The Hood Report: "Hipjiro", Seoul's Hippest Hideaway!

RIsing star and teen model @parkjiyoon100823 brings kidsy cute to this back alley spot to amplify its already potently pink power to the max.

Nestled in the heart of Seoul lies a hidden gem in the midst of a truly Seoulish mode of gentrification. Euljiro, once an industrial hub, is now at the forefront of Seoul's wave of gendered gentrification, which rides the waves of nostalgia for an analog, film-grain-defined, simpler time. But more than “gentrification,” it may be more apropos to call Korean-style, commercial-space gentrification “ladification” since it is the consumptive habits and aesthetic choices of young women in their 20s and 30s that puts old-school pre-1990s, Korean dabang back into the limelight, has made the retro, Japanese-style highball into a standard drink everywhere, and has young, amateur Korean photographers out in droves with used Canon AE-1 and Nikon FM-2 film cameras shooting up the back alleys of places like Euljiro, which are replete with #vintage backdrops.

Model @definesilla covers the tiny entrance of a person-sized alleyway leading up to the tiny @coffee_hanyakbang traditional dabang-style coffee shop out at the edges of Hipjiro.

It is the mixture of the stinkly, grimy, old back alleys of the city mixed amongst the wide, hypermodern promenades that give Seoul its uniquely surreal, Blade Runner-esque vibe. It’s more than the blend of red and blue lights. It’s the vibrant hybridity of textures, soundscapes, and smells that define a sultry and sexy Seoulishness. After enjoying a Santory Highball and stepping into a back alley to find the bar’s unattached bathroom, you might see a rat skitter away from you. Then wince as you get hit square in the nose by the sharp pungency of one of the city’s antiquated sewer system cisterns wafting up a restaurant’s freshly flushed bean paste stew. And then you find a relatively clean seat in which to fix your makeup before returning to the party. This is Seoul.

Model @raqulaaa blends (literally) perfectly into the back alleys that define Hipjiro in front of a Korean karaoke spot.

In the vibrant streets of Euljiro, vintage charm meets contemporary cool. As one wanders through narrow alleyways adorned with neon signs and street art, each corner unveils a new culinary delight or artisanal craft. From quirky cafes serving up Instagram-worthy coffees to hole-in-the-wall bars pouring inventive cocktails, Euljiro is a playground for the discerning urban explorer.

Model and influencer @jingruus sits amidst the (literal) fire logo of a Hipjiro club,

But it's not just about the gastronomic delights – Euljiro pulsates with creativity. Dive into its maze-like lanes, and you'll stumble upon trendy galleries showcasing the works of emerging artists, design studios pushing the boundaries of innovation, and pop-up shops offering one-of-a-kind finds.

Model @emnitviews visually undergirds the headstone of one of the major buildings in the old Euljiro neighborhood.

Yet, amidst the modern makeover, Euljiro remains rooted in its rich history. Old print shops bustle with noise and the sounds of mini-trucks delivering reams of paper, offering a glimpse into Seoul's fast-industrializing, development-era past while coexisting seamlessly alongside sleek boutiques and chic eateries. This harmonious blend of old and new lends Euljiro an irresistible allure, drawing in locals and travelers alike.

Model @swkdal on the stick of a printing house mini-truck, a working remnant of Euljiro’s history as Seoul’s industrial printing center.

So, whether you're a trendsetter seeking the next big thing or a curious explorer craving authentic experiences, make sure to add Euljiro to your Seoul itinerary. Prepare to be dazzled by its vibrant spirit, where tradition meets trendsetting in the most captivating way.

Model and singer @dora_a98 poses in hip, back alley bar @sipboon_il in what looks to have been a building full of old print shops.