If you are planning a trip to Seoul, Seongsu-dong is a place you should not miss. Seongsu is a hot spot where all the latest trends in Korea are gathered, with trendy brands and cafes. We have compiled a list of recommended spots in Seongsu, carefully selected by a Korean owner who runs an e-commerce shop for Korean goods in Japan. In the first part, we will introduce trendy fashion shops and interior goods shops in Seongsu. In the second part, we will introduce delicious restaurants and cafes.
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1. How to get to Seongsu-dong: Where is Seongsu located in Seoul?
Seoul is divided into North and South by the Han River, a river that runs through the center of Seoul, and Seongsu is located on the north side of the Han River. There are many cafes, restaurants, and fashion brand stores around Seongsu Station on Seoul Railroad Line 2. It is located on Line 2, the green line that runs through the center of Seoul, so it is easily accessible from anywhere in Seoul.
- From Myeongdong: If you board at Myeongdong Station on Line 4, you can transfer to Line 2 at DDP Station to get to Seongsu Station.
- From Gangnam: Take Line 2 at Gangnam Station and it takes 20 minutes to Seongsu Station.
- From Incheon Airport: Take the Airport Railroad Go to Hongik University Station and then transfer to Line 2 to Seongsu.
Incheon Airport is a little far from downtown Seoul, but it is easy to get to from within Seoul.
2. 7 popular fashion brand shops
Here are 7 must-visit fashion brand shops in Seongsu-dong!
(1) ADER ERROR Sons Space
ADER ERROR is a fashion brand that started in Korea in 2014 and is now loved around the world. ADER ERROR's unique products, which re-edit everyday objects from a new perspective and incorporate them into the brand, are gaining popularity around the world. Seongsu's showroom was designed with a concept reminiscent of outer space, giving the illusion of being at an exhibition. Even if you're not interested in ADER ERROR products, it's definitely worth a visit.
(2) MUSINSA STANDARD Holy Water
(3) Sneaker Select Shop Kasina
Kashiina is a street fashion select shop that started in Busan in 1997, and carries a variety of brands including Nike, Adidas, Newbalance, and Vans. It is a two-story building located a 10-minute walk from Seongsu Station. There are many models of sneakers that are hard to find in Japan, so if you are looking for sneakers in Seongsu, this is a must-visit place.
(4) Select Shop E()PTY
E( )PTY is a select shop known as a shopping spot for K-POP artists and idols. This is a must-see spot for K-POP fans, as you can see items worn by idols and that have become a hot topic, such as Le Seraphim, New Jeans, and Rise. This is a select shop that carefully selects products from popular Korean and international brands, and is popular among fashion lovers in Korea. It is located right outside Seongsu Station Exit 3, so it is very accessible.
(5) Archivepke Showroom
Archive Apku is a fashion brand that focuses on bags and was started in Korea with the concept of studying people's ordinary daily lives and elevating them to the next level. The bags, with their simple and classic designs and soft leather textures, come in a variety of styles and colors that blend in with your daily life. In Korea, this brand is popular among women in their 20s and 30s. The showroom in Seongsu-dong is a two-story brick building with a stylish interior that makes shopping fun. You can see a variety of products, from bags to shoes, so be sure to visit.
(6) Martin Kim
Martin Kim is a brand founded in 2018 by Korean CEO Kim Da-in, who added the CEO's surname to the French word Matin, which means morning. Martin Kim's showroom is also located in Seongsu, and is so popular that it has even opened a pop-up shop in Japan.
In addition, the Martin Kim Special Store will open for two months only from March to May 2024. This is a special shop introducing Martin Kim accessories, and there will be a 10% off event on all products for two weeks from March 1st to 14th, so if you are visiting Seoul during this period, be sure to check it out!
<Location of special shops available from March to May 2024>
(7) minitmute
Minute Mute is a Korean bag brand that is known for its minimalist designs and pastel tones. The products are made using Italian leather and are popular among young women for their reasonable prices in the 20,000 to 30,000 yen range. They carry a wide range of products including bags, shoes, wallets, etc. Although the showroom at Seongsu is not large, they limit the number of people allowed in, so you can enjoy shopping at your own pace.
3. 6 Stylish and Cute Interior Goods Shops
Next, we will introduce some stylish and cute interior goods shops. Miscellaneous goods also make great gifts for friends, so why not buy some cute accessories as a memento of your trip?
(1) polaathome
Pola At Home is a Korean interior goods store with the brand concept of adding warmth to the "home" that is the most relaxing space for people. They mainly sell kitchen goods such as plates, cutlery, and placemats, and many of their products are simple and modern. They also make great gifts, so be sure to check them out.
(2) Samuel Smalls
Samuel Smalls is a general goods store located a 2-minute walk from Seongsu Station Exit 3. It sells 20th century furniture, lighting, accessories, and audio equipment.
(3) Dubli Store (w.li.shop)
Dubli Store is a vintage accessory shop located a 10-minute walk from Seongsu Station Exit 3. It is filled with vintage teacups, dolls, accessories, and other accessories that become more attractive with time. The cute vintage-style aprons are also popular items. The warm wood-toned interior will soothe your soul and relax you. Starting in February 2024, admission will be by reservation only, and reservations can be made via direct message on Instagram. Why not try sending a message in English or in Korean using Google Translate?
(4) MUNCHIES AND GOODIES
Munchies and Goodies, a home decor and grocery store, is located on the main street of Seongsu-dong.
This shop, which sells food and interior goods, makes you feel as if you are in an American supermarket. You can discover unique goods and foods that you would not normally see. The store also sells bakery items and drinks, and is especially known for its salted bread. If you visit at 11:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m., you can enjoy freshly baked salted bread.
(5) Thingool store
It is located within Seongsu Yeongbang, a multi-purpose cultural space housing lifestyle shops and restaurants, a 7-minute walk from Seongsu Station. This store brings together accessories from a variety of brands in one place to help create a better everyday life and living space. They carry a wide range of items, from interior goods to tableware, dolls, and fashion accessories. The store is very spacious and has a wide variety and number of products, so you can take your time looking around.
(6) towed
Located on the 4th and 5th floors of Yeongmujang Building in Seongsu-dong, Towed is an interior select shop that sells a variety of interior products, from its own furniture. Towed's most popular products are modular furniture, which you can see in person in their showroom here, but they also stock a range of lighting, tableware and fabric products from a variety of brands. You can also get products from Hotel Parisil, a popular general goods brand in Japan.
One of the attractions of this store is the large number of distinctive products, such as rugs and cushions with unique and diverse designs.