If neighbourhoods had their version of an It girl, she would definitely be Seongsu-dong in Seoul. Quite accurately described as the Brooklyn of the South Korean capital, Seongsu-dong used to be an industrial district with hundreds of small-scale factories and warehouses. After the manufacturing industry went into a decline, the area slowly started to change.
Today, the neighbourhood is anchored by tourist favourites like retail space Common Ground and Cafe Onion but tucked in among them are plenty of other homegrown South Korean stores offering everything from fashion items to lifestyle goods, as well as an array of cafes, eateries, upscale bars and restaurants. It’s pretty easy to find, being just a five-minute walk away from Seongsu Station. A good tip to never losing your direction in South Korea is to download Naver Map on your phone, a navigation app used by locals.
Eat
Seoul boasts an incredible cafe culture, with a large variety of establishments that offer great coffee and plenty of photo-taking opportunities, and you can definitely see this in Seongsu-dong. For your morning fix, start your day at Low Key, Cafe Y704, Blue Bottle Seongsu, Changchang Coffee and warehouse-turned-cafe Daelim Changgo. For rooftop vibes, head over to Mellower and Cafe Yeonmujang.
This story is from the October 2023 edition of ELLE Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2023 edition of ELLE Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Colours Of Perfection
FRANCK MULLER shows its Love for Asia Pacific with a new region-exclusive watch that’s dressed up in the decadence of a rainbow.
Japan Calling
Dive into Japan's perfect mix of tradition and modern flair, with dreamy hotels and restaurants that make for the ultimate quick escape.
Walking The Walk
MANOLO BLAHNIK remains one of the most covetable names in footwear. Now with more than five decades of history, the brand goes back to its beginnings to celebrate its most timeless silhouettes.
What Dreams May Come
Life as an actress can be an emotional roller coaster. Crazy Rich Asians star CONSTANCE LAU shares the highs, the lows, and everything else in between.
Just A Hint
Conspicuously More Understated Than Their Gem-set Cousins, These Subtle Rainbow-coloured Watches Are No Less Defiant In Their Insistence On Optimism And Style.
A cultural Conversation
With its Made of Makers programme, JAEGER-LECOULTRE has built a community of like-minded creatives who place innovation, craftsmanship and precision at the heart of all they do.
The Inner Lives Of Clothes
Compelling Fashion Doesn't Have To Be Ostentatious Or Overtly Conceptual, But It Does Need A Clear Identity And Character Of Its Own.
Journey to the WEST
Time to slip into some chaps and saddle up. Fashion's biggest brands are taking a turn at the rodeo.
The Mai Effect
Fresh off her cover shoot for ELLE Singapore-draped in head-turning Bvlgari jewels-Davika Hoorne radiates the charm and allure of a woman who's both wildly ambitious and perfectly content in her own skin. Here, the 32-year-old Thai-Belgian star reflects on two decades in the spotlight, and why she's not done dreaming just yet.
in Conversation
Cartier creative director MARIE-LAURE CÉRÈDE delves into the Maison’s haute joaillerie timepieces, while highlighting the importance of creativity and a happy team in her chat with CHARMAINE HO.
