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At the foot of  Namsan Mountain, hidden within the eclectic buildings of Haebangchon (HBC), lies Shinheung Market—a nostalgic enclave where the charm of 1990s Korea meets contemporary creativity. This revitalized market offers travelers a unique journey through time, blending vintage aesthetics with modern-day artistry.

For those seeking an immersive experience filled with analog delights, photogenic spots, and interactive moments, here's a curated guide to exploring Shinheung Market's retro wonders.

01. Storage Book & Film

Begin your journey at Storage Book & Film, a thoughtfully curated space that feels more like a secret clubhouse than a bookstore. Although the name might suggest a vintage camera shop, the focus here is firmly on independent publishing and creative storytelling. What began in 2008 as a camera storage facility evolved into a hub for small press culture by 2012. Now, the cozy shop overflows with zines, photobooks, and limited-edition prints—many of which are self-published or produced in-house.

It’s the kind of place where you could lose an hour flipping through art books or quietly soaking up the carefully considered design. Storage doesn’t just sell books—it cultivates a scene. The store has organized and hosted events like the Publishers Table and the Little Press Fair, becoming a magnet for Seoul’s indie publishing world. Through “Club Storage” and the Small Pocket podcast, the space continues to spotlight the voices of small brand owners, writers, and creatives. It’s a peaceful, analog start to your retro market adventure—one that sets the tone for a day steeped in Seoul’s slower, more reflective side. This is a great way to experience Seoul’s indie scene and gives you a chance to pick something to read before heading to the market.

TIP: Take your time and look for some great treasures. Also listen to the music playing in the shop as they have a very eccentric taste in music which many people like.

 42 Sinheung-ro 20-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
 Open Everyday from 14:00 ~ 19:00

02. The Ascent to Shinheung Market

As you leave Storage and head uphill, the walk itself becomes part of the experience. The narrow alleyways off the main road are painted with life and layered with the everyday textures of the city—brick walls, hand-painted signs, and ivy creeping up timeworn facades. There's a rhythm here, an unfiltered slice of local Seoul that invites you to observe, pause, and photograph the quiet in-betweens.

This short stroll to Shinheung Market lets you feel the heartbeat of the neighborhood. Locals pass by with shopping bags and the happy green village buses race up and down the hill, offering glimpses of daily life beyond the tourist hotspots. It’s these moments—unscripted and ordinary—that bring the retro theme full circle, reminding you how beauty lives in the details.

03. Kom Kom Arcade

Tucked into a small storefront glowing with neon lights, Kom Kom Arcade is a time capsule of 1990s arcade culture mixed with elements of modern Korea. The air buzzes with the click of a photobooth and the pixelated melodies of vintage games, creating a sensory overload in the best possible way. Inside, you'll find photobooths; if some other kind of booth, please specify to commemorate your experience, and some retro games that awaken your inner kid.

Whether you're playing whack-a-mole or the claw machine, Kom Kom offers more than just gameplay—it’s a dive into a shared memory in a tiny space. The vibrant energy, flashing lights, and tactile nature of the games invite interaction and connection. It's not just about winning; it's about reliving the thrill of simpler times in a compact place.

TIP: Want to add a bit of mystique to your trip? Stop by the tarot card reader across from Upstanding Coffee for an offbeat market memory.

 11 Sinheung-ro 20-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
 Open Everyday 

04. Café Tajagi

After the excitement of Kom Kom, Café Tajagi is the perfect place to take a breather. This vintage-inspired café blends great views with quirky touches like typewriters, retro posters, and soft music humming in the background. There's a quiet elegance to the space, with sunlight filtering through the large windows and the smell of freshly brewed coffee hanging in the air.

But the true gem is view—a table side vista with sweeping views of the Seoul city skyline. Whether you are journaling, chatting with a friend, or simply enjoying the moment, Café Tajagi invites you to be present. It’s the kind of place where time slows, and the world feels delightfully analog.

TIP: Get a table just before sunset to catch a beautiful view. Remember to follow the rules (yes, they have rules!) and not take any excessive photos or overstay longer than the allotted 2 hours.

 13 Sinheung-ro 20-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
 Open Everyday from 12:00 - 22:00

05. Hoonyook(훈육)

Cap off your retro journey with a sizzling feast at Hoonyook, a cozy Korean BBQ joint known for its aged pork belly (숙성삼겹살). Inside, you’ll be greeted with the comforting aromas of grilled meat, the sizzle of hot plates, and the lively buzz of diners gathered around smoky tables. There’s a tactile pleasure in wrapping up your meat with lettuce, pairing it with kimchi, and savoring each bite as the grill crackles before you.

Hoonyook isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the senses to life all while watching the crowds pass through the market. The warmth of the space that feel unchanged since the 90s, the rhythmic clink of soju glasses, and the shared laughter around the table perfectly round out a day spent diving into Seoul’s analog past. It’s nostalgic, communal, and deeply satisfying—a fitting end to your Haebangchon adventure.

TIP: Get a table further inside the restaurant. As the crowds grow, many people will be standing around right in front of your table.

 7 Sinheung-ro 20-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
 Weekdays 16:00 ~ 24:00 (Last order ~ 23:00), Weekends 15:00 ~ 24:00 (Last order ~ 23:00)

Final Thoughts

Shinheung Market in Haebangchon offers a unique blend of nostalgia and modernity, providing travelers with an immersive experience that captures the essence of 1990s Korea. From analog bookstores to retro arcades and cozy cafés, each stop invites you to engage with the past while enjoying the present.

Tip: Avoid visiting during the late afternoon to early evening when the market is busiest. To enjoy the nostalgic ambiance with some coffee and cooler air—get there around 10 or so. Enjoy those peaceful moments before the rest of the city arrives.