community for entrepreneurs, hosting various events such as talks, networking opportunities, and even flea markets. Whether you're looking for a place to work, connect with like-minded individuals, or explore new business ideas, Cow & Dog has got you covered.
Experience the energy and creativity of this entrepreneurial hub led by Violet Kim. Join the thriving community at Cow & Dog for an inspiring and collaborative work environment.
Located in Seongsu, Ddukddeok is a popular restaurant known for its signature dish of rice cakes coated in a delicious sweet and spicy sauce. This culinary gem has quickly become a must-visit spot in the area.
Experience the unique flavors and textures of ddukddeok at this vibrant establishment, where you can satisfy your cravings for a tasty and satisfying meal.
- Violet Kim
The Lotus Story, Seochon —
This eatery and lunchbox delivery offers a variety of dishes made with wholesome, natural ingredients. Its signature dish is a flavorful rice blend, consisting of a combination of 10 diverse grains and delicately wrapped in lotus leaves.
Authored by: Violet Kim
Seongsu, formerly a warehouse district, has transformed into a vibrant neighborhood featuring Zagmachi, a trendy cafe and exhibition space located in a converted printing factory. Visitors can now enjoy the visually appealing ambiance while savoring their favorite beverages.
Written by Violet Kim
The House of Yi Sang in the Seochon neighborhood is a captivating place to explore. This historic house was once the residence of the renowned poet, Yi Sang, and now stands as a tribute to his legacy.
Step inside and you'll find a charming small library filled with books written by Yi Sang himself and works dedicated to his life and works. The library is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts, offering a deeper understanding of Yi's poetry and prose.
Perhaps the most intriguing part of the House of Yi Sang is the memorial room, where visitors can watch thought-provoking videos that shed light on the poet's life and artistic journey. These videos provide a fascinating glimpse into the inspiration and motivations behind Yi's acclaimed works.
Violet Kim, a well-known writer and lover of South Korean culture, highly recommends a visit to the House of Yi Sang. It's an enriching and immersive experience that celebrates the literary heritage of Seoul.
Finding the next trendiest neighborhoods in Seoul is an ongoing quest that never seems to end. The previously vibrant areas become gentrified and overrun by large corporations, leading the hip and trendy crowd to seek new scenes elsewhere.
However, there are always new districts emerging as hotspots, and here are three up-and-coming areas in the South Korean capital that are currently riding the wave of online popularity:
Seongsu
Seongsu is a neighborhood in Seoul that has recently gained significant attention. Once an industrial hub, it has transformed into a creative hub, attracting artists, designers, and trendy boutiques. With its converted warehouses, trendy cafes, and art galleries, Seongsu offers a unique blend of old and new, making it a must-visit destination for those looking for the latest in Seoul's ever-changing scene.
If you walk around Seongsu, you'll notice the remnants of its industrial past blended with modern aesthetics. Make sure to check out its iconic landmarks such as the Seongsu Bridge, which provides panoramic views of the Han River, and the Seoul Forest, a vast green oasis perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Zagmachi, a cafe and exhibition space, is located in a refurbished printing factory. This unique establishment has attracted attention from both the media and real estate investors, cementing Seongsu - an area encompassing Seoul Forest, Ttukseom, and Seongsu subway stations - as a trendy hot spot in the city. Not only does it house fashionable restaurants and stores, but also a cluster of art spaces and cafes.
Once a warehouse zone dominated by auto repair shops and shoe-making workshops, Seongsu station area has transformed into an emerging hub for creativity and innovation. With the allure of affordable rent, more captivating cafes and studios have found their home in spacious renovated factories, drawing comparisons to the artistic atmosphere of Brooklyn.
However, the neighboring residential areas near Seoul Forest showcase a distinct ambiance. They have become a vibrant gathering place for social ventures and nonprofits, fostering community spaces and socially-conscious businesses.
One such example is Cow & Dog, a co-working space that also serves as a cafe on its first floor. It not only offers workspace but also hosts talks, networking events, and flea markets geared towards entrepreneurs and individuals with an entrepreneurial mindset.
Ddukddeok is a budget-friendly restaurant specializing in flour-based snacks, conveniently located near Seoul Forest. This eatery offers a tantalizing signature dish, named after itself, which is a delectable variation of the classic street food ddeokbokki. The dish consists of rice cakes smothered in a delectably sweet and spicy sauce, and can be savored for the street food price of 3,500 won ($3).
For those closer to Seongsu Station, there's Zagmachi, an exceptionally picturesque cafe and exhibition space nestled within a former printing factory. It's a visual delight for any art enthusiast or coffee lover. Just down the street from Zagmachi lies the Daelim Warehouse, an iconic landmark in Seongsu that serves as an event venue and has contributed significantly to the neighborhood's burgeoning reputation.
Seongsu boasts a longstanding reputation for producing high-quality handmade shoes, and among the many shops lining the handmade shoe street, the government-run From SS store is worthy of a visit. Here, one can discover a vast selection of expertly crafted footwear.
