Lee Hae-rin is a City Desk reporter at The Korea Times, covering social issues, tourism and taekwondo. She is passionate about speaking up for the rights of minorities, including women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities and animals as well as discovering the latest makgeolli trend in town. Feel free to reach her at lhr@koreatimes.co.kr.
Guide to Seoul’s trendiest autumn fashion districts: Seongsu, Itaewon, Hongdae
Daelim Changgo in Seongsu-dong was originally a rice mill and warehouse in the early 1970s that was converted into cafe and gallery space, and has become a symbol of Seongsu-dong's transition from light industry and manufacturing into one of Seoul’s trendiest neighborhoods. Courtesy of Seoul Tourism Organization
By Lee Hae-rin
As the leaves change color and clothing turns warm, fashion-forward travelers are invited to experience a stylish Seoul autumn in the most iconic fashion neighborhoods, selected by the Seoul Tourism Organization (STO).
From industrial chic in Seongsu to cosmopolitan flair in Itaewon and creative innovation in Hongdae, these neighborhoods offer a fresh look at Korea’s evolving urban landscape.
Seongsu, Korea’s hipster haven
Once filled with light industrial shops and manufacturing, Seongsu — often dubbed "Korea’s Brooklyn" — now sits at the cutting edge of Seoul’s creative fashion scene. Factories and repair shops from the 80s and 90s have been transformed into pop-up stores, avant-garde cafes and exhibition spaces.
Local flagship stores introducing new domestic brands and global fashion houses like Dior both have a strong presence in the neighborhood, creating a cosmopolitan energy amid the area's red-brick buildings. Iconic spaces, including Daelim Changgo and the converted printed shop cafe Zagmach, invite visitors to enjoy an industrial-meets-arts-vibe.
A stroll starting from Yeonmujang-gil reveals the authentic heart of Seongsu, with public art and sculptures, chic multi-brand stores like EQL Seongsu and curated boutiques such as Point of View. The district’s streets are a playground of creativity, filled with vintage stores, indie labels and street art, making the district a place where modern design meets everyday flair.
PDF Seoul, a boutique bookstore and concept space in the Noksapyeong area near Itaewon, is renowned for its focus on photography, design and fashion. Courtesy of Seoul Tourism Organization
Itaewon, where global styles converge
Itaewon, Seoul’s international crossroads, blends dozens of cultures and fashion philosophies into one eclectic district. From bespoke tailoring and vintage finds to designer boutiques and premium international stores, Itaewon is where luxury and individuality thrive.
The area’s history as a home for foreign residents and U.S. military personnel has fostered a history of cultural blending, and today, visitors to its streets will find everything from antique furniture to cutting-edge fashion.
Notable shops include multi-brand boutiques such as Beaker and the art-centric PDF Seoul, where the innovative interior is as photogenic as their collection of art and photography books. The elevated views from the bridges over Noksapyeong Station are a beloved backdrop for social media-worthy pictures, and chic pop-up stores line the side streets.
Itaewon’s autumn festival scene is one of the city's best. One highlight is the Antique and Vintage Festival, scheduled from Nov. 6 to 9, which adds retro flair and energy to the neighborhood's eclectic atmosphere.
A hanbok fashion show is held on Hongdae's Red Road, a pedestrian-friendly theme street merging busking, fashion and culture in Seoul's Mapo District, Sept. 20. Newsis
Hongdae, creative fashion playground
Long recognized as the soul of Korean youth culture, Hongdae pulses with creativity, music and experimental fashion. Rooted in the artistic spirit of the Hongik University area, the neighborhood exploded in the 1990s with indie music and street art — a legacy still visible today.
Flagship stores from brands like Musinsa and Gentle Monster intermingle with buzzing markets and pop-up events. Hongdae’s famed Red Road, a backdrop for buskers and art installations, captures the energy of Seoul’s young trendsetters and is best explored on foot.
In November, the area’s lively alleys and galleries burst with fashion showcases, drawing a mix of students, designers and global trendsetters. The KT&G Sangsangmadang building remains a must-visit hub for concerts and exhibitions, anchoring Hongdae’s reputation as a creative powerhouse with a laid-back, accessible vibe.