Euljiro: Seoul’s Instagrammable Hidden Gems Part 2

Newtro has been a hot keyword among millennials seeking Instagrammable places to visit.

Euljiro, (nicknamed hip-jiro by young locals for all their hipster gems) is originally an industrial area full of oil-stained factories. Now, as local artists settle in this small area, it’s been changing into a more modern structure. With its old industrial roots and the new influx of artists, Euljiro captures both the New and the Retro, and is becoming a local hot spot. It will immediately take you back to the industrial ‘70s with its hipster bars and timeworn attractions. If you want to snap away at the coolest places, let’s look into the hidden Instagrammable places in Euljiro!

To get to Euljiro:
Take the metro to Euljiro 3-ga station for most attractions, or check the individual addresses to choose between Euljiro 1-ga, Euljiro 3-ga, and Euljiro 4-ga. 

Euljiro’s Antiquated Attractions

1. Sewoon Arcade

Sewoon Arcade, founded in 1968 as Korea’s first electronics market, is now a hub for artisans and entrepreneurs, young and old. With its run-down industrial vibe, mixed with the new hipster and artsy atmosphere, Sewoon Plaza became a hub for all things Instagram-worthy. What’s more, is that its newly built rooftop looks over the most commercial district of Seoul, Jongno, where the old and the new still coexist in a peculiar harmony. Take a snap-on top of the busy, crazy Seoul. You can book your discounted walking tour around Euljiro’s historic industrial areas, if you fancy some exploring. 

There are also many famous coffee shops at Sewoon Arcade, such as Tiger Coffee and Champ Coffee. Don’t forget to try their coffee if you go to Euljiro!

• Address: 159 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jangsa-dong, Seoul
• Opening hours: Every day except Sunday, 9AM-7PM
• Contact info.: 02-2271-2344
  *Opening hours are subject to change at the owner’s discretion

2. Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang Market bears more than 100 years of Seoul’s history, as one of Korea’s largest traditional markets. Their food stalls and markets have fed the local Koreans for a century – there must be a reason why locals keep going back there for more. Of course, as one of the largest traditional markets, you can find anything and everything. You can find vintage arcades, thrift stores, and of course, some tasty Korean street food stalls. I’d recommend you to go grab a bindaetteok (Korean mung bean pancake) and soondae (Korean blood sausage), but if you’re a bit weary of trying out new dishes from these stalls, go walk around with a guide around the best street food places in Seoul! 

• Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno 4(sa)-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Opening hours: Food stalls – Every day 9AM-11PM / Vintage markets – Every day except Sunday, 10AM-7PM
• Contact info.: 02-2267-0291
  *Opening hours are subject to change at the owner’s discretion

Euljiro’s Bustling Bars

1. Mind Your Head

Mind Your Head, as the name suggests, if you’re going into this trendy bar. Enter through the tiny doorway, and you’ll be transported to the ‘70s. Of course, don’t forget to take a cute photo in front of the iconic (but tiny,) entrance. Head right up the squeaky stairs through the old, industrial-looking building, to the fifth floor. You’ll be able to enter this hipster bar with a funky interior and quirky lights! Go grab a glass of wine in this strange but comforting atmosphere. Snap some photos on your way!

• Address: 4F, 25-2 Eulji-ro 18-gil, Inhyeondong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Opening hours: Wed-Sun 6PM-11PM (Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays)
• Contact info.: 0507-1320-4029
  *Opening hours are subject to change at the owner’s discretion

2. Pyeong-gyun-yul

Music lovers will absolutely drool over this jazzy LP record player bar, Pyeong-gyun-yul. It’s a relatively small and cozy space, so you might have to wait for a little if you’re there at their peak time – around 9pm on Friday or weekends. But since this bar is so unique and comforting, it’s absolutely worth the wait. Grab a glass of whiskey or wine, by a shelf full of vinyl records in this warm and cozy atmosphere. You can also put in some song requests, or choose to listen in to their classic Chet Baker selection. 

• Address: 2F, 17-4 Cho-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Opening hours: Mon, Thu, Fri 5PM-12AM / Tue, Wed 6PM-12AM / Sat, Sun 1PM-12AM (Break Time: 5PM-6PM)
• Contact info.: 02-2275-9249
  *Opening hours are subject to change at the owner’s discretion

3. Binzip Beerhouse

‘70s interior, vintage colors, and beer. Snap away if you’d like, or have some quiet quality time with your friends at Binzip Beerhouse after a long day of traveling. Take some photos with the iconic red background and the vintage instruments—You’ll see why this made a list of the top Instagrammable places in Euljiro! A quick and sweet tip: Head over there around 10p.m., and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see a live performance of some Korean classics by the owner. Cross your fingers and pay a visit to test your luck!

