Euljiro
“A hip Seoul alley where the old and new coexist”
Euljiro is a remarkable street where past and present dance together in an enchanting urban rhythm. Once the epicenter of Korea’s industrial revolution in the 1960s, this unique neighborhood now offers an extraordinary blend of traditional hardware stores and printing shops alongside trendy cafes and bars.
Known affectionately as “Hip-jiro” among locals, it’s where vintage meets modern in the most unexpected yet beautiful ways.
1. Overview
Introduction to Euljiro
- What It’s Like
- At a Glance
What is Euljiro Like?
Euljiro, which runs east to west through the heart of Jung-gu in Seoul, has been a commercial center since the Joseon Dynasty. During the industrialization period of the 1960s and 70s, it became densely packed with hardware stores and printing shops.
As time passed, young artists seeking unique atmospheres began to settle in among these old buildings.
Since the mid-2010s, trendy cafes and bars renovated from old buildings started opening one after another, earning the area the new nickname “Hip-jiro” due to its unique atmosphere where newness and oldness coexist.
Just like Brooklyn in New York or Shimokitazawa in Tokyo, Euljiro has developed its own special charm where the old city’s ambiance blends with young sensibilities.
Particularly between Euljiro 3-ga and 4-ga stations, you’ll find trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants hidden among hardware stores and printing shops that have held their ground for decades. It’s a unique scene that transforms from craftsmen’s workshops by day to young people’s playground by night.
As you walk through the alleys filled with the mix of metal shelves from hardware stores, the scent of paper from printing shops, and the aroma of craft beer and coffee, you’ll encounter special moments where Seoul’s past and present coexist. Euljiro’s charm lies in this exquisite harmony between the old and the new.
Euljiro at a Glance
2. Information
Visit Information : Euljiro
- Operating Hours
- How to Get There
Euljiro Operating Hours
| Type | Operating hours |
|---|---|
| Hardware stores and printing shops | Weekdays 09:00-18:00 (Usually closed on weekends) |
| Cafes | Most open 11:00-22:00 |
| Bars and pubs | Most open 17:00-02:00 |
How to Get to Euljiro
Click ‘Here‘ to add it to Google Maps.
Line 2 Euljiro 3-ga Station: Exits 1, 12
Lines 2, 3 Euljiro 3-ga Station: Exits 1, 12
Line 3 Euljiro 4-ga Station: Exits 4, 5
※ Euljiro 3-ga Station is closest to the main hot spots.
Get off at Euljiro 3-ga Station or Euljiro 4-ga Station
Main Bus Lines: 100, 103, 105, 201, 202, 261
Branch Bus Lines: 7017, 7021
3. Highlight
Things to Do in
Euljiro
- Unique Landscape
- Hidden Cafe Tour
- Hip-jiro Nights
- Old and New Restaurants
- Maze-like Alleys
- Artisan Workshops
- Elevated Walkway
- Historic Shopping Centers
The Coexistence of Old and New: Euljiro’s Unique Landscape
The hardware stores and printing shops that have been part of Euljiro since the 1960s create a unique landscape. Between hardware stores, lighting shops, binderies, and printing shops that have maintained their spots for decades, trendy cafes and bars renovated from closed shops create a special atmosphere with their young sensibilities.
The coexistence of old signboards, rusty metal shelves, dust-covered tools, and trendy interiors creates Euljiro’s unique charm. This delicate harmony between old and new is most evident in the narrow alleys between Euljiro 3-ga and 4-ga.
In the afternoon, the sound of printing machines mingles with coffee brewing, and as evening falls, soft lights illuminate above the hardware store shutters, creating yet another atmosphere. This unique scenery is a special charm unique to Euljiro that’s hard to find anywhere else in the world.
Hidden Cafe Tour in Euljiro’s Alleys
Stylish cafes are hidden throughout Euljiro’s alleys. Most of these cafes, converted from old buildings, create unique atmospheres by preserving their raw concrete walls and rusty metal stairs.
