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A Tour of Seoul’s Streetside Architecture (6): Garosu-gil

Published Date : Dec 22, 2021 / Edited Date : Jun 09, 2023
멋길따라 서울건축여행 / VISIT SEOUL X archibear

Seasonal Changes and Fashion Trends

On the roadside, there are street trees that let us feel the changes of the seasons. They change each season as if changing clothes to have us feel the flow of time walking down the road. There is a famous street with roadside trees in Sinsa-dong, Seoul. It is Garosu-gil (“garosu” means “street trees” while “gil” means “street” in Korean), the epicenter of the latest fashion trends.

Garosu-gil is a hot spot in Seoul where you can get a taste of fashion and cultural trends. Let’s take a walk along Garosu-gil, which is frequented not only by Korean youths but international tourists as well.

Ginkgo Tree-Lined Street

#The_Birth_of_Garosu-gil

Garosu-gil is about a 650-meter section from Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) Sinsa-dong Branch at Exit 8 of Sinsa Station to Hyundai High School. “Garosu-gil” was originally a nickname as the street was lined with street trees, but as it gained popularity, the address was designated as “Garosu-gil” in June 2020.

Now that its etymology is clear, let’s find out how it took on its contemporary image as a “street of cultural trends.” Starting in the end of the 1960s, the urban landscape of Seoul changed a lot and Gangnam was no exception as it underwent urban development. As urban development came to a finish in the 1980s, elite galleries that collected and enjoyed artworks relocated from Insa-dong to Gangnam. Artists started to open their studio on Garosu-gil, which showed a calmer atmosphere and lower rent than in Cheongdam. As galleries and studios gathered, the street became a “street of the arts and culture,” and in the 1990s, fashion-related shops began to pop up to what we know the street to be now.
On Garosu-gil, there are more than 160 ginkgo trees lined up down the two-lane street. As the street is not too long, most buildings have a narrow entrance and long interior space. Since the 2010s, the influence of gentrification* made the existing shops to relocate to the backstreets. This phenomenon leads to the emergence of “Serosu-gil” (“sero” means “length” while “garo” means “width” in Korean). Garosu-gil and Serosu-gil together are completing the sophisticated atmosphere of streets with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques.
* Gentrification: A social phenomenon where existing stores move to the outskirts as they can’t afford increased rent due to the popularity of an area and its augmented floating population.
  • Garosu-gil
  • Dosan-daero 13-gil, Apgujeong-ro 12-gil, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Garosu-gil)
  •  
  • #Sinsa-dong #Garosu-gil #Serosu-gil





Slow Walk to the Rooftop

#Garo_Golmok_Project

Garosu-gil is a great place to encounter artistic and cultural trends, and there is just the right place to find them all at once. It is “Garo Golmok,” a cultural complex that connects Garosu-gil and Serosu-gil. Garo Golmok was established based on the operational know-how of Ssamzigil and comprises six floors including the rooftop. The building was designed by architect Kim Chan-joong.
What differentiates Garo Golmok from other buildings is that it has an open first floor despite it being prime real estate to rake in rent. In crowded areas like Garosu-gil, it is difficult to create large public open space.* However, Garo Golmok opened its first floor with a piloti to let visitors freely come and go through the rest zone, flee markets, and cafes. The open space on the first floor encourages people to visit the shops on the second floor.
* Public open space: A building of a certain scale and usage should have public open space, such as a small rest area, open to the public for urban recreation and enjoyment.
The building has a unique structure with slopes that are connected from the first to the top floor. Following the gentle spiral slopes, visitors can look around the shops as they slowly walk around. More than a hundred small shops with an average of 16 square meter area grab people’s attention with their individuality.
The rest zone of Garo Golmok is not only on the first floor. When you continue going up while looking around the shops, you will reach the rooftop garden which has a panoramic view of Garosu-gil and Serosu-gil. As such, public open space around the building enhances the accessibility and usability by people. This way, Garo Golmok satisfies the rapidly changing tastes of consumers with various shops and provides rest zones where visitors can spend time for relaxation.
  • Garo Golmok
  • 36 Dosan-daero 13-gil, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
  •  
  • ##Garo_Golmok #Cultural_Complex #Rest_Area #Rooftop_Garden





Brightness and Darkness – The Coexistence of Polar Opposite Merits

#Hot_Place_in_Garosu-gil: Lilt [Closed]

If you visit Garosu-gil, it would be a good idea to be lost in one of the alleys from the main street. You will enjoy looking around the charming shops boasting unique individuality. This place is called Lilt, a dessert cafe located in an alley embraced by various plants.

