Euljiro - Seoul's Rising Hip Place

Things To Do in Euljiro – Seoul’s Rising Hip Place

Before the Hip-Jiro craze, Euljiro was just a rundown, rustic Seoul neighborhood where people bought and sold everyday goods like tools, lamps, and tiles. In 2018, the area’s distinctive charms began to attract young Seoulites, and small cafés and restaurants began popping up in the area’s ancient buildings, establishing the neighborhood as one of the city’s burgeoning hotspots.

Euljiro has rapidly become known as one of Seoul’s most beautiful and popular tourist destinations. If you’re “crawling” for a taste of the fantastic local scene, Euljiro is the place to go. To help you plan your trip to Euljiro, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite bars and eateries!

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Euljiro – Seoul’s Rising Hip Place

Euljiro Street
[ Euljiro Street ]

Euljiro, aka “Hip-Jiro”, is where old-school Seoul collides with trendy urban flair. Behind rows of hardware stores and furniture shops, you’ll find hidden cafes, neon-lit bars, and artsy hangouts. Millennials chasing “Newtro” vibes and artists moving in have turned this once-industrial hub into one of the city’s coolest spots.

The charm of Euljiro lies in its contrasts—gritty workshops next to stylish restaurants, and rundown buildings hiding hipster studios. Love it or not, the mix of history and creativity makes it one of Seoul’s most fascinating neighborhoods to explore.

How to get to Euljiro?

Euljiro starts at 97-3 Sogong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울 중구 소공동), and reaches 224-2, Sindang-dong, Jung-gu (중구 신당동), and is the name of Beopjeong-dong (법정동).

How to get to Ejujiro Streets-Hipjiro
[ How to get to Ejujiro Streets – Hipjiro ]

You can visit Euljiro Street from the Euljiro 3-ga subway station (Exit 9/10), subway line no.2 and 3.

Get off at the Euljiro 3-ga metro stop for most sights, or use the addresses provided to decide between Euljiro 1-ga, Euljiro 3-ga, and Euljiro 4-ga.

Top Things To Do in Korea!

What to do in Euljiro?

Sewoon Arcade (Makercity Sewoon)

Sewoon Arcade Marketcity Sewoon
[ Sewoon Arcade – Marketcity Sewoon, Source: jayjay_s ]

Opened in 1968, Sewoon Plaza was Korea’s first electronics market and once the coolest tech hub in East Asia. After years of decline, its retro vibe and industrial charm have sparked a revival—today it’s a creative hotspot packed with hip cafes, indie shops, and buzzing with artists and entrepreneurs.

Beyond its trendy makeover, Sewoon Plaza carries history. It fueled Korea’s tech boom in the 1970s, became a hub for software and computers in the ’80s, and even starred in Korean dramas like Goblin and Vincenzo. Now, it’s both a nostalgic landmark and a fresh hangout in the heart of Euljiro.

Seasonal Picks!

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Source: @cheonggyecheon_official

The artificial waterway passes through several significant city sections, including Dongdaemun Market, Gwangjang Market, City Hall, and Euljiro. It is 13.7 kilometers long and passes through 5.8 kilometers of urban areas in Seoul.

Your travels along Cheonggyecheon will start at Cheonggye Plaza, where you’ll stay for the first night. Attractions such as Gwanghwamun, Gyeongbokgung, City Hall, Jongno, and Deoksugung are situated in the neighborhood. In addition, it is the site of the city’s most notable annual festivals and celebrations. 

One of the most important annual events that take place in the town is the Seoul Night Market, which takes place from the end of spring until the beginning of October. On weekdays, Cheonggyecheon Park draws many visitors, both during the day and at night, who come to enjoy a tranquil stroll.

Cosmos Wholesale

Source: @cosmoswholesale

On the second floor of Euljiro 3-ga Shopping Center, Cosmos Wholesale Store is full of vintage records, old books, antique accessories, and other unique finds from Korea and abroad. You never know what you’ll come across.

The shop also serves traditional Korean teas, adding to its cozy, retro feel. Packed with rare items, it captures the trendy “newtro” vibe and brings back the charm of old Seoul.

N/A gallery

Source: @nslasha.kr

Opened in 2018 by photographers Park Jinwoo and Oh Jinhyeok, the N/A Gallery is a creative space where people can gather offline to enjoy art up close. The gallery often showcases photography, sculpture, and other diverse works, making it a spot for anyone who loves contemporary art.

