Every Corner of Korea

Hannam-dong Back Alley Tour

Hannam-dong Back Alley Travel Map

Hannam-dong Back Alley Tour

Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea

'Usadan-ro 10-gil', once located in Itaewon, once called the Liberation Village, has once again attracted the attention of the world. On the last Saturday of every month, we will visit the 10th Usadan-ro, Hannam-dong, a “warm town” in Seoul, which is being transformed into a forward base for small-business start-up as well as a space for artistic creation for young people.

Hansa-dong's Usadan-ro 10-gil, a young base for convergence and convergence of youth
Hansa-dong's Usadan-ro is less than 900 meters from Bogwang Elementary School to Cheongseok Super. Exit No. 3 of Itaewon Station (Line 6) and go up 100 meters to the '119 Safety Center' alley. Looking up from here, you can see two towers towering towards the sky. 'Seoul Central Masjid'. In front of the main entrance to the Islamic Masjid, the road that stretches in the direction of the Han River is Usadan.
Daytime in the Islamic Central Member of Seoul
If there were a lot of pear trees and it was called 'Itaewon (梨 泰 院)', 'Usadan-ro' came from the record that the altar 'Usadan' was built here for the rain festival during Taejong, Joseon Dynasty. Usadan-ro 10-gil is a favorite place for photographers because of the interruption of the redevelopment project. Let's take a look at what's going on.
Seoul Islamic Central Masquerade Night
It's hard to find an alley where Shingu is harmonious, like Usadan-ro 10-gil from Seoul.
Hanjin Barber Shop
From old-fashioned barbershops that use firewood as fuel, to radio stations, rice cakes, Pakistani and Turkish restaurants, the traditional market blends together, and the guest house, as well as a jewelry design shop using the latest technology.
50-year-old Barber Chair at Hanjin Barber Shop
Walking along this road, there are so many foreigners that I wonder if there are more foreigners than Koreans.
Kebab restaurant transformed in mutt PC room
Not only the geographical features of Itaewon and Islam mosques, but also because of the old houses, the rent is cheap and the language and living environment are convenient.
Kebab restaurant transformed in mutt PC room
Itaewon's famous staircase and “Come in store”
Here is a community that drives young desires and change. The young cultural artists 'Usadandan (雩 祀 壇 團)' combines interesting cultural contents and business with the young people traders. Since 2012, young people who live in the area and have business spaces such as workshops have been working together to create local culture and revitalize their business.
Stairs next to the central Islamic mosque where the staircase was held
The most representative business is the free market called 'stair leader'. The staircase, which started on 63 steps next to a mosque last spring, has only 30 to 40 participants, but now it has become one of the representative flea markets in Seoul.
Stairs next to the central Islamic mosque where the staircase was held
The stairs are open from 12 am to 6 am on the last Saturday of every month.
Street scene of Usadan-ro, where the staircases come in
It was originally held on 63 steps, less than 3 meters wide. Sellers can be assigned three stairs to sell.
Street scene of Usadan-ro, where the staircases come in
However, for the safety and convenience of many visitors to the stairs, the place is moved to 'Usadan-ro 10-gil'.
Street scene of Usadan-ro, where the staircases come in
The 'coming shops' with the catch phrase 'Come in because it's hot' on both sides of the street, and the temporary seller table installed in front of it, replace the stairs.
Street scene of Usadan-ro, where the staircases come in
One of the popular programs of 'Staircase-In Come' is 'Tongtong Tour', which explores local culture.
Plump Tour
You will wander through the alley for two hours and hear interesting stories about the history and culture of the area.
Tattoo drawing
The tour program, which starts at the central mosque and ends at the supermarket, is conducted by young local residents.
Seller's homemade basil pesto
As with any flea market, the most popular places are the gourmet foods, tattoo houses, and portrait shops, where you can draw a portrait in 10 seconds for 10 won.
Portrait that draws in 10 seconds for 10 won
Usadan-ro 10-gil, Itaewon, transforming into an artist studio and cultural spot
There are a growing number of shops on Usadan-gil, with unique attractions run by young Soho entrepreneurs and artists.
Suine's Snack Store Famous for Spicy Chicken Feet
In particular, the Potato House, which is run by youth traders, sells the popular concept of Potato and Beer.
A young merchant who is good at Sabah
In addition to trendy foods such as meals and snacks for lunch and dinner in the evenings, Sooky's Snack Shop, a spicy chicken restaurant popular with famous celebrities, is whether it's a snack bar or a bar. It's weird.
Sophisticated Yukgaejang
Chicken shops such as Song Elim Chicken, which are commonly found in the traditional world of 'Eating My World', offer chefs' menus that change every day.
Deep-fried brown chicken
There are a variety of cafes on Usadan-gil.
coffee
There are cafes in various forms, ranging from “today's opening” to “entropy” reminiscent of the laws of physics and “champs” reminiscent of boxing films.
Entropy
Champ is a roasting café operated by three brothers and made freshly roasted coffee beans to become a favorite coffee shop not only for the elderly, but also for young people. Down. 10 minutes patiently wait.
Champ Coffee
'It would have opened today' is a free-spirited cafe that the owner wants to open, but now it is open every day except Sundays.
I would have opened today
There are designer jewelery shops on both sides of the street, opened by young people with both dexterity and sense.
Designer Jewelry Products on Usadan-ro 10-gil
Young designers and makers work together to produce and display jewelry, bags, and accessories, which are made by giving off artistic artists.
Designer Jewelry Products on Usadan-ro 10-gil
Typical shops include MK Leather Work (handmade leather bracelet), 'World I live' (handmade metal workshop), 'Mind Mine' (design jewelry), 'Luciente' (homemade jewelry), Ampersand (classic leather accessory), ' Thy '(leather wallet, wooden glasses, watch),' The 7th Heaven '(silverwork),' J & J Works' (jeans recycling accessory), and Xia's emotional doll.
Designer Jewelry Products on Usadan-ro 10-gil
They create beautiful props that bring youth and run experience classes.
Designer Jewelry Products on Usadan-ro 10-gil
In addition, 'WORKS', which commissions and sells works produced by independent designers, 'Soul Ink', which combines an art tattoo shop and a graffiti exhibition hall, 'Kiss Gallery' with three works and a bench for viewing outside the window, Don't forget 'Art Recipe'.
Kiss pics
HAUS, a guest house for travelers, not only accepts guests in three rooms with bunk beds, but also serves as a local tourist information center and love room.
Guest House Haus
Tiger House has a well-viewed guest house famous for its bare tacos and polar beer.
Tiger House
Usadan-ro 10-gil ending at Dokkaebi Market and Supermarket
Entering the 'Dokkaebi Market', the road is divided into two parts. On the right side is the 'Cheongseok Super', the end of 10 roads in Usadan-ro. Follow the road on your left to 'Supermarket'. 'Supermarket' is a three-story building that is used as a café, small gatherings, parties, and dining venues by renovating an existing building.
Supermarket cafe
'Dokkaebi market' is a traditional market. When the crackdown of the ward office comes, it avoids it like a goblin.
Han River catches a glance at rooftop table