Each cafe has its own distinctive interior and signature menu, making every visit interesting. Famous cafes around Euljiro 3-ga Station include ‘DAELIM’, ‘Suspicious Rooftop’, ‘Rye Field’, ‘Euljiro-jan’, ‘Aggressive’, and ‘Coffee Hanyakbang’.
Visiting in the late afternoon offers a special treat: enjoying Euljiro’s sunset view from cafe windows.
Here’s a list of recommended Cafe to visit in Euljiro.
GONGGANGAB
Gonggan Gab is a trendy café located in Seoul’s Euljiro district, known for its chic interior featuring exposed concrete and ambient lighting. Signature items include the Vanilla Custard Pudding Bingsu and Mint Chocolate Basque Cheesecake, among a variety of desserts and beverages.
Coffee Hanyakbang
Coffee Hanyakbang is a café located in Seoul’s Euljiro district, distinguished by its unique interior that repurposes an old herbal medicine shop. It offers a variety of coffee options, including filter coffee, and can be enjoyed alongside its sister dessert café, Hyemindang, situated across the street.
Eulji Dabang
Eulji Dabang is a traditional teahouse located in Seoul’s Euljiro district, operating since 1985. Its signature offerings include ssanghwa tea and ramen, with the latter being a favorite among long-time patrons, especially when served before 11 AM. The venue gained additional fame after a visit from BTS and offers a nostalgic atmosphere with its vintage interior, making it a perfect spot to experience retro vibes.
Hip-jiro Nights with Craft Beer and Cocktails
Euljiro transforms into an even more attractive place after sunset. Craft beer pubs, wine bars, and cocktail bars hidden in narrow alleys begin to open one by one. Places like ‘George Tunnel’, ‘Euljiromun’, ‘Dongbaek Palace’, and ‘Hip-jang’ are especially popular.
These aren’t just bars but cultural spaces that capture Euljiro’s essence. From interiors preserving old building charm to signature cocktails embodying Euljiro’s sensibility, and the young, energetic atmosphere – these places make Seoul nights feel extra special.
Here’s a list of recommended Bar to visit in Euljiro.
Euljiro Brewing
Eulji Maegok is a craft beer pub located in Seoul’s Euljiro district, offering a variety of house-brewed beers and wood-fired pizzas. Popular brews include the ‘Pink Chambray Saison’ and ‘Glen Check Amber Lager,’ with the ‘Euljiro Fried Chicken’ (Yurinki style) also recommended. The pub features neon signs and a trendy interior, creating a hip atmosphere, and is easily accessible from Euljiro 3-ga Station Exit 11.
AnotherLv.
Another Level is a rooftop bar and restaurant located in Seoul’s Euljiro district, renowned for its trendy atmosphere and diverse selection of wines and cocktails. Signature dishes include the spicy hot pot pasta and chicken lollipops, with rooftop seating offering views of the city skyline.
Euljiro Sambari
Euljiro Sambari is a wine bar located in Seoul’s Euljiro district, known for its cozy atmosphere and a diverse selection of wines and highballs. Signature appetizers include melon prosciutto and gambas, which can be enjoyed at outdoor tables that capture the essence of Euljiro.
Kkochjilo
Kkotjiro is an izakaya located in Seoul’s Euljiro district, featuring a 30-year experienced Japanese chef who prepares a variety of yakitori (grilled skewers) over charcoal. The menu includes sashimi, oden nabe, tempura, and other Japanese appetizers, complemented by a selection of Japanese sake and highballs. Conveniently situated a 2-minute walk from Euljiro 3-ga Station Exit 10.
Exploring Old and New Restaurants
Many of Euljiro’s best restaurants are hidden in narrow alleys. You’ll find various establishments coexisting, from decades-old traditional restaurants to trendy restaurants run by young chefs.
Traditional favorites include Yangmiok’s gomtang (beef soup), Eulji Myeonok’s naengmyeon (cold noodles), and Eulji OB Bear’s gopchang (grilled intestines) with beer.