Just a few minutes away, you’ll also find AJO AJOBYAJO’s flagship store, After Jerk Off. The brand is well-known among ARMYs since BTS members, including Jungkook, have been spotted wearing their clothes. The store is only a 3-minute walk from Euljiro 3-ga Station (Exit 11) and even comes with a bar and café to hang out after shopping.

Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang Market
Source: @gwangjang_market

  • Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
  • Opening hours: Traders selling food are open from 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily, while those selling vintage items are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Gwangjang Market’s Official Instagram Page
gwangjang-market-street-food
Gwangjang Market Street Foods

The Gwangjang Market in Seoul is one of the biggest traditional markets in Korea and has been around for more than 150 years. Local Koreans have been getting food from their booths and markets for a hundred years, so there must be a good reason they keep coming back for more. As one of the biggest traditional markets, you can find anything and everything there. 

Here, you’ll find classic arcades, thrift stores, and vendors selling delicious traditional Korean street food. We’d recommend getting a bindaetteok, a Korean mung bean pancake, and a sundae – a Korean blood sausage. If you’re tired of trying new foods from these stands, you can go with a guide to the best places to eat street food in Seoul.

Where to eat in Euljiro?

Munhwaok

seollongtang munhwaok
Source: Naver
  • Address: 118-3, Jugyo-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
  • Price range: 10,000 ~ 20,000 Won (8 ~ 15.90 USD)
  • Opening hours: 06:00 – 21:30

Located conveniently next to Euljiro 4-ga Station, Munhwaok is a classic Korean eatery that has been around for more than half a century. You may travel to Sinchon easily by using the Euljiro Station’s Exit 4. It’s not uncommon to see retirees enjoying a midday meal of soup, rice, and soju. 

Munhwaok’s most well-known dish is seolleongtang (a milky beef bone soup). As the saying goes, “fight fire with fire,” so why not try the traditional Korean method of “iyeolchiyeol” and cool off with a bowl of delicious and healthy seolleongtang?

Euljiro Boseok 

Source: @euljiro_boseok

  • Address: 84-11, Jeo-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
  • Price range: 10,000 ~ 20,000 Won (8 ~ 15.90 USD)
  • Opening hours: 18:30 – 24:00 (except Sat & Sun)

The quality of the cuisine is great but it can be challenging to acquire a seat at the eating bar because only ten chairs are accessible at any moment. The bar is hidden away in a side street of Euljiro. 

You may combine your meals with a wide variety of sake and natural wines at this restaurant, which serves food influenced by Korean and Japanese cooking styles. The Minari-prawn pancake and the Spicy Fermented Octopus Capellini are two of the most popular dishes among customers here.

Meeting Room

Source: @euljiro_meetingroom

  • Address: 110, Cho-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
  • Price range: 10,000 ~ 20,000 Won (8 ~ 15.90 USD)
  • Opening hours: 11:30 – 21:30 every day, except break time (15:00 – 17:00)

Meeting Room is the place to go for those with an appetite for Italian food; well, we are now in Korea, but by now, you should be used to the fact that food is available worldwide. They are most well-known for their Cloud Pasta and Fat Cheese Tteokbokki, which are highly tasty and incredibly artistically attractive. Both of these dishes bear their namesake characters.

Manseon Hof

Manseon Hof in Euljiro
[ Manseon Hof in Euljiro ]
  • Address: 95-1, Euljiro 3(sam)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea 
  • Price range: Less than 10,000 Won (8 USD) 
  • Opening hours: 12:00 – 24:00 every day

Manseon Hof is a cozy Euljiro bar loved by locals and even celebrities, serving dried pollack with cold beer as the must-try, along with pork cutlet, chicken, and pineapple sherbet for a fun night out.

The bright lights of Euljiro make it easy to find, and it’s one of the many photogenic spots in the neighborhood. Late-night hunger? This bustling street is the perfect place to wind down with a snack and a beer.

Woo Lae Oak

woo lae oak euljiro restaurant
Source: Naver
  • Address: 118-1, Jugyo-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
  • Price range: 10,000 ~ 20,000 Won (8 ~ 15.90 USD)
  • Opening hours: every day from 11:20 to 21:00, except Monday

Cold noodle dishes, or Naengmyeon, have been on the menu at this restaurant for the past three decades. They follow a Pyongyang recipe that has been used in North Korea for a long time and has been carefully preserved. 

This kind of cold noodle has been popular in the area for some time. Still, its popularity has skyrocketed in light of recent events. Try this regional favorite with spicy mustard and zingy vinegar to balance the flavors: rich beef broth with chewy noodles topped with mouthwatering braised beef.