The characteristic of the shops that entered Usadanro is the creative space that made the old buildings with minimal remodeling. So some shops use old signs to confuse visitors. Nevertheless, due to the affection and passion of young artists and entrepreneurs, Usadan Street, which can turn into an unsafe crime alley, is transformed into an art creative street, and the streets of young people representing Seoul following Hongdae, Garosu-gil, etc. It is transformed into.

Dokebi Market
P.S.

On the late evening of Wednesday, four days after the staircase-incoming ceremony was held, I went back to the street. It's nine o'clock, and people are cut off and most shops are closed. English phrases written on the glass window reflecting the appearance of a few young people busy preparing to open a design office called “P.S.” touch the chest. “People all have names. Sometimes, things name people. We name things that already have names. Now, this could be the only name. ” “A person has a name, and sometimes things name a person. Even when there is a name for things, people call it again. ” In addition, I remember the title of poet Lee Kyung-ok's collection of poetry `` Road makes a way by walking. '' I wonder if we should walk on Usadan Road and call out its name to create the Usadan Street that young people dream of. And wishes.

Travel info

Usadan-ro 10-gil
Location: Usadan-ro 10-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul-From Islamic Temple (39) to Hannam-dong Dokkebi Market
Stairway Information: March to October, Last Saturday of every month from 12:00 to 6:00 pm
Facebook :
https://www.facebook.com/wosadan


1. Nearby restaurants

The Baker's Table: 244-1, Noksapyeong-daero, Yongsan-gu / 070-7717-3501

Don Charley: 34, Hoemok-ro, Yongsan-gu / 070-8154-4475

El Grecos: 23, Noksapyeong-daero 54-gil, Yongsan-gu / 070-8263-8678


2. Accommodation

Hotel Crown Itaewon: 138, Noksapyeong-daero, Yongsan-gu / 02-797-4111

http://www.hotelcrown.com/

Hamilton Hotel: 179, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu / 02-794-0171

http://www.hamilton.co.kr/

Capital Hotel: 23, Jangmun-ro, Yongsan-gu / 02-6399-2000

http://www.hotelcapital.co.kr/

※ The above information was written in August 2014. It may change afterwards, so please check before you travel.
※ Information such as text, photos, and videos used in this article is copyrighted by Korea Tourism Organization, so unauthorized use of the article is prohibited.