Beyond Myeongdong: Why Seoul's Young Locals Hide in Euljiro's Printing…
Hamo2 TeamJust a five-minute walk from the bustling shopping streets of Myeongdong lies Euljiro, a neighborhood historically dominated by printing presses, light fixtures, and hardware supply shops built in the 1960s and 1970s. While tourists flock to major department stores nearby, local Seoulites head into Euljiro's maze of narrow industrial alleys. Over the past few years, young entrepreneurs have transformed these gritty spaces into hidden cafes, wine bars, and art studios, giving birth to a cultural movement Koreans call Newtro (a blend of "New" and "Retro").
Understanding Newtro in Euljiro
Unlike standard urban redevelopment that tears down old structures, the Newtro aesthetic preserves original building facades, industrial signboards, and worn concrete walls while installing modern espresso machines and craft beverage menus inside. Many of the best spots do not feature visible street-level signs. Instead, visitors look for tiny brass plaques, colorful tape on stairwells, or faint music echoing down third-floor hallways of 50-year-old tool shops.
Must-Visit Cultural Spots in the Alleyways
- Coffee Hanyakbang (커피한약방): Tucked inside an alleyway barely wide enough for two people to pass, this cafe sits on the historical site of Hyeminseo, the Joseon Dynasty medical clinic where royal physician Heo Jun treated commoners. The venue hand-roasts coffee beans over open charcoal pits and serves them in vintage mother-of-pearl glassware.
- Eulji Dabang (을지다방): A preserved traditional 1980s coffee shop (dabang) where older factory workers and curious students sit side-by-side to drink Ssanghwa-cha, a medicinal herbal tea served with a raw egg yolk to boost energy.
- Seun Sangga (세운상가): Korea’s first mega-strip commercial complex built in 1968. The renovated third-floor pedestrian deck offers an elevated walk through vintage electronics shops alongside craft breweries with direct views of Namsan Tower.
Local Etiquette for Alley Exploration
Because Euljiro remains an active manufacturing hub, visitors should remain mindful during daylight hours. Printing shops, paper suppliers, and metal cutters rely on these narrow paths to transport heavy goods using small motor carts and forklifts. Keep noise levels modest in residential stairwells and allow workers right-of-way in narrow corridors.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Seoul's Hidden Spots
Q: How do I navigate Euljiro if the cafes don't have signs in English?
A: Download Korean navigation applications like Naver Map or KakaoMap instead of global mapping apps, as local services specify exact floor numbers and entrance photos. Looking for small poster stickers or designated floor directory boards inside old building lobbies is also a reliable way to spot open cafes.
Q: Are these industrial alleyways safe to explore late at night?
A: Yes, Euljiro is exceptionally safe, as is standard throughout Seoul. While alleys may look dark after industrial shops close around 6:00 PM, crime rates are extremely low. Stick to well-lit main corridors if you feel uncertain, and look for warm lighting coming from upper-story windows.
Q: What is the best time of day to visit Euljiro?
A: Visiting around 4:00 PM allows you to witness the area's daytime industrial operations before the evening transformation, when neon lighting turns the printing alleys into lively dining hubs by 6:00 PM.