Eulji Darak

Source: @euljidarak

  • Address: 156-9, Cho-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
  • Price range: 10,000 ~ 20,000 Won (8 ~ 15.90 USD)
  • Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 11:30 – 22:00, Sat: 11:30 – 21:30, Sun: 11:30 – 20:30 & Break Time 15:00 – 17:00

Euljidarak, a Western restaurant and wine bar, is among all the hardware stores. The building may look old and worn from the outside, but as you enter, you’ll find yourself in a chic and spotless environment.

Though Euljidarak is often considered a western-style restaurant, it offers several fusion dishes, such as hot cream spaghetti, which combines the Korean penchant for spicy food with the worldwide popularity of spaghetti. Try something different in Euljiro, where Koreans have put their spin on Western cuisines, like Spicy Cream Spaghetti.

Nogari Alley

nogari alley euljiro
Source: Naver
  • Address: 1F, 19 Euljiro 13-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
  • Price range: The price of a fillet of nogari is 1,000 won (1 USD), and a pitcher of beer costs 3,500 won (3 USD)
  • Opening hours: 12:00-24:00

After a hard day at the office, people in the printing industry in Euljiro would frequent local bars for a cold one and some nogari. Dried pollack, or “nogari,” was a popular snack among low-income laborers because of its low price.

Manseon Hof, one of the alleyway’s central bars, has multiple locations across the area, making it easy to find. So many people sit at tables in this alleyway eating and drinking during the summer nights that it is nearly impossible to get past. A visit to this alley will allow you to take part in and witness a fascinating piece of Korea’s and Euljiro’s history.

Sarangbang Kalguksu

sarangbang kalguksu
Source: Naver
  • Address: 23-1, Chungmuro 3(sam)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
  • Price range: Less than 10,000 Won (8 USD) 
  • Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 10:30 – 21:40, Sat: 10:30 – 21:00, Sun: 10:30 – 16:00

Suppose you visit this restaurant in Euljiro around lunchtime. In that case, you may notice a surprising number of locals waiting in line outside. This eatery has been serving the community since 1968 and has been featured on numerous television shows.

The historic, crowded restaurant is frequented by many diners, from retirees to young couples. Everyone, no matter their age, may find something they like to eat at this restaurant. We suggest the Baeksuk Baekban (7 USD) and the Kalguksu (6 USD) for a satisfying and hearty supper for two people.

Pyeongnaeok

Source: @zolzyolo

  • Address: 21-1 Mareunnae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea 
  • Price range: 10,000 ~ 20,000 Won (8 ~ 15.90 USD)
  • Opening hours: 11:00-21:30 every day (Break Time 15:30-17:00) 

Open since 1950, Pyeongaeok in Jung-gu is famous for Pyeongyang Naengmyeon, cold buckwheat noodles that came to South Korea during the Korean War and are now a beloved Seoul specialty. The lines here never seem to end, and besides naengmyeon, the chilled chicken soup Chongyetang (about $25 for two) is a must-try—lighter than samgyetang and perfect with a touch of mustard and vinegar.

Cheongwaok

Source: @cheongwaok 

  • Address: 346-1, Euljiro 3(sam)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea 
  • Price range: Less than 10,000 Won (8 USD) 
  • Opening hours: 08:00 – 22:00 every day

Cheongwaok is a hidden gem that may be reached by exiting Euljiro 3-ga Station at Exit 11. Its gorgeous traditional blue roof exterior is hard to overlook. They have great sundae dishes which are savory blood sausages.

The Sundae-Gukbap, a set consisting of Sundae stew and rice, is about 7 USD. It is served in an earthenware bowl to keep the warmth while you enjoy your Sundae. This dish is a staple of Korean cuisine, and for a good reason: it’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for the cold winter months. You can season to taste and add salted shrimp if you like.

Hwangsogojib

Source: @hwangsogojib

  • Address: 75-175-1 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea 
  • Price range: 7,000 ~ 30,000 Won (5.57 USD ~ 23.86 USD)
  • Opening hours: 10:30-21:00, Closed on Sundays

Another well-liked spot in Euljiro for a dinner that won’t break the bank but will satisfy your hunger is Hwangsogojib. They provide a Gochujang Bulgogi package for the low price of 7,000 won (5.57 USD) during lunchtime sales.

This mouthwatering lunch package comes with large slabs of sweet and spicy pork roasted over charcoal to impart a flavorful charred aroma. In addition, it comes with a selection of other side dishes, including bean sprouts, kimchi, fish cakes, and a mountain of vegetables for you to wrap your meat in!

