Discover Euljiro: Seoul’s Hidden Gem of Retro & Industrial Charm

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. 

1. Euljiro’s Antiquated Attractions

1) Sewoon Arcade

| Address: 159 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)

| Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 09:00-19:00 (Sun Off)

*Opening hours are subject to change at the owner’s discretion 

| Nearby Subway Station: Jongno 3-ga Station (Line 1,3,5) Exit 12

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 snapshot of bustling Seoul from the top.

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!

2) Gwangjang Market

| Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)

| Opening Hours: Daily 09:00-18:00

*Opening hours are subject to change at the owner’s discretion

| Nearby Subway Station: Jongno 5-ga Station (Line 1) Exit 7

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 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! 

📌Experience all that Gwangjang Market has to offer:

• Seoul Walking Tour: Insadong & Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour
• Seoul Night Group Tour: Gwangjang Market + Changgyeonggung Palace + Cheonggyecheon Stream + Naksan Park
• Yeouido Hangang River & Gwangjang Market Night Tour with Optional River Cruise

2. Euljiro’s Bustling Bars

1) MicroVinylHouse

| Address: 2nd floor, 27 Euljiro 27-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)

| Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 18:00-24:00 (Last Order 23:30), Sat-Sun 13:00-24:00 (Last Order 23:30) 

*Opening hours are subject to change at the owner’s discretion

| Nearby Subway Station: Euljiro 4-ga Station (Line 2,5) Exit 4

| Recommended Menu: Whiskey Nikolaschka (9,000 KRW), Cloud Draft (6,000 KRW)

MicroVinylHouse is Euljiro’s hidden gem for vinyl enthusiasts and quirky night owls, part bar, part cozy music den, and all-around vibe factory. Sip on creative cocktails or local beers while grooving to a playlist that only true record lovers can appreciate, surrounded by shelves of vintage vinyl and funky decor that radiates indie-cool energy. Whether you drop in for a chill drink, a chat about album sleeves, or just to soak up the casual, trendy atmosphere (dogs welcome, too!), you’ll leave feeling like you just discovered one of Seoul’s best-kept audio secrets.

2) Pyeong-gyun-yul

| Address: 2nd floor, Oldies Taco Building, 3 Chungmuro ​​4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)

| Opening Hours: Tues-Thurs 17:00-24:00, Sat 13:00-24:00 (Breaktime 17:00-18:00), Sun 14:00-23:00 (Mon Off)

*Opening hours are subject to change at the owner’s discretion

| Nearby Subway Station: Euljiro 4-ga Station (Line 2,3) Exit 8

| Recommended Menu: Glass Wine (price differs according to wine), Roasted Pumpkin and Ice Cream(13,000 KRW)

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 while 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 to their classic Chet Baker selection. 

3) Vinzip Beerhouse

| Address: 2nd floor, 42-7 Supyoro, Jung-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)

| Opening Hours: Daily 17:30-23:50 (Last Order 22:30)

*Opening hours are subject to change at the owner’s discretion

| Nearby Subway Station: Euljiro 3-ga Station (Line 2,3) Exit 11

| Recommended Menu: Basil Soondae Steak (17,000 KRW), Honey Gorgonzola Pizza (19,000 KRW), Truffle Jjapagetti with Eggs and Cheese (8,000 KRW) 

‘70s interior, vintage colors, and beer. Snap away if you’d like, or have some quiet quality time with your friends at Vinzip 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!

3. Euljiro’s Classic Cafes

1) Coffee Hanyakbang

| Address: 16-6 Samil-daero 12-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)

| Daily Opening Hours: 1st Floor 11:00-22:00 (Last Order 21:00), 2/3 Floor 10:00-21:30   

*Opening hours are subject to change at the owner’s discretion

| Nearby Subway Station: Euljiro 3-ga Station (Line 2,3) Exit 1

| Recommended Menu: Filter Coffee (price differs according to type), Sujeonggwa Ingabe (7,000 KRW), Milk Tea (6,000 KRW) 

A 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.

2) Baekdugangsan

| Address: 3rd floor, 22-6 Supyoro, Jung-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)

| Opening Hours: Tues-Fri, Sun 12:00-19:00, Sat 12:00-20:00 (Mon Off)

*Opening hours are subject to change at the owner’s discretion

| Nearby Subway Station: Euljiro 3-ga Station (Line 2,3) Exit 9

| Recommended Menu: Very Berry Ade (9,000 KRW), Cheesecake (9,000 KRW), Cafe Vienna (8,000 KRW) 

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 art.

3) George Seoul

| Address: 3F, 6 Eulji-ro 12-gil, Euljiro 3-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)

| Opening Hours: Wed-Mon 12:00-21:40 (Tues Off)

*Opening hours are subject to change at the owner’s discretion

| Nearby Subway Station: Euljiro 3-ga Station (Line 2,3) Exit 10

| Recommended Menu: Melon Soda (8,700 KRW), Pinky Minky Brownie (8,400 KRW)

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!

4. Euljiro’s Dated Diners

1) Manseon Hof

| Address: 14 Chungmuro ​​9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)

| Daily Opening Hours: 12:00-05:00

*Opening hours are subject to change at the owner’s discretion

| Nearby Subway Station: Euljiro 3-ga Station (Line 2,3) Exit 3

| Recommended Menu: Fried Chicken (19,000 KRW), Fried Soondae (14,000 KRW)

Located in arguably the hottest street in Euljiro, bustling with people who just got off work, lies Manseon Hof. This one-menu spot serves chewy dried pollack —an absolute must-try snack paired with 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 on this lively street to wrap up your long day! 

2) Dongwonjip

| Address: 1st floor, 48 Toegye-ro 27-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)

| Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00-22:00 (Breaktime 15:30-16:30), Sat 10:00-21:00 (Breaktime 15:30-16:30) (Sun Off) 

*Opening hours are subject to change at the owner’s discretion

| Nearby Subway Station: Euljiro 3-ga Station (Line 2,3) Exit 9

| Recommended Menu: Gamjatang(20,000 KRW), Sundae Guk (20,000 KRW)

Dongwonjip is a well-established local restaurant in Euljiro known for its classic, comforting Korean dishes served in a simple, no-frills setting. The menu features hearty gamjatang (pork bone stew) and sundae guk (blood sausage soup), both beloved staples for their rich flavor and generous portions. The atmosphere is down-to-earth and welcoming, with regulars and newcomers enjoying warm bowls and unpretentious hospitality. It’s the perfect place to experience traditional flavors and a taste of old Seoul, ideal for anyone wanting a genuine, everyday side of Euljiro’s dining scene.

3) Pildong Myunok

| Address: 26 Seoae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)

| Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00-20:20 (Breaktime 15:00-17:00) (Sun Off)

*Opening hours are subject to change at the owner’s discretion

| Nearby Subway Station: Chungmuro Station (Line 3,4) Exit 1

| Recommended Menu: Naengmyeon (15,000 KRW), Bibim Naengmyeon (15,000 KRW)

Pildong Myunok has been serving Naengmyeon, or cold noodles, for the past 30+ years and has earned a Michelin Star for 2025. 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.

Check out the trendiest things to do near Euljiro!

• Night Food Tour in Euljiro
• Seoul Snap Photoshoot Tour in Bukchon & Euljiro
• Korean Stone Seal Making Class in Euljiro
• Private Traditional Korean Food Cooking Class + Hidden Alley Tour in Euljiro

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!