Euljiro: Seoul’s Hidden Gem — And Why Mongvely Is the Best Place to Start
Introduction: A Side of Seoul That Foreigners Rarely See
Most tourists come to Seoul knowing the big names: Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam, Itaewon. But just one stop away from Myeongdong, there’s an entirely different world that most foreigners never explore: Euljiro.
Locals call it “Hipjiro” (힙지로) — a nickname that perfectly captures its identity. Euljiro is a blended world of old printing factories, metal workshops, neon-lit alleys, underground bars, retro cafés, and rooftop viewpoints. It’s raw, industrial, effortlessly cool, and unbelievably underrated among international visitors.
And right at the entrance to this entire neighborhood sits Mongvely Euljiro-1-ga Branch, only 1 minute from the station and less chaotic than Myeongdong. Whether tourists want Korean BBQ before exploring or want a comforting meal after walking through Euljiro’s alleys, Mongvely serves as the perfect anchor point.
If Myeongdong is the flashy, tourist-heavy district, Euljiro is the neighborhood Seoul locals actually hang out in — and this blog introduces some of the best cafés, walking spots, and hidden gems to pair with your meal at Mongvely.
Why Euljiro Is Special (And Why Tourists Should Care)
Euljiro’s Charm: Industrial Meets Hipster
Unlike Myeongdong’s polished tourist streets, Euljiro still carries the atmosphere of old Seoul — printing shops, metal workshops, lighting stores, narrow alleys, retro signboards, and hidden basements. But over the past few years, young Koreans have transformed this area into a hotspot filled with:
Independent cafés
Minimalist dessert shops
Artistic bars
Craft beer spots
Industrial photo locations
Rooftop observatories
It’s a district where the old and new collide in the most visually interesting way.
A Completely Different Vibe From Myeongdong
Tourists often leave Myeongdong thinking all of Seoul is crowded, noisy, and tourist-priced. But Euljiro immediately changes that impression:
No inflated tourist menus
No loud street vendors pushing upsells
No chaos
No tourist traps
It’s calm, local, authentic, and extremely photogenic — the perfect way for travelers to experience the real Seoul without leaving central city.
The Perfect Reason to Visit Mongvely’s Euljiro Branch
Mongvely’s second location offers:
The same high-quality beef & pork buffet as the main branch
A quieter, more relaxed dining experience
Quick access to the whole Euljiro café & bar district
Only 1 minute from Euljiro-1-ga Station
Walkable to Cheonggyecheon Stream, City Hall, Sewoon Plaza, and Myeongdong
It becomes the ideal starting point for a laid-back night out, café hopping adventure, or photography day.
➣ View our branch locations HERE
Exploring Euljiro: The Cafés You Shouldn’t Miss
Below are the best cafés in Euljiro that pair perfectly with a Korean BBQ meal at Mongvely — each offering its own atmosphere and local charm.
1. Coffee Hanyakbang — Seoul’s Famous Retro Apothecary Café
Old Seoul Meets Specialty Coffee :
Coffee Hanyakbang is one of Euljiro’s most iconic cafés. Styled like an old Korean herbal medicine shop, it feels like stepping into a preserved piece of history — but with modern barista standards.
After enjoying Korean BBQ at Mongvely, this café is ideal for digesting with a warm pour-over coffee and capturing some of the best vintage-inspired photos in Seoul.
2. GONGGANGAB — Industrial Chic Dessert Café
GONGGANGAB is the embodiment of Euljiro’s industrial vibe: concrete walls, soft mood lighting, and minimalist decor. The vibe is modern, clean, and artistic — great for travelers who love trendy café interiors.
What it’s known for:
Beautiful dessert plates
Custard pudding
Seasonal fruit bingsu
Aesthetic drinks
The café is spacious by Seoul standards and incredibly photogenic.
3. Eulji Dabang — Newtro Café From the 1980s
Eulji Dabang is a true retro gem. With yellow lighting, dark wooden tables, old-style chairs, and vintage teacups, it brings back Korea’s 1980s “dabang café culture.”
Signature item:
Ssanghwacha topped with raw egg yolk
A traditional herbal drink that surprises many tourists — warm, comforting, and completely unique.
4. HORANGI Café (호랑이) — Vintage Fruit Sandwich Café
This is the kind of café most tourists would never find on their own. Tucked inside an alley and hidden in a building, it’s known for:
Fruit sandwiches with cream
Quiet seating
Vintage Korean decor
Soft natural lighting
Minimalist dessert options
It’s a great choice for travelers looking for “cute café moments” without the crowds.
More to Explore Around Euljiro
Euljiro Nogari Alley (을지로 노가리 골목) : A famous alley of retro pubs serving dried pollock (nogari) with cheap beer. The atmosphere is lively, local, and a completely different world from tourist-focused restaurants.
Sewoon Plaza Rooftop Observatory (세운상가) : Just a short walk from Mongvely, Sewoon Plaza offers rooftop walkways with incredible views of old Seoul, sunset colors, and neon signs.
Cheonggyecheon Stream (청계천) : A peaceful riverside walk perfect after Korean BBQ — especially at night when the stream is beautifully illuminated.
Euljiro Lighting Street : Rows of lighting shops glowing at night, creating one of Seoul’s most unique photo backdrops.
Discover Euljiro the Local Way — Start With Mongvely
Tourists who limit themselves to Myeongdong miss out on the hidden Seoul that locals love. Euljiro offers the perfect balance of retro charm, industrial beauty, trendy cafés, and relaxing walking paths — and Mongvely’s Euljiro-1-ga Branch is the ideal place to begin or end your adventure.
Instead of overpriced tourist traps, visitors get:
Real Korean BBQ
Fair prices
Big portions
Clean and friendly service
A launchpad into Korea’s coolest hidden neighborhood
If you want a truly local Seoul experience, start at Mongvely, then step into the alleys of Euljiro.
Read more of our Seoul Travel Blogs here!
➣ Shopping in Myeongdong: Latest Stores in Myeongdong’s Shopping Scene
➣ The Ultimate Myeongdong Guide: What to Do, See, and Eat (Tips from a Local)
➣ 10 Foods in Seoul You Must Try (Besides Korean BBQ)
Visit Us Now!
Mongvely Main Branch
Address: Myeongdong 8na-gil 9 3rd Floor
Opening Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Mongvely 2nd Branch
Address: Myeongdong 3-gil 44 2nd Floor
Opening Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Plan your visit → Book a Table
Follow us on Instagram → @kbbqmongvely