Places like ‘Original Wondang Gamjatang’, ‘Euljiro Golbaengi’, and ‘Mijin Restaurant’ are iconic establishments that have preserved Euljiro’s flavors for decades. Recently, places like ‘Western Food 1920’, ‘Season Restaurant’, and ‘Market Restaurant’ offer new tastes that add modern touches to traditional Korean cuisine.
It’s recommended to visit outside lunch hours as the area gets crowded with local office workers.
Here’s a list of recommended Restaurants to visit in Euljiro.
Hipjiro Nurungji Tongdak
Hipjiro Nurungji Tongdak is a rotisserie chicken specialty restaurant located in Seoul’s Euljiro district, offering crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside chicken served with savory scorched rice. Signature dishes include Nurungji Chicken and Cheese Corn Chicken, complemented by a variety of side dishes and beverages. Conveniently situated a 2-minute walk from Euljiro 3-ga Station Exit 11.
Manseon Hof
Manseon Hof Nogari Main Branch is a traditional pub located in Seoul’s Euljiro district, offering dried pollack (nogari) and refreshing draft beer at reasonable prices. Its casual vibe and outdoor seating make it a great spot to experience the charm of Euljiro.
Cheongwaok
Cheong Wa Ok Euljiro 3-ga Direct Branch is a sundae (Korean blood sausage) soup specialty restaurant located in Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul. Their signature dishes include sundae gukbap (soup with rice) and the Pyeonbaek set meal, both made with fresh ingredients. The restaurant is conveniently situated just a 1-minute walk from Exit 11 of Euljiro 3-ga Station.
Sancheong Charcoal Garden
Sancheong Sutbul Garden Euljiro Branch is a charcoal-grilled black pork specialty restaurant located in Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul. Their signature dishes include traditional salt-grilled pork and gochujang-marinated pork, complemented by a variety of fresh side dishes. Conveniently situated just a 1-minute walk from Exit 11 of Euljiro 3-ga Station.
Photo Tour and Street Art Appreciation in Maze-like Alleys
Euljiro 3-ga’s alleys are like a maze. The narrow passages intertwine like spider webs, making it easy to lose your sense of direction. But walking these maze-like alleys is the best way to truly experience Euljiro.
From the texture of old building exteriors to vintage signboards and shadows cast by sunlight between alleys – every spot is perfect for photos. Popular spots among photographers include the alleys around ‘Daseseun Square’, ‘DAELIM’ cafe rooftop, and ‘Euljiro 3-ga Underground Passage’.
Artists’ unique murals and graffiti are hidden throughout the alleys. These artworks on old building walls and shutters change frequently, offering new discoveries with each visit. Around 4 PM is the best time for photography, when the sunset between alleys creates a special atmosphere.
Exploring Artisan Workshops and Artist Studios
Young artists’ studios and workshops are increasingly populating Euljiro. They’re renovating old buildings into workspaces, creating Euljiro’s unique art culture.
Around ‘Sewoon Plaza’ and ‘Euljiro 3-ga’, you’ll find various artists’ studios including pottery, metalwork, and furniture workshops. Some workshops offer hands-on programs – consider making a reservation if you’re interested.
Strolling the Elevated Walkway
Euljiro’s new landmark, the elevated walkway, offers a special walking path with a panoramic view of the area. Starting from Sewoon Plaza and continuing through Daelim Plaza and Jinyang Plaza to Euljiro 4-ga, this walkway lets you experience Euljiro’s past and present simultaneously.
The view of Euljiro from about 20 meters (65 feet) above ground shows the coexistence of 1970s Seoul and modern urban landscape, like traveling through time. The night view of Euljiro while walking here at sunset reveals another charm of the city.
Rest areas along the elevated walkway allow you to pause and leisurely appreciate Euljiro’s unique scenery.
Exploring Historic Shopping Centers Along the Walking Path
Sewoon Plaza, Daelim Plaza, and Jinyang Plaza, connected by the elevated walkway, were the center of electronics shopping in the 1970s. Sewoon Plaza still maintains its unique atmosphere with shops selling electronics and various parts, and recently, it’s transforming with the addition of makerspaces and young entrepreneur spaces.
Daelim Plaza and Jinyang Plaza retain their nostalgic feel with audio equipment, record, and electronic component shops. Though not as bustling as before, these shopping centers perfectly capture Seoul’s industrialization era and are worth a quick visit.
Especially the ground floor alleys create a unique atmosphere as if time has stopped, making for an interesting slow walk.
Insider Tips for
Euljiro Like a Local
Euljiro’s
Different Charms Throughout the Day
Euljiro is a unique neighborhood that shows completely different charms throughout the day. The same space offers entirely different experiences depending on the time you visit.
Morning (9:00-11:00 AM)
Early morning in Euljiro begins with hardware stores and printing shops opening for business. However, most cafes and restaurants are either closed or still preparing during this time. Trendy cafes typically open after 11:00 AM. Therefore, it’s a bit too early to fully experience Euljiro’s diverse charms. If you want to properly experience Euljiro’s special atmosphere, we recommend visiting after 11:00 AM when most establishments are open.
Lunch Hours (11:00 AM-2:00 PM)
This is Euljiro’s busiest time. As local office workers flood in for lunch, popular restaurants experience long waiting times. If you’re planning to visit traditional restaurants, it’s better to avoid this time. However, cafes and smaller restaurants are pleasantly quiet between 2:00-3:00 PM, right after the lunch rush.
Afternoon (2:00-5:00 PM)
This is the golden hour to experience Euljiro’s true charm. You can watch hardware stores and printing shops in full swing, and enjoy traditional restaurants without waiting. The warm sunlight around 3:00-4:00 PM creates a special atmosphere as it filters through the alleys. This is also the best time for photography.
In spring and fall, the soft afternoon light maximizes Euljiro’s vintage ambiance. Summer brings dramatic scenes with strong sunlight between buildings, while winter’s warm afternoon sun adds a cozy feeling to the cool alleys.
Evening (5:00-8:00 PM)
This is when Euljiro’s atmosphere begins to completely transform. As hardware stores and printing shops start closing, pubs and bars preparing for Euljiro’s night scene take their place. This is a good time to visit traditional restaurants without waiting. The sunset creates photo opportunities with a different charm from daytime shots.
Night (After 8:00 PM)
This is when Euljiro shows its hippest side. After most hardware stores and printing shops close, the alleys fill with trendy bars under soft lighting. Popular pubs like ‘George Tunnel’, ‘Euljiromun’, and ‘Dongbaek Palace’ start getting crowded around this time.
Late at night, you can enjoy Euljiro’s unique nightscape. The lighting on old building facades, neon signs, and warm lights seeping through alleys create a distinctive atmosphere. After 10:00 PM, the crowds thin out, offering a more relaxed vibe.
Weekend Tips
Most hardware stores and printing shops are closed on weekends. This makes the alleys quieter and perfect for leisurely exploration. If you’re planning to focus on cafes and bars, weekends might actually be better. However, note that popular cafes and restaurants might have longer waiting times than weekdays due to visitors from all over the country.
Is Euljiro
Worth Visiting?
A hip Seoul alley where the old and new coexist
A place where old and new coexist. Where young sensibilities seep between old buildings. Where layers of time create unique charm. This is how Euljiro invites us into its special space.
Hardware stores and printing shops that have been here since the 1960s still maintain their vibrant presence. Under rusty signs, craftsmen’s hands move busily, and decades of history rest on dust-covered metal shelves. Between these spaces, a new culture created by young artists and entrepreneurs is gradually seeping in.
Euljiro’s charm lies in this harmony within discord. Where the sound of printing machines mingles with the aroma of coffee brewing, and soft lights illuminate above old hardware store shutters. The old isn’t disappearing – it’s creating new stories by blending with the new.