• Address: 2F, 42-7, Supyo-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Opening hours: Every day 5.30PM-11.50PM
• Contact info.: 0507-1437-2264
  *Opening hours are subject to change at the owner’s discretion

Euljiro’s Classic Cafes

1. Coffee Hanyakbang

An herbal medicine shop themed cafe, Coffee Hanyakbang, is hidden in a narrow alleyway in Euljiro. You’ll have to look through a few alleyways to find this hidden gem! This was originally a place Dr. Heo Jun, a court physician during the 16th century, treated his patients with his infamous herbal medicine. This is an absolutely one-of-a-kind cafe that exudes a beautifully historic atmosphere and culture. Experience the old Korea, and take in some history, at this appropriately themed cafe.

• Address: 16-6 Samil-daero 12-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10AM-10PM / Sat 11AM-10PM / Sun 11AM-8PM
• Contact info. 070-4148-4242
  *Opening hours are subject to change at the owner’s discretion
  

2. Baekdugangsan

Named after the tallest mountain in the Korean peninsula, Baekdusan, Baekdugangsan presents a uniquely Korean atmosphere. It’s subtly decorated with Korean calligraphy and sculptures, creating a very traditional atmosphere. If you’re interested in Korean arts, this is also a good place to visit, other than the wonderful galleries and museums Korea has to offer. This seemingly run-down cafe is a prime location for you to rest up with some hand-drip coffee and old Korean arts.

• Address: 3F, 22-6 Supyo-ro, Pil-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Opening hours: Sat-Wed 1PM-8PM (Closed on Thursdays & Fridays)
• Contact: 0507-1304-7061
  *Opening hours are subject to change at the owner’s discretion

3. George Seoul

Fancy having a piece of kitschy cake, hidden in an old building? George Seoul is the place for you. Modest retro couches, industrial steel tables, and vintage candles fill up this cozy space. You can also take out their infamous cakes, in their hand-signed box. As a cherry on top (yes, that’s a cake pun) they also have a selection of decadent drinks and coffees that you can enjoy along with the cake. Head there for a relaxed, sweet evening!

• Address: 3F, 6 Eulji-ro 12-gil, Euljiro 3-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Opening hours: Every day 12PM-10PM
• Contact: 010-6208-6326
  *Opening hours are subject to change at the owner’s discretion

Euljiro’s Dated Diners

1. Manseon hof

Located in arguably the hottest street in Euljiro, bustling with people who just got off work, lies  Manseon hof. This one-menu spot sells chewy dried pollack, an absolute must-try snack paired with some chilled beer. It’s also a spot where a ton of Korean celebrities visit too. This is one of the totally Instagrammable places at the heart of Euljiro, so it’s super easy to spot at night. If you’re feeling hungry in the late hours, enjoy a late-night snack with beer at this lively street to wrap up your long day! 

• Address: 19 Eulji-ro 13-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Opening hours: Every day 12PM-12AM
• Contact: 02-2274-1040
  *Opening hours are subject to change at the owner’s discretion

2. Nadeuri Sikpum

If you’re on a hunt for a one-of-a-kind local Korean restaurant, head to Nadeuri Sikpum. This place looks super run down from outside, with their old-fashioned sign, but it’s a total hidden gem. You don’t have to order any dishes separately, you’ll be served the “Menu of the Day” with their unique dishes ranging from rice-cake soup, fried rice to a whole set of unpredictable dishes.

• Address: 38, Eulji-ro 33-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
  
• Opening hours: Weekdays 6PM-10PM (Closed on Weekends)
• Contact: 0507-1340-8961
  *Opening hours are subject to change at the owner’s discretion

3. Pildong Myunok

Pildong Myunok has been serving up Naengmyeon, or cold noodles, for the last 30+ years. They use a very well-preserved Pyeongyang recipe – a recipe used in North Korea. This style of cold noodles has been a local favorite for years, but it’s been especially popular given the recent events. Enjoy the local classic: flavorful beef broth along with the chewy noodles, topped off with mouth-watering braised beef and a spoonful of some tangy mustard and zesty vinegar to balance out the taste.

• Address: 26 Seoae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Opening hours: Every day 11AM-8.30PM (Closed on Sundays / Break Time: 4PM-5PM)
• Contact: 02-2266-2611
  *Opening hours are subject to change at the owner’s discretion

Check out the trendiest things to do near Euljiro!

• Gaggum Hair Dream Hair Salon in Myeongdong
• Caricature Drawing Class in Myeongdong
• Shooting Range in Myeongdong
• Night Food Tour in Euljiro
• O HUI & Whoo Spa Beauty Care Package
• Women’s Mud Massage & Sauna Experience in Myeongdong

Ready to head to these Instagrammable places in Euljiro, and feel the ‘70s groove? Head over to Yeonnam-dong for more Instagram-worthy cafes, or to Jamsil for hidden restaurants rooftop views.  Or choose your destination from the comprehensive list of Instagram-worthy hidden gems in Seoul!

Check out more of Seoul’s hidden gems through our Top 7 Most Instagrammable Places Blog Series!