✦ HBC (Haebangchon) Shingheung Market
- A Hip Spot with Old Seoul Charm
If you’re looking for a unique place in Seoul where young locals love to hang out, let me introduce Shingheung Market in Haebangchon (HBC). This neighborhood itself is special — one of Seoul’s oldest residential areas located on the slopes of Namsan Mountain. Because of its high elevation, getting there can be a bit of a workout. Walking up means climbing steep hills, and taking a bus involves a winding ride up mountain roads.
But once you arrive, you’ll understand the appeal. The elevated location gives Haebangchon a romantic view of the Seoul cityscape.
✦ What is “Haebangchon”?
The name Haebang means “liberation,” referring to Korea’s liberation in 1945. After Japan’s colonial rule ended, people returning from overseas, war refugees from the North, and those displaced by the Korean War settled here. That’s how the area became known as Haebangchon — “Liberation Village.”
✦ History of Shingheung Market
Shingheung Market began in the early 1960s and grew rapidly during the 1970s and 1980s when small home-based sewing and knitting factories flourished. At that time, the market was the center of knitwear production.
However, when manufacturing later became automated and factory-based, small workshops disappeared. Visitors declined, buildings aged, and the market gradually became deserted. The narrow alleys and tightly clustered old buildings gave the area a dark, closed-off feeling.
<Old Shingheung Market>
Everything changed in 2016 when Shingheung Market was selected for Seoul’s Urban Regeneration Project. Its purpose was to preserve old buildings but bring new life into the space — transforming the old market into an art and culture district filled with cafes, workshops, and galleries.
<A Gate of the Shingheung Market>
📍 Address: 95-9 Shingheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
✦ Shingheung Market Today — Trendy, Artistic, and Totally Worth a Visit
Today, Shingheung Market has become one of the coolest neighborhoods in Seoul.
The old metal roofs that once blocked sunlight were removed and replaced with transparent roofing. Natural light now floods the walkways, making it bright and pleasant regardless of the weather.
Trendy cafés, stylish restaurants, and small galleries coexist with the market’s original buildings. The result? A neighborhood that feels like a mix of Asia + Europe — narrow alleys with outdoor tables, old walls, and a modern artistic vibe. Some streets feel like Europe, while tight corners and neon signs give off a Hong Kong-like atmosphere.
The market isn’t large, but it’s perfect for:
- grabbing coffee at a rooftop café,
- checking out small shops,
- or enjoying a late-night meal (most places open late and stay open until night).
If you go in the evening, the street looks even more beautiful with glowing lights — though it will be more crowded.
✦ Explore the Area Around the Market
The surrounding neighborhood is just as fun. You’ll find a mix of old houses, trendy cafés, and unique restaurants. As you walk, you’ll occasionally catch a glimpse of Namsan Tower, tangled electrical wires, vintage signboards, and the panoramic Seoul skyline — all creating a nostalgic yet romantic mood.
If you want to experience old Seoul with a modern twist, take your time walking around Shingheung Market and Haebangchon. It’s a place where the past and present coexist beautifully.
Follow the route to Shingheung Market shown on the map and enjoy the unique vibe of Haebangchon along the way.
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