Sansu Gapsan 

Source: @foodplanet_kim 

  • Address: 15-4, Inhyeon-dong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea 
  • Price range: Less than 10,000 Won (8 USD) 
  • Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 11:30 – 22:00, Sat: 11:30 – 20:00 

Sansu Gapsan may look petite and dated from the outside, but the locals know it for its excellent cuisine and frequent it. And there’s a good crowd here because it’s famous for day drinking.

Make sure to get the excellent and relaxed Sundae Gukbap that many Korean retirees love. The superb variety of Korean sausages at Sansu Gapsan is another reason to visit the shop. Koreans of all ages enjoy this meal despite its scary appearance. It’s great as a midday snack or added to a hearty stew for dinner.

Dongwonjib

Source: @koreanfoodguide 

  • Address: 48 Toegye-ro 27-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
  • Price range: 10,000 ~ 20,000 Won (8~15.90 USD)
  • Opening hours: 09:00-22:00, Closed on Sundays

Amazing Gamjatang is why Dongwonjip earned such a stellar reputation in Euljiro. The pork ribs, potatoes, and a unique spicy broth are the main ingredients of the traditional Korean dish gamjatang. For the past four decades, Dongwonjip has specialized in producing traditional Gamjatang (a spicy Korean pork bone soup)

Approximately about 8 USD is put on the table to purchase one portion of Gamjatang, packed to the gills with pork and potatoes. This meal will satisfy your hunger to the fullest!

Where to drink in Euljiro?

Euljiro Brewing

Source: @euljirobrewing

  • Address: 48-16 Supyo-ro, Euljiro 3(sam)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea 
  • Price range: Beers from 7,000 Won (5.57 USD)
  • Opening hours: Every day, 3:30 p.m.–2 a.m.

Most locals frequent Euljiro Brewing, a dive bar known for its retro decor, craft beer selection, and bright neon signs.

The enormous wooden signboard is a traditional Korean-style sign. It is situated next to a lively pink entryway; the contrast between the conventional and the bright and vivid colors is a great way to get a feel for Euljiro’s personality.

Craft beers are available and come in entertaining vessels. Prices for these handcrafted brews begin at about 6 USD. Many different beers are available, so you should be able to pick one that suits your tastes.

Seendosi

Source: @seendosi

  • Address: 11-2, Supyo-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea 
  • Price range: Less than 10,000 Won (8 USD)
  • Opening hours: Mon-Thu: 18:00 – 02:00, Fri-Sat: 18:00 – 03:00, except Sunday 

Seendosi (신도시) is another “new-tro” location worth checking out. The only indication of the bar and lounge area recently renovated by the photographer Lee Yoon-ho and the artist, designer, and musician Lee Byeong-Jae is a vintage sign in RGB colors displayed in front of an abandoned building. 

Once you step inside this bar, you’ll be transported back to the 1980s thanks to the venue’s neon signage and its collection of retro furnishings. Check out their Instagram for the latest news and updates because they host events and performances consistently.

MindYourHead

Source: @__mindyourhead__

  • Address: 37-1, Inhyeon-dong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea 
  • Price range: 10,000 ~ 20,000 Won (8~15.90 USD)
  • Opening hours: 18:00 – 23:00 every day

If you visit this hip bar, you’d be wise to keep your wits about you. If you squeeze through that narrow doorway, you’ll find yourself in the 1970s. Remember to snap a snapshot in front of the famous (but modest) entryway. Follow the creaking staircase straight up through the dated factory building until you reach the fifth floor. 

This hipster hangout welcomes you inside with its cool decor and eccentric lighting! Grab a drink of wine and relax in the oddly familiar setting. Take some pictures along the route.

Pyeonggyunyul

Source: @pky_seoul

  • Address: 17-4, Cho-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea 
  • Price range: Less than 10,000 Won (8 USD)
  • Opening hours: 12:00 – 24:00 every day except Sunday

This jazzy LP record player bar, Pyeong-gyun-yul, is a must-visit for music aficionados. The bar’s peak hours are Friday and Saturday nights around 9 p.m., so expect a short wait if you go then. The wait is well worth it because this bar is unique and welcoming. Relax with a glass of wine or whiskey next to a stacked record shelf. They take requests and will play a vintage Chet Baker album if you want to listen.

