Striking a Pose on Seoul’s Trendiest Street
As I stepped out of the Sinsa subway station, the first thing that caught my eye was a neon-pink storefront with the words “9 OWLS” shining brightly. I couldn’t resist the urge to veer off the main street and explore this hidden gem. Descending the stairs, I found myself surrounded by racks of vintage clothing – floral dresses, denim jackets, and floppy hats that could have been pulled straight from my grandmother’s closet.
This was just the first of many delightful surprises that awaited me on Garosu-gil, Seoul’s renowned “Style Mile.” Filled with chic boutiques, trendy cafes, and Instagrammable backdrops at every turn, this tree-lined street in the heart of the Gangnam district proved to be a fashion and photography lover’s paradise.
Stylish Shops and Trendy Threads
As I strolled down Garosu-gil, I couldn’t help but admire the impeccably curated window displays of the local fashion labels. At Wonderplace, I spotted both Korean and international brands like Boy London, perfect for adding a touch of urban edge to my wardrobe.
Further down the street, I stumbled upon Neuf Hotel, a multi-story emporium brimming with stylish apparel, accessories, and home decor. As I ascended the stairs, I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d spot any Korean celebrities browsing the racks – apparently, this is a favorite shopping destination for the fashion-forward elite.
But the true gem of Garosu-gil, in my opinion, was 9 Owls – a delightfully quirky vintage boutique that transported me back in time. From the neon-pink facade to the racks overflowing with bold prints and retro styles, every inch of this store was an Instagrammer’s dream. I couldn’t resist trying on a few pieces, including a mustard-yellow sweater that made me feel like I’d stepped out of a 1970s fashion editorial.
Cafes and Treats for the ‘Gram
Of course, no visit to Garosu-gil would be complete without indulging in the area’s abundant cafe culture and Instagram-worthy desserts. As I strolled down the tree-lined street, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sweet treats wafted through the air, luring me in like a siren’s call.
First, I stopped at Coffee Smith, a spacious and chic cafe chain with high ceilings and a laidback vibe. As I sipped on my coffee, I couldn’t help but notice the throngs of people posing for photos in front of the cafe’s sleek, minimalist decor.
But the real star of the show, in my opinion, was Remicone, a dessert shop that had me doing a double-take. Towering soft-serve cones topped with an array of whimsical toppings, from honey caviar to popping sugar, practically begged to be immortalized on my Instagram feed. I couldn’t resist the temptation and opted for the classic “Thunderbomb” – a fluffy, cloud-like creation that drew curious glances from passersby as I savored it on the go.
But the ultimate Instagram experience awaited me at the LINE Friends Store and Cafe. As a fan of the beloved messaging app and its adorable characters, I was giddy with excitement. The cafe’s whimsical decor, featuring life-size statues of characters like Brown and Cony, provided the perfect backdrop for countless selfies. And the desserts, from macarons to cream-filled cakes, were almost too cute to eat (almost).
A Bingsu Break and Matcha Madness
Of course, no visit to Seoul would be complete without indulging in the city’s signature desserts. And Garosu-gil did not disappoint in this regard.
At Sulbing, I treated myself to a towering bowl of their famed Black Sesame Snowflakes Sherbet. The delicate, ice-like flakes were infused with the rich, nutty flavor of black sesame, creating a dessert that was as visually stunning as it was delicious.
For a more matcha-centric experience, I headed to O’SullOC Tea House, a chain known for its high-quality green tea products. From matcha-infused cakes and scones to iced lattes, this cafe provided the perfect respite from my shopping and photo-taking adventures.
A Fashionable Farewell
As the sun began to set on Garosu-gil, I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of sadness at the thought of leaving this vibrant, stylish enclave. With its eclectic mix of boutiques, cafes, and Instagrammable backdrops, this street had become a true fashion and photography mecca – a place where creativity and self-expression reigned supreme.
As I made my way back to the Sinsa subway station, I couldn’t help but wonder when I’d have the chance to return to this sartorial playground. After all, with Hotel Stainn Seoul as my home base, the possibilities for exploring Garosu-gil and the rest of Seoul’s vibrant neighborhoods seemed endless.
