Unique things to do at Oraegage in Seoul full of tradition a

Itaewon is popularly recognized for its unique and classy environment inside Seoul, to not point out the enjoyable a part of discovering completely different oraegages (lit. “100-year shops”), or companies which have been handed down for generations and designated as such by the Seoul authorities. These distinctive outlets hidden across the corners of Itaewon which have been preserving Korean custom and craftmanship, which captured the curiosity of non-Koreans and troopers stationed on the as soon as close by U.S. Military base. Discover the realm to seek out some oraegages that exudes the “conventional hip” spirit not too long ago cultivated by millennials and Gen Z who consider probably the most conventional is probably the most modern.

Itaewon Books,

the Oldest Bookstore for Secondhand International Books in Seoul #Since1973

Open since 1973, Itaewon’s International Bookstore is a secondhand overseas bookstore that has been in enterprise for practically 50 years. As if proving their motto, We Purchase, Promote and Commerce All Sorts of Books, which is written on the awning simply above the door, the bookstore has virtually 100,000 books in a small area of nearly 56 m².

International Bookstore first began within the Sixties when the unique proprietor, Choi Giung, collected books and magazines discarded on the American Military base to be offered. The books collected from the American Military bases all throughout the nation have been offered in Myeongdong and Jongno areas at first, after which he lastly opened a secondhand bookstore in 1973 in Itaewon, which has been in operation to this present day.

An array of books is organized in in another way formed and sized bookshelves within the retailer. The bookshelves of various sizes that completely match the books all have been made by the founder, Choi Giung. Not solely the bookshelves lined alongside the partitions of the bookstore, but additionally the double-sliding bookshelves have gone via the arms of the store proprietor.

International residents in Korea, or anybody learning overseas languages, will discover this specific bookstore interesting. There’s additionally a rising variety of individuals in search of a group of previous books for adornment. Expertise the extraordinary environment of this bookstore created over a few years via boundless tales of individuals from all around the world.

• ○Deal with: 1F, 208, Noksapyeong-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

• ○Hours: Each day 11:00 – 19:30 KST

• ○Instagram: @itaewon_books

Hanshin Onggi,

a Conventional Pottery Story Established in Haebangchon #Since1967

Hanshin Onggi is positioned on the primary flooring of a pink brick constructing that seems as you stroll alongside the wall of the U.S. Military base close to the doorway of the Haebangchon space. Giant earthenware pots are neatly lined up in opposition to a wall by Shin Yeongeun, its 88-year-old founder, for merely displaying the merchandise, however they’ve turn into a particular photograph spot for youthful crowds.

Strolling alongside the rows of earthenware pots results in the precise store the place Shin has been promoting earthenware pots to the U.S. troopers since he was younger with the little English he spoke. From years of expertise, Shin now sells conventional Korean ceramics made in Icheon to overseas guests due to his improved ability with English. A number of the pottery offered at this store are made by the masters of onggi, the Korean time period for earthenware, a sort of pottery.

Up to now, some troopers used to pack their belongings in earthenware pots offered at Hanshin Onggi to be shipped to the U.S. in the event that they have been in need of containers. Even after the military base has been relocated to the town of Pyeongtaek, positioned south of Seoul, individuals from the military base nonetheless go to the Haebangchon space in search of earthenware pots of Hanshin Onggi. Along with earthenware pots of assorted sizes, quite a lot of merchandise starting from small items of pottery for carrying cash to plates and bowls often seen in Korean positive eating eating places, are additionally obtainable on the store.

• ○Deal with: 7, Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

• ○Hours: Each day 11:00 – 18:00 KST

Daeseong Mounter,

Resembling a Folks Portray Museum #Since1971

Daeseong Mounter is considered one of oraegages in Itaewon that has been in operation for practically 60 years over two generations. Lee Sangeun, the son of founder, Lee Myeongun, took over the store and at present manages the operation. The store was significantly profitable throughout the Eighties, having virtually 10 workers and a manufacturing unit that measures round 230 m². The store was incessantly visited by U.S. troopers and U.S. Embassy employees. Daeseong Mounter loved a continued growth even into the Nineteen Nineties as they earned U.S. {dollars} from exports to the U.S.

Even the store has gone down in dimension these days, there are nonetheless common guests due to quite a few conventional art work collected by Myeongun himself since way back. Guests will discover some uncommon scrolls of people work, style work, and portraits which are troublesome to seek out elsewhere. Some art work over 100 years previous nonetheless stay on the store since he cherished them and didn’t want to promote them for revenue.

Most guests from Korea are artists of painters themselves, whereas the guests from overseas nations come to buy conventional work or scrolls as souvenirs. Be sure you pay a go to to Daeseong Mounter if you happen to additionally want to buy art work exhibiting the fashionable custom of Korea because the store presents fairly priced artworks from as little as 20,000 received.

• ○Deal with: 1F, 216, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

• ○Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 KST | Closed Sundays

Hapdeok Tremendous,

Serving to Tie the Neighborhood Collectively #Since1971

Hapdeok Tremendous is a small grocery store positioned one of many slender alleys between Itaewon Station and Hangangjin Station. The store is called after a city in Chungcheongnam-do Province known as Hapdeok, the hometown of the homeowners. Kim Hyotae and Jang Myosun, a long-married couple, have been working the enterprise daily at the very same spot for over 50 years.

When the couple first moved to Hannam-dong, the realm was merely a village of thatched homes and lacked concrete buildings, not to mention paved roads. Now, the realm has turn into a hub of multicultural range, attracting crowds of individuals all yr spherical. The proprietor couple has witnessed such drastic modifications proper from their store doorstep.

All types of snacks and every day requirements are neatly organized contained in the store. Youthful vacationers instantly really feel drawn to the very nostalgic atmosphere of the store, capturing moments via pictures. Cease by Hapdeok Tremendous for a quick journey again in time if you happen to occur to be within the Itaewon space and immediately have to replenish on just a few necessities.

• ○Deal with: 20, Itaewon-ro 42-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

• ○Hours: Each day 10:00 – 22:00 KST