“Lilt” in English means “a pleasant, gently swinging rhythm in a song or tune,” and the designer wanted to create a place where people can relax listening to music. The terrace under the piloti* at the entrance has a pattern design of flowers on the ceiling, grabbing the attention of any visitor. Also, a variety of plants and white tables and chairs are arranged to make the entrance brighter.
* Piloti: An open space that separates a building from the first floor made by leaving only columns and bare walls.
When you pass through the bright terrace at the entrance and walk into Lilt, you will encounter a space with a twist. The inside of the cafe has a calm and dim atmosphere softly lit by pendant lamps.
The most remarkable in the space would be stone tables in which plants are planted. The atypical-shaped tables are placed on stones of other textures. A light green marble bar is harmonious with the background with the long window. The colors and textures of stones create the unique identity of Lilt.
The warm sunshine throughout the seasons that comes into the folding door by the entrance stands out in the dark space. When it is sunny, the folding door is open to extend the indoor space, linked to the outdoor terrace.

Pets are allowed, and a gallery is soon to open on the basement so let’s wait and see!

How about enjoying some relaxing time while drinking Lilt’s signature coffee at a cafe unique to Garosu-gil?
  • Lilt
  • 27, Gangnam-daero 156-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (1F)
  • Instagram @cafe_lilt
  •  
  • #Lilt #Garosu-gil_Lilt #Pet_Friendly




Our architectural walking course is here!
An illustrated map of the 6th episode of A Tour of Seoul’s Streetside Architecture. Exit 8 of Sinsa Station is marked at the bottom right of the map, and the road where Line 3 passes in a straight line from top to bottom is marked. Garosu-gil starts a block away from Sinsa Station, and is marked diagonally from the bottom right to the top left. Garo Golmok which was introduced in the article is located in the middle of Garosu-gil, and Cafe Lilt is located three blocks away from Exit 8 of Sinsa Station.

Visit Seoul × ArchiBear

Buildings and architecture form a city, and cities come together to form a country. And that’s why architecture reflects the history and culture of a city as a component of the city. Seoul X Archibear’s A Tour of Seoul’s Streetside Architecture was designed to provide a fresh perspective on the city by sharing the anecdotes of architectural culture while traveling around South Korea’s capital.

Well-built and distinctive architecture can serve as a piece of art carved in our city. And in Seoul, which is rich with diverse history and characteristics, there are beautiful buildings that are worth paying a visit. We hope that this special series helps promote Seoul as an ideal travel destination and invite everyone to experience the hidden architectural beauty in Seoul’s everyday life.

A Tour of Seoul’s Streetside Architecture series was produced by Visit Seoul in collaboration with ArchiBear, a brand created by the architectural culture and travel content company, Haas Studio.

Curious to get more information on architectural tourism in Seoul?
Tags

#Lilt #ArchitectureTour #Sinsa-dong #Serosu-gil #A-Tour-of-Seoul’s-Streetside-Architecture-6-Garosu-gil #GaroGolmokProject #Garosu-gil #GaroGolmok

