Downtown Jongro and Euljiro is home to a district known for shops and workshops dedicated to electrical lighting and design, old-school audio, general electronics and, more recently, design companies and places for young creatives to hang out, network and mix in with the older generations. Sewoon Plaza, Makercity and Arcade (it’s hard to decide what to call it!) also has a vast, wooden floored rooftop with impressive 360 degree view of the north of Seoul; looking north to Jongmyo Shrine, south to Namsan Tower and a huge swathe of old buildings east and west contrasting with modern skyscrapers further out. **NOTE: The rooftop has been closed since the start of the pandemic in 2021. I went on 2023-05-01 and it’s still closed for reasons unspecified.
This place has an interesting history going back to Japanese colonial times, so I’ve added some links (below the map) for you to look at. I went there one chilly, sunny afternoon to check it out. It’s a huge place, so I just started at the front by Jongro 3-ga Subway Station, and went outside along the right, over the Cheongyecheon stream, then back around before going to the rooftop area. I followed up with another trip to get some lunch and explore some more. Most of this post is about my initial trip.
The west side of the building seems to house a mixture of old electronics shops and audio places. I didn’t venture too far inside, but it seemed to more of the same. These were operated by middle-aged and older men.
The streets at ground level either side are filled with large and small lighting shops and I suppose Sewoon Makercity caters to people who might frequent these stores. There is a lot of redevelopment going on, and the whole area has a somewhat industrial vibe.
On the east side of the building, there are newer stores, design companies, coffee shops and restaurants, with quite a few younger people milling around which I assume are designers, university students and people like me just looking around! I dropped in to a coffee shop/bar call Vintage Lion (빈티지라이언) for a coffee and to warm up a bit. They had basic food on the menu too.
Back at the main entrance, I took the elevator to the top and was actually amazed by the view; this isn’t a typical city view from afar of bunches of skyscrapers, this was a more ‘intimate’ view of small, old buildings that make up old downtown Euljiro and Jongro. I was impressed to say the least.
Apparently there’s a museum on the third floor and I didn’t stay long enough to eat. Spring’s approaching so I’ll make another trip in a month or two.
Second Trip
I made a follow up trip on February 24 2020. This time I looked around the museum of electronics (very small), checked out a secret level, and found some bee hives (maybe).
Later, I had some pork cutlet at Imelda Bunsik, a cosy place selling basic fare, cheap and tasty. It was quite lively too which was nice to see.
On my way there the first time, I noticed the underpass in Haebangchon has been revamped:
Sewoon Makercity & Plaza:
Imelda Bunsik (이멜다분식):
Some links that explain more about the history and purpose of this place and some other things to do: