Tasting Note Airbnb: Your Perfect Seongsu-dong Stay in Seoul
Tucked in the heart of Seongsu-dong, Tasting Note Airbnb offers a minimalist yet thoughtfully designed space perfect for longer stays. Located just five minutes on foot from the metro, the apartment places you in one of Seoul’s most dynamic neighbourhoods, a district once dominated by factories, now transformed into a creative epicentre. Often dubbed "Brooklyn of Seoul," Seongsu-dong blends industrial grit with artistic flair. With global pop-ups like Jacquemus and Fujifilm hosting events alongside local spots such as Jogaedo (the home of shellfish BBQ), this neighbourhood thrives on a mix of the avant-garde and the authentic.
The beauty of simplicity
Compact yet cleverly designed, the apartment’s open-plan layout creates a sense of space, effortlessly connecting living, dining, and kitchen areas. Large windows allow natural light to flood in, amplifying the atmosphere of openness. The bedroom continues this minimalist approach with a low-set double bed, making the room feel peaceful and intentional. The living room is the apartment’s heart, doubling as both a comfortable space to work from home or a space to dine. One standout feature is the dark brown shelving, which not only holds books but also practical items like a kettle and microwave, balancing character with function.
One thing you quickly notice in Seoul is how everything is designed with thoughtfulness in mind. Details you never realised you needed suddenly feel essential. Like the umbrella dryers at entrances—so simple, yet so effective. Or the green pedestrian lights embedded in the pavement, a clever adaptation for a city where everyone checks their phone while waiting to cross the street.
Apartments follow the same philosophy—small, considered touches that make daily life easier while creating a sense of warmth. The bathroom is stocked with rosemary shampoo, a local favourite with an invigorating scent, while the pantry holds kitchen essentials that instantly make the space feel lived-in: sesame oil, anchovy sauce, and gochugaru, the backbone of Korean cooking. The kitchen itself is a perfect mix of tradition and functionality, equipped with a heavy stone pot for slow-simmered stews and the iconic gold aluminium noodle pot, found in every Korean home. Even the tableware is thoughtfully selected, making meals feel more intentional.
But what truly made this stay feel personal were the small gestures. The host left us two full bags of jujube tea, a comforting staple for winding down in the evening, along with individually packed Korean decaf coffee from Kanu, a well-known local brand. There was even a neatly prepared set for an impromptu picnic—because in Seoul, life’s details aren’t just about convenience; they’re about making simple moments a little more special.
Coffee 317 from Coffee Nap Roasters – just a few steps away from the Airbnb
Living like a local
Spending several weeks in Seoul, this stay gave us a real sense of daily life in Seongsu-dong. Mornings started at the market just a short walk away, where fresh fish glistened on ice, oysters were neatly arranged in rows, and stacks of vibrant produce lined the stalls. Communicating with vendors—who might not speak much English but always appreciate the effort—became a familiar ritual, adding to the rhythm of the neighbourhood. Bringing home ingredients from these exchanges turned cooking into more than just a meal; it became a way of connecting with the city itself.
The neighbourhood
Seongsu-dong is where Seoul’s creative energy thrives. A mix of repurposed warehouses, concept stores, and independent galleries makes every street feel like a discovery. Mornings are best spent at Double Height, where soaring ceilings and an industrial aesthetic set the tone, followed by a stop at Jayeondo Sogeumppang for their famed salt bread—flaky, golden, and just the right amount of indulgent. The area is constantly shifting, with pop-up exhibitions, design-forward boutiques, and experimental fashion spaces offering something new to explore.
And then there’s the food. Seongsu-dong’s dining scene mirrors its effortless cool—whether it’s sleek, modern spaces pushing creative takes on Korean cuisine or hidden spots that locals swear by. Here are a few places worth visiting:
BEP: Vietnamese cuisine with a Thai twist.
길동우동 성수점: Classic udon noodles, simple and satisfying.
소바마에 니고: A hidden gem for soba noodles and fish soup.
Tacos Minor: A creative take on Mexican classics.
Xiong Mao: A Chinese eatery serving inventive dishes.
Camel Coffee Seongsu: A cosy spot for coffee lovers.
Affair Coffee: One of the best coffee in Seoul.
Beton: Warm soups and salt bread—a local favourite.
Jayeondo Sogeumppang: Famous for salt bread—don’t miss it.
Tanino Seongsu: A relaxed spot for an apéro.
Marly: For a slice of cake and a sesame latte.
Kokkili Bagel: Trendy and spacious, perfect for a weekend visit.
Frolla: An Italian-inspired café where Espresso Tiramisu steals the show.
Coffee Nap Roasters: A coffee shop also located in Jeju Island—now in Seongsu-dong.
In the evening, the neighbourhood continues to buzz. From fusion dishes to local classics, whether at Jogaedo for BBQ or Camel Coffee for a quiet sip, Seongsu-dong provides an endless variety of options.
