The Rise of Yongridan-gil

“Yongridan-gil”(용리단길) may sound like an unfamiliar name to some, but it’s quickly becoming the haven of Seoul’s next wave of urban cool. The name follows a popular Korean naming trend where “~ridangil” is attached to culturally rich neighborhoods—borrowing from the original “Gyeongridan-gil“(경리단길) near Itaewon that transformed into a hotspot for cafes and indie boutiques. The “-ridangil” suffix itself has become shorthand for places undergoing a kind of creative renaissance, turning forgotten or overlooked streets into trendsetting destinations.

Yongridan-gil—stretching between Sinyongsan and Samgakji Station—was once dominated by military facilities and Yongsan Electronics Market. But in recent years, this neighborhood has started to buzz with artisanal bakeries, small coffee roasters, and curated lifestyle shops popping up in repurposed buildings and quiet alleys. Thanks to its central location, easy transit access, and growing number of Instagram-worthy spots, Yongridan-gil is becoming one of Seoul’s must-know shopping zones.

Kindersalmon (킨더살몬)

📍 Google Map Link
🕒 Operating Hours: 11:00AM – 8:00PM
❌ Closed on Mondays

Redefining Minimalism in K-Fashion

Established in 2013 by designer Minsun Park, Kindersalmon has emerged as a prominent name in Korea’s contemporary fashion scene, celebrated for its minimalist yet distinctly feminine aesthetic. The brand’s philosophy centers on creating timeless pieces that blend subtle sophistication with everyday wearability. Kindersalmon’s designs often feature clean lines, neutral palettes, and refined silhouettes, appealing to modern women seeking elegance in simplicity.​

Kindersalmon’s flagship store in Yongsan offers a curated shopping experience that perfectly reflects the brand’s commitment to quality and refined design. From the furniture to the smallest decorative objects, the thoughtfully arranged interior mirrors Kindersalmon’s signature minimalist aesthetic.

Shirts from Kindersalmon

For me a standout piece from their collection was the Marcella Shawl Collar Shirt. The triangular strap lapel and the hidden button detail all add a sophisticated touch to the minimalist design, making it versatile enough to pair with both casual and formal outfits. One caveat is that the shirt comes in one size only and when I tried it on, I found that the sleeves and overall length were quite tight. I would definitely recommend this for those who prefer a cropped fit rather than oversized shirts.

Monoka’s Room (모노카의 다락방)

📍 Google Map Link
🕒 Operating Hours: 11:00AM – 7:30PM (12PM – 8PM on weekends)
❌ No closed days

Hidden Attic of Gacha and Character Goods

Tucked away on the 4th floor of a small building, Monoka’s Room is a dream destination for those who love nostalgic Japanese collectibles. The store feels like a cozy attic where every corner is filled with adorable surprises. Specializing in character goods and lifestyle items, Monoka’s Room curates a wide selection of beloved characters like as Sanrio and Peanuts.

Another charming aspect of the shop is its gacha (capsule toy) collection, which offers a thrill of discovery for ‘kidult‘ visitors. Instead of traditional gacha machines, one side of the shop was lined with rows of gacha items secretly wrapped in opaque bags. I especially loved the adorable oden and pudding keyrings—which instantly reminded me of the konbini snacks I enjoyed during my Nagoya trip. The store also stocks stationery, accessories, plush toys, and lifestyle goods that reflect a distinctly Japanese aesthetic.

Adorable Japanese Kitchenware

Among the wide variety of offerings, what personally caught my eye were the kitchenware items, particularly the illustrated takoyaki bowls featuring playful octopus motifs and neko cups with sweet cat paw details. These pieces seem perfect not just for daily use at home but also as thoughtful gifts.

Pixel per Inch (픽셀퍼인치)

📍 Google Map Link
🕒 Operating Hours: 1:00PM – 7:00PM*
❌ No closed days

*Note: Temporarily closed for renovations from April 19 to April 30, 2025. Be sure to check their Instagram account for reopening information before planning your visit.

Celebrating Analogue Aesthetics

Pixel per Inch offers unique products that pay homage to the beauty of film photography. The shop embraces a nostalgic yet creative atmosphere, showcasing film cameras and photography-themed accessories.

Beyond its focus on films, Pixel per Inch also offers a curated selection of photography-themed bookmarks, artfully designed books, and vintage postcards. These thoughtfully selected items enhance the nostalgic atmosphere of the store, making it a haven for those who appreciate analog photography.​ I highly recommended this place for retro lovers looking for memorable gifts.

Blue Elephant (블루엘리펀트)

📍 Google Map Link
🕒 Operating Hours: 12:00PM – 8:00PM
❌ No closed days

Affordable Luxury in Eyewear

Blue Elephant has garnered attention for offering stylish eyewear that combines quality craftsmanship with accessible pricing. Often referred to as a more affordable alternative to the high-end brand Gentle Monster, Blue Elephant provides a range of sunglasses and optical frames that cater to fashion-conscious consumers seeking both form and function.​

The first floor of the shop mainly displays sunglasses, but the second floor offers a much wider range of sunglasses and optical glasses. Another delightful surprise on the second floor was the view of cherry blossoms outside the windows, which made my visit in April even more special. I highly recommend visiting this store not only to try on the sunglasses but also to take pictures.

Many of the designs featured bold shapes and contemporary lines, reminding me of Blackpink Jennie’s sunglasses from Gentle Monster. But most items in the store were priced under KRW 50,000, which is significantly cheaper than the glasses at Gentle Monster.

Amore Yongsan (아모레 용산)

📍 Google Map Link
🕒 Operating Hours: 10:30AM – 7:00PM
❌ No closed days

K-Beauty Essentials Straight from the HQ

The Amorepacific building designed by David Chipperfield Architects, is a striking landmark that stands out amidst Yongsan. The façade features a grid of glass and aluminum fins which shimmer beautifully with sunlight, adding a dynamic elegance to the building. The lower floors are designed to be publicly accessible, housing a museum, library, tea room, and retail spaces, to foster a connection between the company and the community. ​

On the second floor of the Amorepacific building, Amore Yongsan offers an immersive experience into the world of K-beauty. The store showcases a comprehensive range of products from Amorepacific’s portfolio, including renowned brands like Sulwhasoo, Laneige, and Innisfree. You can explore skincare and makeup items, receive personalized consultations, and discover the latest innovations in beauty technology.​

Secret Item from Amore Yongsan

While many of the products available at Amore Yongsan can also be found at Olive Young, one standout item exclusive to Amorepacific’s official channels is the Amore Basic 5-Layer Cotton Pads. These premium cotton pads are designed with five layers of ultra-soft cotton, providing a gentle yet effective application of toners and other skincare products.