The area surrounding Euljiro-3ga station is characterized by hardware and print shops that have served the city for decades. As other artsy and off-beat neighborhoods in Seoul became crowded and commercialized, the cheap rent and unassuming charm of this neighborhood has made it the perfect host for some very unique spaces!

Words Gissella Ramirez-Valle, Photos Mino Witte

HOTEL SOOSUNHWA
(충무로 7길 17 4F)

Don't let the name confuse you! This cafe on the 4th floor of a rather insconpicuous looking building does not offer overnight stays. But you are definitely welcome to come by & enjoy the ample space with seating arrangements fit for one-on-one or group meetings. The natural light that pours in midday and mixes with the exposed concrete, lights, fixtures, floral arrangements and soundtrack is nothing short of lovely & you can take that sensory dream to another level by ordering a tall Passionfruit Ade! 
@hotel_soosunhwa

Clique Records /
The Edge
(을지로3가 334-8 3F)

Clique Records first began as a tiny by-appointment only vinyl select shop. After the neighboring studio resident moved out, the record shop owners took over the space and opened cafe/bar, The Edge. The two spaces are cleverly connected by a hole in the wall that enables local & visiting DJ's to play music directly from Clique Records into The Edge. Come by on a leisurely evening! 
@clique_records
@theedgeseoul

Cosmos Wholesale
(을지로 11길 29)

Retromania!! This shop, run by a collective of makers, holds their stash of nostalgia items from Korea, Japan and beyond. Ah, this place is also in an unmarked building, but here's a tip on how to find it. In between the random trinkets, there's zines and cassette tapes from local contemporary artists. You can also grab apparel from Halominium here!!
@cosmoswholesale

*check individual shop pages for operating schedule