Seongsu (聖水) is Seoul's trendiest area, a hotspot for the MZ generation with its concentration of renovated factory cafes and pop-up stores. We introduce 10 recommended cafes and restaurants in Seongsu that you can't miss on your trip to Korea.
What kind of place is Seongsu? Seoul's top trend area
Seongsu is an area that has been rapidly developing over the past 2-3 years. Originally filled with factories and warehouses, it's now attracting attention as a trendy area with an influx of fashion stores and POP UP stores.
Trend shops & POPUP area
In front of Seongsu Station, trendy stores and limited-time POPUP shops line up, allowing you to shop while experiencing Korea's latest trends. NAMANE card payments offer 20% cashback at participating BE LOCAL campaign stores.
5 essential Seongsu spots — Start here if it's your first visit!
Jayeondo Salt Bread | Bakery
Their signature menu item is salt bread that's crispy on the outside and chewy inside. With generous use of butter, you can smell the delicious aroma just by approaching the store. 4-piece set costs 12,000 won, but with NAMANE card payment, you get 20% OFF with 2,400 won cashback! About 6 minutes walk from Seongsu Station.
Photo Objet Seongsu Branch | Photo Studio
A popular aquarium self-photo brand in Korea. Features booths where you can take photos with fish. Popular with couples and friends, and enjoyable even on rainy days. About 3 minutes walk from Seongsu Station Exit 4.
Seongsu Darak | Korean-style Western Italian
A popular restaurant secretly visited by K-POP idols (THE BOYZ Hyunjae, WayV YangYang & Hendery). You can enjoy Western cuisine with distinctly Korean bold seasoning. About 3 minutes walk from Seongsu Station Exit 4.
Somunnan Seongsu Gamjatang | Gamjatang Specialty Restaurant
A local-style gamjatang specialty restaurant featuring deep umami soup and tender meat. Bustling with locals from morning, the generous portions are perfect for sharing with friends.
Beton Seongsu | Bakery
An extremely popular bakery famous for its round circle-shaped bread. Although it opens at 9 AM, lines form from 8:30. About 4 minutes walk from Seongsu Station Exit 3.
5 hidden Seongsu spots — Local recommendations!
COEO | Cafe
Features a calm atmosphere with aromatic coffee and meticulous latte art. A cafe with a roasting machine that helps heal travel fatigue. About 7 minutes walk from Seongsu Station Exit 4.
ROOM TEMPERATURE | Cafe & Brunch
A pleasant space with cute Western-style interior and natural light. Located near the Han River, many people visit after running. About 7 minutes walk from Seongsu Station Exit 4.
MILS | Bakery & Cafe
Netflix-featured chef operated by a chef from 'MOSU'. The charcoal-grilled sausage hot dog is impressively delicious. About 17 minutes walk from Seongsu Station Exit 3.
Podori | Wine & Dining
The name derives from Korean for 'grape'. With an extensive wine selection and all delicious dishes, it's perfect for dates or girls' trip dinners. About 17 minutes walk from Seongsu Station Exit 3.
DUMB SEOUL | Record Bar
A bar with cute tile and turntable interior. Pleasant music plays, and salt chocolate is a popular menu item. About 10 minutes walk from Seongsu Station Exit 3.
NAMANE card convenient for Seongsu travel
When exploring Seoul's local neighborhoods, we recommend the NAMANE card. It's an all-in-one card combining transit card and prepaid payment, which can be customized with your own design and allows payments without fees. View benefits
Explore nearby areas as well: Mullae hotspot guide | Seochon emotional neighborhood guide
Seongsu travel FAQ — Frequently asked questions
Q. How many hours do you need in Seongsu?
It takes about 3-4 hours to explore the 5 essential spots, and you can enjoy a full day if you include the hidden spots. The most efficient route is POPUP shopping in front of the station followed by a walking cafe tour.
Q. How do you receive NAMANE card cashback in Seongsu?
When you pay with NAMANE card at BE LOCAL campaign participating stores, 20% cashback is automatically applied. For example, when paying 12,000 won at Jayeondo Salt Bread, you get 2,400 won instant cashback. Please check the cashback limit.
Q. Are there places in Seongsu visited by K-POP idols?
Seongsu Darak is a popular restaurant known to have been visited by THE BOYZ's Hyunjae and WayV's YangYang & Hendery. You can enjoy Korean-style Western cuisine, and it's a 3-minute walk from Seongsu Station.