These alleys transform from craftsmen’s workshops by day to young people’s hideouts by evening. The sunlight filtering through narrow alleys offers moments that feel like time has stopped. Why not take a slow walk through these alleys and experience the special story created by the meeting of Seoul’s old appearance and new sensibilities?
Euljiro is a place that gifts us the leisure to slow down and look around. In the midst of the busy city, stop for a moment, stroll through alleys layered with time, and discover another charm of Seoul. You’re sure to find your own special Euljiro moment.
4. Near by
Top Spots to Explore
near Euljiro
- Cheonggyecheon Stream
- Namdaemun Market
- Seoullo 7017
- Insa-dong Street
- Myeongdong
Cheonggyecheon Stream
Flowing parallel to Euljiro, Cheonggyecheon Stream offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Walking along the stream while listening to the refreshing sound of water helps clear your mind in the busy city.
The stream becomes particularly romantic after sunset. Strolling under soft lighting while listening to flowing water, you can feel the fatigue from exploring Euljiro wash away.
How to get there: 3-minute walk from Euljiro 3-ga Station Exit 1, heading toward Cheonggyecheon.
Namdaemun Market
Located just one subway stop or a 15-minute walk from Euljiro 3-ga Station, Namdaemun Market is Korea’s largest traditional market. Like Euljiro’s hardware district, it has been a commercial hub of Seoul since the 1960s.
The market sells everything from clothing and accessories to kitchen supplies and groceries. It’s also home to many long-standing restaurants offering traditional market flavors different from Euljiro’s eateries. Must-try dishes include ‘Famous Kalguksu’ (knife-cut noodles), ‘Namdaemun King Dumplings’, and Samil Restaurant’s dakbokkeumtang (spicy braised chicken).
How to get there: Take Line 4 from Euljiro 3-ga Station to Hoehyeon Station (1 stop), 5-minute walk from Exit 5. Or 15-minute walk from Euljiro 3-ga Station Exit 12 along Toegye-ro.
Seoullo 7017
Located two subway stops from Euljiro, Seoullo 7017 is a former vehicular overpass transformed into an elevated pedestrian garden. From its height of 17 meters (56 feet), you can enjoy spectacular views of Seoul Station, Namdaemun Market, and Myeongdong.
As a symbol of urban regeneration, it shares similar charm with Euljiro’s elevated walkway. The path features various seasonal flowers and trees, with cozy rest areas perfect for taking breaks.
How to get there: Take Line 4 from Euljiro 3-ga Station to Seoul Station (2 stops), 5-minute walk from Exit 2.
Insa-dong Street in Jongno
Just one subway stop from Euljiro, Insa-dong represents Korea’s traditional culture. While Euljiro showcases old industrial culture, Insa-dong is where you can experience traditional Korean arts and crafts.
The area offers various spaces to experience Korean traditional culture, including traditional tea houses, hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) rental shops, and pottery workshops. Street performances on weekends add to the entertainment. After enjoying Euljiro’s modern sensibilities, experiencing Korea’s traditions in Insa-dong makes for a special course.
How to get there: Take Line 3 from Euljiro 3-ga Station to Jongno 3-ga Station (1 stop), 5-minute walk from Exit 5.
Myeongdong
A 10-minute walk from Euljiro 3-ga Station, Myeongdong is Seoul’s premier shopping district. In contrast to Euljiro’s vintage atmosphere, here you’ll find modern and sophisticated streets.
You can enjoy shopping for the latest trends at cosmetics stores, fashion brand outlets, and department stores. The area offers diverse dining options from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, especially in the evening. After exploring Euljiro’s hardware stores and cafes, experiencing modern Seoul in Myeongdong creates a nice contrast.
How to get there: 10-minute walk straight along Euljiro from Exit 12 of Euljiro 3-ga Station toward Myeongdong Cathedral. Or take Line 2 from Euljiro 3-ga Station to Euljiro 1-ga Station (1 stop).