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Since 2017, the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) has designated stores that have maintained the unique characteristics and stories of Seoul in their business for generations. As of 2018, the SMG designated a total of 26 old shops in Yongsan, Mapo, andSeodaemun Districts as "Oraegage." Let’s learn a bit more about the Oraegages in Seoul with their own traditions and heritage.
The term, Oraegage, is a newly coined term by the citizens of Seoul and the SMG. It means both "an old store" and "a store that will last long". The old stores designated so far include a 100-year-old barber shop, a traditional rice cake shop run by its third generation, a teahouse favored by college students in the 1970s and 1980s, and the city’s oldest bookstore located in Sinchon. Those stores are frequented not only by old customers wanting to recall their past memories but also by young patrons looking for ambiances that have become so unfamiliar to them. Let’s look into some of such places offering totally new experiences.
Hansin Ceramics, a 50-year-old store located in Haebangchon, sells only ceramics made in Incheon renowned for the highest quality ceramics in the county. The traditional ceramics sold in the store have a longer shelf life and a stronger sterilizing effect than ordinary ceramics, the store says. Inside the store, high-quality pottery is lined up. Outside along the outer wall, exuding a peculiar Korean sentiment, you can see pottery piled up about 50m.
Brother Blacksmith is run by brothers who actively engage in various efforts to promote Korea’s traditional culture in addition to the production of agricultural and construction tools. Located by a railway, the store offers chances to experience a variety of traditional Korean tools and utensils used for farming and much more. Run by a father and son for generations, Bulgwang Blacksmith still makes all its tools by hand. The most popular item in this blacksmith is camping axes for their outstanding quality over those made in factories.
Run by the second generation of the original owner, Dol Records boasts a stock of over 200,000 LP records. Word-of-mouth communication has made the store a hot place among vinyl record enthusiasts. Dubbed an LP Treasure House by music fans, the small store is worth visiting if you are curious about LP records including the unique sound made on vinyl records when they are played.
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