Coffee Hanyakbang

Source: @coffee_hanyakbang

  • Address: 101-34, Euljiro 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea 
  • Price range: Less than 10,000 Won (8 USD)
  • Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 09:00 – 22:30, Sat: 11:00 – 22:00, Sun: 11:00 – 21:00

Coffee Hanyakbang, located down a little alley in Euljiro, is a cafe decorated to resemble a herbal medicine shop. You’ll need to explore several backstreets to discover this hidden gem. Dr. Heo Jun, a court physician in the 16th century, used to practice here. His famed herbal treatment is associated with this location. This cafe is unique, radiating an enchanting blend of modern comfort and a rich past. Learn about the history and enjoy some traditional Korean fare at this cafe.

Baekdugangsan

Source: @baekdugangsan

  • Address: 24-3, Chungmuro 3(sam)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea 
  • Price range: Less than 10,000 Won (8 USD)
  • Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 12:00 – 22:00, Sun: 13:00 – 20:00 

Baekdugangsan, named after the Korean Peninsula’s highest mountain, Baekdusan, features a distinctively Korean aesthetic. Thanks to the subtle Korean calligraphy and sculptures that adorn the walls, it has a traditional feel. In addition to the many excellent museums and galleries, this is a great site to come to if you’re curious about Korean art. You may relax at this seemingly abandoned cafe with some hand-drip coffee and vintage Korean artwork.

George Seoul

Source: @george_seoul

  • Address: 334-7, Euljiro 3(sam)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea 
  • Price range: Less than 10,000 Won (8 USD)
  • Opening hours: Tue-Sat: 13:00 – 22:00, Sun: 13:00 – 21:00, except Monday

Want some kooky dessert that’s been stashed away in a historical structure? It would be best if you went to George Seoul. This homey nook is furnished with simple vintage sofas, steel tables from the industrial age, and many old candles. Famous cakes, packaged in a custom box, are also available for takeout. Along with the cake, they also provide a variety of rich beverages and coffees. Enjoy a calm and sugary evening there.

The Ranch Brewing

Source: @theranchbrewing

  • Address: 320, Euljiro 3(sam)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea 
  • Price range: 20,000 ~ 30,000 Won (15.90 USD ~ 23.86 USD)
  • Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 17:00 – 24:00, Sat-Sun: 15:00 – 24:00

We have both good news and some bad news for beer drinkers. Now for the bad news: this is not just a functional beer vending machine; the good news is that this is a pub! Opening this vending machine door will immerse you in the bar’s hip atmosphere. Amazing murals that take their inspiration from street art are a visual feast.

You may taste Korean-Western fusion food and learn about Korean drinking culture at this bar. Anju, food that is eaten with alcohol, is a standard accompaniment to any alcoholic beverage. This pub offers many delicious craft beers and novel fusion anjus.

If you like beer and are wondering what this bar is like, you can read the full review here!

Dressing Room

Source: @euljiro_dressingroom

  • Address: 296-26, Euljiro 3(sam)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea 
  • Price range: 10,000 ~ 20,000 Won (8 ~ 15.90 USD)
  • Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 11:30-23:00, Sat-Sun: 13:00-23:00

Located in the heart of Euljiro, Dressing Room is a cocktail lounge and restaurant with an upscale, opulent atmosphere. You can’t miss it because of their adorable vintage mirror sign.

The room has a Swan Lake motif and the atmosphere of a dressing room, complete with mirrors, ballet slippers, and stage accessories. The illuminated mirrors found throughout the eatery provide fun lighting and a distinct atmosphere. If you want to update your Instagram account, this cafe is a great place to do so.

In the evening, stop by the bar for a drink (cocktails start at about 7 USD, wine at about 6 USD).

Ggeek Beer Company

Source: @ggeek_beer

  • Address: 207-2, Sallim-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea 
  • Price range: Less than 10,000 Won (8 USD)
  • Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 17:00 – 23:00, Sat: 15:00 – 23:00 except Sunday

Ggeek Beer Company is another place you should head to next if you plan to go craft beer hops. They have ten different sorts of craft beer selected from Korea’s breweries. Try your luck by spinning the wheel in the bar and picking a beer randomly, or have a conversation with a staff member to learn more about the brews.

Are you ready to groove in Euljiro at these Instagrammable spots where you can relive the ’70s? You can visit Yeonnam-dong to find other cafes suitable for Instagram or go to Jamsil to find secret restaurants with rooftop views. You might also pick your destination from the extensive list of Instagram-worthy spots in Seoul.

Because of its remarkable juxtaposition of modern and traditional architecture, Euljiro is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the city’s most fashionable neighborhoods. It provides access to various entertainment options, ranging from hip areas to quintessentially regional experiences. You can taste some of the city’s more charming neighborhoods, or you can experience local life in Euljiro. It’s time for you to explore this hip spot!

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