Fans of footwear flock to Seongsu
Shoppers in their 20s walk around the alleys in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong District, eastern Seoul. [JoongAng Ilbo]
The once-neglected neighborhood was formerly filled with industrial factories. But with the exodus of manufacturing companies, a large number of independent businesses are moving into the area, giving it a hip reputation.
Seongsu-dong in Seongdong District started to become a magnet for fashion after a local village enterprise opened a hand-made shoe store there called SSST in August 2011.
In 2013, the new retailer From SS, which is funded by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, opened up across the road.
The area’s renaissance was greatly pushed by the spread of these hand-made shoe shops, which were soon joined by several others. Under Seongsu Bridge, designers and retailers gathered to form a street filled with all types of footwear.
Followed by many designers and retailers moving from Hongdae or Apgujeong-dong, areas more predominantly known as shopping and arts districts in Seoul, several new cafes and restaurants have also opened up in Seongsu-dong recently, luring people in.
Many young people who dream about making it big in the fashion footwear industry come to a shoe-making training center in the area, too.
As the locale is now starting to boast its new label as a fashion hub, Seongdong District plans to provide support to ensure that more of these shoemakers are drawn to the area. It decided to expand the area to reach Ttukseom Station.
Another street to keep in mind is Yeonmujanggil, which spans the length of about a kilometer (0.62 miles) and passes Gyeongdong Elementary School.
About 500 local companies that make parts necessary for cobbling operate in outdated buildings. The district plans to renovate the area around these businesses and bury electric wires underground to make the streets look simple and clean.
“With this brand, we’ll find new ways to distribute our products in the overseas market and try to foster young professionals to make the town more vibrant.”
Novices also visit the area to learn how to make their own shoes for fun. Many of the programs are offered for free, but for more extensive training, visitors can head to the Small and Medium Business Center. It provides shoe-making sessions for 15 people at a time over eight months.
“Many who have experience in making clothing come to expand their area of expertise to making shoes, bags and other accessories,” said Byeon In-su, managing director of the association of shoemakers in Seongdong District.
“When they complete the training, we provide a certificate so that trainees have an easier time finding a job in a related field.”
Another notable feature of the local area is that many small businessmen have opened versatile restaurants, cafes, libraries and art studios on the small streets in the neighborhood near the Seoul Forest.
A place that is usually a cafe sometimes opens its space for seminars and meetings for social entrepreneurs looking to create a network.
Veranda Industrial and Boboo Store are two examples that operate as complex cultural centers.
The latter venue even held a flea market recently, where the singer Ivy sold her personal belongings.
“Many of the artists come from Cheongdam, Apgujeong, Seogyo and elsewhere looking for cheap rent,” said Hwang Byeong-jun, an executive at Boboo Store.
“Also there are many office workers coming into the area even during the day time on weekdays [for lunch] as there are many office buildings around here.”
Experimentation is the theme of Innovators’ Library. Its approximately 2,000 books are mostly about starting a business, what it means to be an entrepreneur and what social innovation is.
Anyone interested in these subjects can visit the venue during weekdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Weekend visitors should call ahead as the library sometimes lends its space for private meetings. You need to register as a member - which is free - to be able to read the books. You then need to accrue points by visiting often, donating books or participating in crowdfunding for the library to be able to borrow a book to take home.
After reaching the highest level, visitors can get access to the library 24/7, even during after hours.
Seongdong district Seoul Forest 6 gil 10
070-4640-3403
Sonyeo Bangagan (Girl’s Mill)
Sonyeo Bangagan offers Korean food made with ingredients from Cheongsong in North Gyeongsang. Many fresh vegetables such as hot peppers and sangchu, or Korean lettuce, are used to make dishes like bibimbap, rice mixed with minced meat and vegetables, or deonjang guk, a soup made with fermented bean paste. Spices used by the restaurant, including gochujang, or hot pepper paste, are also made there. The eatery uses spices fermented from locally grown plants from North Gyeongsang too, and sells a selection of vegetables collected from the mountains. Dishes range from 6,000 won to 8,000 won.
Seongdong District Wangsimniro 5 gil 9-16
02-6268-0778
Rusted Iron in Dumbo
The past and present coexist in Rusted Iron in Dumbo. The cafe is influenced by Brooklyn, New York’s Dumbo area, which is an acronym of “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.” Just like the American locale that was dominated by industrial companies in the 19th century, Seongsu-dong also houses factories. The owner saw a similarity between the places and decided to name his cafe after Dumbo. To build on this connection, the cafe displays work by artists based in the New York area on its walls. For a hearty meal, try the cheese steak ciabatta, a popular sandwich here. For dessert, many opt for the soft carrot cake.
Seongdong District Wangsimniro 14 gil 30-1
070-7529-9598
Veranda Industrial
The building that art studio Veranda Industrial is housed inside was once used as a manufacturing base for auto parts. The old concrete exterior has been kept intact to add a more antique look. Along with the structure itself, the inside is filled with many items that appear to have been used decades ago. Some of the oil tanks or other iron boxes once used at the factory remain as an inspiration to local artists.
Seongdong District Seongsuyiro 7 gil 26
070-7527-1778
Boboo store
Boboo Store is designed like a gallery. It displays the work of 12 artists who formed a union. Graphic designers contributed their talents to creating the store and selling their art. Visitors can find a variety of wearable items such as bags, socks and shoes, along with small furniture and home items such as porcelain, business card cases, lamps, candles and pillows.
Seongdong District Seongsuyiro 7 gil 26
www.boboostore.com
From SS
From SS is across from SSST, a large shoe store in the area. Yoo Hong-sik, who was honored with the title of No. 1 professional shoemaker by the Seoul Metropolitan Government last year, operates one of the brands within the store. There is also a shoe repair shop located inside.
Seongdong District Achasanro 100
070-4418-6281~7
Shoespot Seongsu
Seongsu Station, on subway line No. 2, is now decorated with all types of footwear. Spaces on the second floor of the building towards exits 1 and 4 and on the third floor were decorated to promote the local cobbling industry. Furniture shaped like footwear, which attracts attention from passersby, is on display as well as other information related to the industry. People can learn more about how the district has evolved here.
Seongdong District Achasanro 100
02-6110-2111
BY PARK JEONG-SIK [lee.sunmin@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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