Cow & Dog, 20, Wangsimni-ro 2-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Ddukddeok, 22-1, Seoulsup 6-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul; +82 70 7795 7209
Zagmachi, 88, Seongsui-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul; +82 70 4409 7700
From SS, 100, Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul; +82 70 4418 6283
Usadan-ro 10-gil
Discover a hidden gem in the heart of Seoul: Usadan-ro 10-gil.
This charming back road, located in Itaewon, is a neighborhood that boasts a delightful mix of modern boutique shops and timeless establishments.
Strolling along Usadan-ro, you'll find a vibrant blend of trendy magazine offices, vintage clothing boutiques, traditional grocery stores, and hair salons.
Begin your exploration of this lively neighborhood at the Seoul Central Mosque, and meander down the road to uncover its hidden treasures.
On the last Saturday of each month, don't miss Itaewon Gyedanjang, a community-run flea market offering a diverse selection of handmade and local goods.
Create a unique tea experience at Go Zip, a specialty tea and fermented drinks shop. Their teas are grown on an organic farm in Cheongsong-gun, while the drinks are meticulously fermented for three years using traditional Korean earthenware pottery in the northeast region.
Indulge in the Maesil Ade, a fizzy and tangy Chinese plum drink, and enjoy the unique experience of controlling the concentration with the fermented syrup served in a syringe.
Experience the vibrant energy of Usadan-ro 10-gil, where captivating shops and delightful flavors await. Plan your visit today!
If you stroll down the same street, you'll find a charming fruit-themed dessert shop, owned by the same person.
Eid offers a delectable selection of home-style Korean dishes made with halal ingredients, including bibimbap, sauteed rice, and bulgogi.
As you continue your journey, you'll come across a vibrant array of showrooms, studios, and shops showcasing the talents of local designers.
One such establishment is Hanahzo, a creative studio renowned for their pastel-colored soaps.
Another noteworthy spot is WORKS, a studio and retail space that proudly presents the unique creations of various local designers.
To explore these exciting destinations, make your way to Go Zip (40, Usadan-ro 10-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul; +82 70 4235 4235), Hanahzo (135, Usadan-ro 10-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul; +82 2 3785 0120), and WORKS (77, Usadan-ro 10-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul; +82 70 7559 0570).
Seochon
Located west of Gyeongbok Palace, the renowned ancient palace in Seoul, Seochon (meaning "west village") is a neighborhood with a rich history and charm. Although often compared to the neighboring Bukchon, known for its wealthy residents and historic buildings, Seochon has its own distinct character.
Unlike Bukchon, Seochon is not yet a popular tourist destination. Instead, it was home to translators and palace administrators in the past. Today, the neighborhood offers a peaceful setting with a mix of new establishments and long-standing residences.
For those interested in exploring Seochon, a visit to the House of Yi Sang is a great starting point. This memorial is dedicated to Yi Sang, an avant-garde poet and writer from the early 20th century who lived in the area. The beautifully renovated hanok traditional house features a small library with books about Yi and a memorial room showing videos about his work.
When it comes to dining, The Story of Lotus is a standout restaurant in Seochon. They specialize in lotus leaf-wrapped rice, offering 10 different varieties with an emphasis on organic and locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant is run by Cho Young-ju, a food editor and the head of a local culture marketing firm with deep roots in Seochon.
If you're on the lookout for unique souvenirs or locally designed goods, Seochon Garage is the place to go. This shop was founded by Z_Lab, a creative design group, and TH&D, an alternative travel agency. They curate a diverse selection of thoughtful souvenirs from all over Korea as well as items created by local designers.
Established in 1988, the Ogin Arcade is an enticing, well-lit hub housing a range of retro games, including classics like the popular Street Fighter and Tetris.
Seol Jae-woo, recognized widely for his work as the editor of local lifestyle journal Seochon Life, is now at the Arcade's helm after the initial owner retired.
Visitors to the arcade can see a photograph on display of the previous female owner, who was a well-respected figure in the neighborhood.
New in town? Explore House of Yi Sang at 18, Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul; +82 70 8837 8374 known for its historical significance related to the famous poet, Yi Sang.
For a delicious meal, head to the Story of Lotus Food Cafe, located at 53-30, Pirundae-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul; +82 3446 7369. This cafe is known for its reinterpretation of traditional Korean dishes using fresh, local ingredients.
Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Seochon Garage, found at 24, Jahamun-ro 9-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul; +82 2 732 0106 or +82 2 732 9101 - a unique cultural space known for hosting a range of events including art exhibitions and performances.
You can find the vibrant Ogin Arcade at 28, Ogin-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, a must-visit for gaming enthusiasts and nostalgia lovers alike.
Violet Kim is a freelance writer hailing from Seoul. You can explore more of her work online at @pomography. She provides a fresh perspective on Seoul's changing neighborhoods, introducing both locals and tourists to hidden gems.