Haebangchon on Yongsan-gu is one of Seoul's last 'moon' villages. The name translates into 'Liberation Village', and was originally a refugee camp for North Korean defectors and domestic migrants for Koreans from the south.
From a migrant shanty town, it has completely gentrified to become a well, hipster town. The Seoul Metropolitan Government plonked in billions into the village as part of the urban regeneration plan. Still, it's got a lot more cool vibes than anything constructed in Singapore. It simply sprouted organically. The buildings are over 30 years old, and while it's charming, the plumbing and toilets are a nightmare for landlords and tenants. Much of the funds are used to revive and redo sanitation, electricity, heating, water supply, and such.
Shin Heung Art Market is totally taken over by cafes and little retail shops appealing to the young and the tourists. I dunno why, but there're a few Thai restaurants in this area. There're restaurants and ceramic studios that have sprouted around it. I love the Woori Book that's run by a Boss Shibe. LOL
We were up on the hill for that splendid lunch at 소울SOUL, and ended the walk at the bottom of hill with good coffee at Gombal Coffee Roasters. What an absolutely delightful day! Absolutely soul-nourishing. Much needed.
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