Explore one of Seoul's trendiest spots through architect-led tour of Seongsu

On the paved narrow streets of Seongsu-dong, red-brick shoe factories built during Korea’s mid-century manufacturing boom now stand beside sweeping, glass-fronted flagships and repurposed industrial storehouses. Once a gritty hub for leather workers and cobblers, the neighborhood has earned a reputation as the "Brooklyn of Seoul" — a playground for architectural experimentation where old-world industrial heritage meets ultra-modern design. Now, local authorities are opening the doors to this urban metamorphosis, inviting residents to walk through the neighborhood's living architectural archive alongside professional designers. Seongdong District said it will host its 10th annual "Gagahoho" Architecture Academy from Oct. 26-31 in partnership with the Seongdong Architects Association. The weeklong initiative culminates on Oct. 31 with an architect-led walking tour through Seongsu-dong’s most famous structures, offering 20 local residents an insider’s look at the precinct's spatial evolution. Led by four professional architects, the tour will set off from the local Footwear Theme Pa