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    (최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
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  • 기상특보(폭염, 태풍, 호우, 미세먼지 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다.(발효 즉시 취소처리)
    ※예약 당일 기상특보를 상시 확인 바랍니다.
예약 전 안내사항
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  • 희망하시는 날짜 및 코스에 활동가능한 해설사가 없는 경우 예약은 취소될 수 있습니다.
  • 예약확인을 위해 도보관광 사무국(02-6925-0777)에서 확인 연락이 진행됩니다.(최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
  • 해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 도보관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
  • 기상특보(폭염, 태풍, 호우, 미세먼지 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다.(발효 즉시 취소처리)
    ※예약 당일 기상특보를 상시 확인 바랍니다.
예약 전 안내사항
  • 예약은 관광일 기준 최소 1주일 전까지 가능합니다.
  • 덕수궁의 경우 복지카드를 지참한 관광객에 한하여 무료입장이 가능합니다.
    ※ 중증(1~3급) 동반인 포함 2명 무료
    ※ 경증(4~6급) 장애인 본인 1인만 무료
  • 본 프로그램은 수화해설 중심으로 진행되며, 수화가 불가능한 경우 이용이 불가합니다.
  • 희망하시는 날짜 및 코스에 활동가능한 해설사가 없는 경우 예약은 취소될 수 있습니다.
  • 예약확인을 위해 도보관광 사무국(02-6925-0777)에서 확인 연락이 진행됩니다.
    (최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
  • 해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 도보관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
  • 기상특보(폭염, 태풍, 호우, 미세먼지 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다.(발효 즉시 취소처리)
    ※예약 당일 기상특보를 상시 확인 바랍니다.
예약 전 안내사항
  • 예약은 관광일 기준 최소 1주일 전까지 가능합니다.
  • 본 코스는 보행약자(거동이 불편한 고령자, 장애인, 유모차 이용자 등)를 위한 코스입니다.
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Read before Reservation
  • Reservations must be made at least three days prior to the tour date.
  • Additional reservations, one or two days before the tour starts, are only allowed for the tour that is already fixed.
  • In the case of group tour, more than 10people, please contact us by e-mail.
  • Reservations for the following month are available from the 15th of the current month.
  • Please refrain from participating in any tour programs should you be experiencing any symptoms, including fever, coughing, congestion, muscle pain, stuffy nose, and/or sore throat.
  • Reservations for tourists 14 years & under without an accompanying adult or guardian shall be canceled on site.
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    (https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
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Read before Reservation
  • Reservation shall be made at least 1 week before the tour day.
  • The course is for tourists with mobility problems (Senior, people with disability, stroller user).
  • You may not use the course without an assistant (or companion)
    ※ At least one assistant shall accompany a tourist with mobility problem
    ※ In case of electric assisting device users (electric wheelchair, electric scooter users), one assistant may accompany up to 4 tourists with mobility problem
  • Reservation may be canceled when a guide is unavailable on the desired date and course.
  • Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office (02-6925-0777) will contact you to confirm reservation.
    (At least 5 days~1 month before tour day) Reservation may be canceled when Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office cannot reach you for more than 3 times.
  • Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office and Seoul culture and tourism guide are not liable for the safety accidents during the Seoul Guided Walking Tour.
  • All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
    ※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
    (https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
予約前の案内事項
  • 予約は観光予定日を基準に3日前までとさせて頂きます。
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    ※京福級、昌徳宮、昌慶宮は20名様までご予約頂けます。
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    ※ 下記のリンクにてご予約当日の気象特報をご確認ください。
    (https://www.accuweather.com/ja/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
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予約前の案内事項
  • 予約は観光日を基準として少なくとも1週間前まで可能です。
  • 本コースは、移動弱者(移動が不自由な高齢者、障害者、ベビーカー利用者など)のためのコースです。
  • 補助人(或いは同行人)を伴わない場合は利用できません。
      ※歩行弱者1人当たり少なくとも1人以上の補助人を伴う
      ※電動補助具(電動車椅子、電動スクーターなど)使用者の場合、補助人1当たり歩行弱者最大4人まで同伴可能
  • ご希望の日付及びコースに活動可能な解説士がいない場合、予約はキャンセルされることがあります。
  • 予約を確認するため、徒歩観光事務局(02-6925-0777)で確認のための連絡が行われます。
    (少なくとも5日~1ヶ月前)3回以上電話が通じない場合、予約が取り消されることがあります。
  • 解説を進行する時に発生する安全事故に対し、徒歩観光事務局とソウル文化観光解説士は
    責任を負いません。
  • 気象特報(猛暑、台風、豪雨、PM2.5)によりウォーキングツアーの運営が難しいと判断された場合、全ての予約は中止とさせて頂きます。(発効後直ちにキャンセルを行う)
    ※ 下記のリンクにてご予約当日の気象特報をご確認ください。
    (https://www.accuweather.com/ja/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
预约前说明事项
  • 观光日基准最少3日前方可进行预约。
  • 最多可申请10人。
    (※ 景福宫, 昌德宫, 昌庆宫是例外 最多可申请20人)
  • 在已登记的预约团体中,只接待不超过预约人数的团体,可在前一天17时前追加预约。
  • 下个月的预约可从前一月15日开始。
  • 如有发热或呼吸道症状(发烧、咳嗽、痰液、肌肉痛、鼻塞、咽喉痛等),请避免参与解说活动。
  • 无保护者随同的未满14岁儿童游客,会在现场取消解说活动。
  • 气象特报(酷暑、台风、暴雨 、雾霾 等)导致徒步观光项目暂停时,所有预约将一律被取消。(发布紧急措施时立即取消)
    ※ 请在以下网站上随时确认预约当天的气象特报。
    (https://www.accuweather.com/zh/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
  • 对于解说活动中发生的安全事故,首尔徒步解说旅游事务局和首尔文化观光解说社不予负责。
预约前说明事项
  • 观光日基准最少1日前方可进行预约。
  • 本线路是为了行动不便者(行动不便的高龄者、残疾人、婴儿车利用者等)的路线。
  • 无辅助人员(或同行人)伴随时,不可利用。
    ※ 步行不便者1名至少需要1名以上的辅助人员陪同。
    ※ 电动辅助器具(电动轮椅、电动独轮车等)使用者时,每一位辅助人员最多可陪同 4名步行不便者。
  • 希望观光的日期及线路上无解说员时,预约有可能被取消。
  • 为了确认预约,徒步观光事务局(02-6925-0777)会致电进行确认。
    (最少5日~一个月前) 3次以上无法连接时,预约将被取消。
  • 进行解说时,对于有可能发生的安全事故,徒步观光事务局和首尔文化观光解说员概不负责。
  • 气象特报(酷暑、台风、暴雨 、雾霾 等)导致徒步观光项目暂停时,所有预约将一律被取消。(发布紧急措施时立即取消)
    ※ 请在以下网站上随时确认预约当天的气象特报。
    (https://www.accuweather.com/zh/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
預約前說明事項
  • 最晚請於預約日期3天前完成預約。
  • 最多可申請10人。
    (※ 景福宮, 昌德宮, 昌慶宮是例外 最多可申請20人)
  • 已完成預約的團體若人數超過限制,可於前一天下午5點前追加預約。
  • 每月15日將開放下個月的預約。
  • 若有發燒或呼吸道症狀(發燒、咳嗽、咳痰、肌肉酸痛、鼻塞、喉嚨痛),請避免參與本活動。
  • 未有保護者同行的未滿14歲兒童遊客,會在現場取消參與資格。
  • 氣象特報(酷暑、颱風、暴雨 、霧霾 等)而導致徒步觀光無法進行時,將一律取消所有預約。(發布限令時將立即取消)
    ※ 請在以下網站上隨時確認預約當天的氣象特報。
    (https://www.accuweather.com/zh/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
  • 進行解說時,對於有可能發生的安全事故,首爾徒步解說觀光事務局和首爾文化觀光解說員概不負責。
預約前說明事項
  • 觀光日基準最少1日前方可進行預約。
  • 本線路是為了行動不便者(行動不便的高齡者、殘疾人、嬰兒車利用者等)的路線。
  • 無輔助人員(或同行人)伴隨時,不可利用。
    ※ 步行不便者1名至少需要1名以上的輔助人員陪同。
    ※ 電動輔助器具(電動輪椅、電動獨輪車等)使用者時,每壹位輔助人員最多可陪同 4名步行不便者。
  • 希望觀光的日期及線路上無解說員時,預約有可能被取消。
  • 為了確認預約,徒步觀光事務局(02-6925-0777)會致電進行確認。
    (最少5日~壹個月前) 3次以上無法連接時,預約將被取消。
  • 進行解說時,對於有可能發生的安全事故,徒步觀光事務局和首爾文化觀光 解說員概不負責。
  • 氣象特報(酷暑、颱風、暴雨 、霧霾 等)而導致徒步觀光無法進行時,將一律取消所有預約。(發布限令時將立即取消)
    ※ 請在以下網站上隨時確認預約當天的氣象特報。
    (https://www.accuweather.com/zh/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)