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Made with Love - Handmade in Seoul

Seochon Golmokgil

To the west of Gyeongbokgung, made up of Ogin-dong and Tongin-dong, is a treasure-chest of an area called Seochon. Noted Korean artists and writers, like JungSeob Lee, Kyeongja Cheon, Dongju Yoon, and many more, once called this area home. Still, to this day, you can feel the warm artistic atmosphere and laidback vibe. Upon strolling in the back alleys of Seochon, you can find hidden gems, like boutiques and workshops, stocked with unique handmade goods. 

Breathing new life into recycled goods!

The ‘recycling project’ is an on-going concept for the lovely eco-friendly boutique, Goorooroo. Using all kinds of recycled materials, like wood and different fabrics, they are able to create entirely new and original items. It’s special to know that anything purchased from this quaint boutique is guaranteed to be one of a kind. Interestingly enough, Goorooroo is actually a family business. The husband and wife duo use recycled materials to do all of their own woodworking. In the shop, you can also find their daughter’s drawings and artwork for sale. The very popular vintage reform pieces are not only incredibly unique, but also very affordable! T-Shirts cost around 20,000 won, while pants are approximately 30,000 won. Goorooroo is equally as good for the environment, as it is for the soul.

For a unique and interactive experience, be sure to have a meal at the Tongin Market. First things first, head to the Dosirak Café to purchase brass coins. They cost 500 won each, but 5,000 won (10 brass coins) is the base price. You will then receive a tray, to carry around with you, while you poke around the Tongin Market. You can exchange your brass coins for the incredible selection of traditional Korean side dishes and snacks. If you eat in the Dosirak café, you can have a 500 won discount on coffee and drinks, too!
 

Along with his personal collection of 1,000 artworks, acclaimed painter, Park No-Soo (1927-2013) donated his home of 40 years to the Jongno District Office. Now known as the Park No-Soo museum, the two-story home is in itself a work of art, featuring a mix of Korean, Chinese and western architectural styles. Finding the balance between traditional and modern styles, Park No-Soo is well known for the bold strokes and vivid colors used in his paintings.

Korean traditions with a modern twist.

At Asian Mood, you can find an interesting balance between traditional and modern Korean style. This lifestyle boutique specializes in Korean handmade crafted goods, accessories and items for the home. They also carry design items sourced from Japan, Thailand and Taiwan. Asian Mood is best known for their trendy clutch bags and purses. The already beautiful bags are embellished with a traditional Korean knot charm (Maedeup), making them a unique must-have. Their highly sought jewelry like their Maedeup bracelets are priced around 18,000 won, while their pearl accessories start at 50,000 won.

There are handfuls of restaurants in the Seochon area that, despite being off the main roads, have become very popular due to their delicious food. Whether it’s brick-oven pizzas, mouthwatering pork ribs and meat platters, craft beer or highly acclaimed bread that you are looking for, Seochon has it all.

Do you taste-buds a favor, and be sure to check out the following Seochon eateries:

Beezza
A wonderful selection of craft beer, paired with brick-oven personal pizza's, at an attractive price. 

  113, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
 +82-2-722-1832
  Mon-Fri, 15:00-23:00 KST / Saturday-Sunday 13:00-23:00 KST

Hyoja Barbe
For trendy vintage vibes, a cozy atmosphere, and meat platters grilled to perfection.

  42, Jahamun-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
  +82-70-8749-0019
Mon-Fri 16:00-01:00 KST / Saturday 15:00-01:00 KST, Sunday 15:00-24:00 KST

Hyoja Bakery
For over 25 years, this bakery’s bread has been a staple at the Blue House (the Korean presidential residence)!

 54, Pirundae-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
 +82-2-736-7629
 Tue-Sun 08:00-20:20 KST (Closed on Mondays)