Red-brick factories, great coffee, and Seoul’s buzziest pop-up streets, all in one easy afternoon walk.
Seongsu-dong used to be where Seoul made its shoes. Today its old factories and warehouses hold cafes, galleries, flagship stores and pop-ups that change every few weeks. Here is how to spend a relaxed half day there, plus a walking route from Seoul Forest to Seongsu Station.
Quick Facts
| Location | Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (east of central Seoul) |
| Nickname | The Brooklyn of Seoul |
| Nearest subway | Seongsu (Line 2, Exits 3 & 4), Seoul Forest (Suin-Bundang), Ttukseom (Line 2) |
| Time needed | Half a day (4-5 hours) |
| Best time | Weekday afternoons for calm; weekend mornings for the full pop-up buzz |
| Cost | Seoul Forest and most pop-ups are free; cafe drinks about KRW 6,000-8,500 |
| Good for | Cafes, K-beauty, fashion, pop-ups, photos, park walks |
What Is Seongsu-dong?
Seongsu-dong is in Seongdong-gu, on the north bank of the Han River in eastern Seoul. For decades it was a working industrial area, home to Korea’s largest cluster of handmade shoe workshops plus printing and metal shops. From the early 2010s, young creatives moved into the empty red-brick buildings and turned them into cafes and studios. That is how it got the nickname ‘the Brooklyn of Seoul.’
Why Visit: The Vibe
Seongsu mixes the old and the new. A shoemaker’s workshop can sit right next to a luxury flagship, and car repair garages share alleys with bakeries that have long queues. In 2024, Time Out named it one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world. It feels creative and young, but it’s still relaxed enough to just wander.
Fresh air and open lawns at Seoul Forest, a peaceful start before the cafe-hopping begins.
What to Do & Eat
Start with a stroll or picnic in Seoul Forest, then go cafe-hopping in converted warehouses like Daelim Changgo and Onion Seongsu (try the pandoro). Shop K-beauty at Olive Young N Seongsu, Korea’s biggest Olive Young store, and see the striking Dior Seongsu building. Along Yeonmujang-gil, walk in and out of pop-up stores, which change often and are free to enter.
Jayeondo Sogeumppang (Salt Bread) in Seongsu (자연도소금빵in 성수)
If you’re exploring the trendy Seoul neighborhood of Seongsu and want an unforgettable bite to enjoy while strolling the streets, make sure to stop by Jayeondo Sogeumppang. Famous for serving just one thing — the 소금빵 (salt bread) — this takeaway-only spot is simplicity done right. You can’t customize the order, nor will you need to! They sell one pack of four salt breads per order, and trust us, you’ll be glad to have all four once you take your first bite.
With a perfectly crispy exterior and soft, buttery inside, the flavor is so rich and comforting you’ll understand why some call it a life-changing bread. There’s usually a bit of a wait, and parking is not available onsite, so plan to use nearby paid lots like the Seongsu 1-ga Community Center lot. Ordering is straightforward — just use the kiosk and pick up your pack fresh from the oven.
Address: 56-1 Yeonmujang-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Getting There
Seongsu Station (Line 2) is the main stop: Exit 3 is close to Daelim Changgo and Exit 4 leads to Yeonmujang-gil, the main shopping street. Seoul Forest Station (Suin-Bundang Line) is the best stop if you want to start at the park. Ttukseom Station (Line 2), one stop away, takes you toward Seoul Forest and the Han River park. From Gangnam, the trip takes about 25 minutes.
Tips for Your Visit
Weekends are lively but crowded, and popular pop-ups and bakeries can have 30 to 60 minute waits by late morning. If you go on a weekend, arrive around 10 to 11 AM. For a calmer visit, choose a Tuesday to Thursday afternoon. Some shops close on Mondays, so check before you go. Wear comfy shoes, because Seongsu is best explored on foot.
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