“Golden lake” is the literal meaning of Geumho. Yet you won’t find a lake in the neighborhood of Geumho 4-ga-dong today. Let’s explore this area in Seoul. Geumho 4-ga-dong is a neighborhood within Seongdong District. It is a district full of stories.
The Geumho area is becoming increasingly popular. It is drawing more visitors because of its laid-back vibe. Grassroots efforts are rejuvenating this once sleepy corner of Seoul. Social media buzz is also helping.
Local photographers favor peaks near Geumho 4-ga-dong. Eungbongsan and Maebongsan offer clear views. They show the Hangang River and Seoul skyline. The slopes of Seongdong-gu’s mountains lead to Hangang Park. They also lead to Dalmaji-bong Park. Geumho-dong has independent cafés and fine dining.
Chang Jinwoo is an architect of Itaewon’s hip Gyeongnidan-gil Street. He has opened three restaurants in Geumho-dong. Lesser-known businesses nearby have also appreciated a boost. This boost comes from Chang’s fame. They are benefiting by geographic association.
Geumnidan-gil stretches from Singeumho Station Exit 3 down to Geumnam Market. New ideas sit alongside traditional Korean fixtures here. There is a sun-bleached barber shop and a pastel florist. You will also find whole fried chicken behind a glass display.
Favorable real estate has made the Geumho-dong area highly sought-after. Twenty- and thirty-somethings are moving here. Many are newlyweds and growing families. This has yielded a demand for comfortable places to relax and eat. Young local entrepreneurs are creating these spaces.
In Geumnam Market, Jeff Cho runs Mazinga Dark. This pub in the center of the market offers baked chicken. Up the street, Bottle Sauna imports over 60 varieties of beer. Gimm Gunn opened the bottle shop in May 2017. Residents are enjoying the beer. Gimm encourages a slower beer culture here.
Ella Hyunjin Kim opened Slow Steps bakery next to Geumho Elementary School. She reminds us to feel happiness in daily moments. She chose Geumho-dong because it was easy to commute from. She hopes her shop reinforces the existing relaxed vibes.
Since August 2017, City Bloom has adorned its window with flower arrangements. Jooyeong Son says customers are on the rise. There are many things nearby to attract young people. The bakery and bookstores are among them.
Independent bookstores thrive on Geumnidan-gil. The Library of Proust has used books and books from smaller publishers. Seosilli reflects the same love for literature. Kamome Picture Books calls young readers. It invites them to flip through colorful illustrated books.
Jeojado is located in the upper region of Hangang in Geumho-dong 4-ga. It is an island created after Cheonggyecheon joined Jungnangcheon. It used to be a hill and sandy beach at the center. The island’s name comes from the paper mulberry tree.
Geumho 4-ga-dong is a place where tradition meets modern innovation. It is a neighborhood in transition. Its residents create a unique and welcoming atmosphere. Take your time. Explore its streets. Discover its hidden gems. You will find that Geumho 4-ga-dong has much to offer.