Euljiro Shops in Jung-gu: Unique Gallery Behind Shutters Emerges?

Sponsored by Shinhan Card, 24 Euljiro Tool and Ceramic Tile Market Locations Utilize 43 Old Shutters as Canvases

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Another attraction has been created in Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul.

Jung-gu (Mayor Seoyangho) partnered with Shinhan Card to open the Euljiro Shutter Gallery at 6 p.m. on the 14th.

The Euljiro Shutter Gallery is a street environment improvement design project jointly created by local small business owners and artists. Using 43 old shutters at 24 hardware and ceramic tile stores in the area as canvases, it reimagines the stories of tile, ceramic, and hardware shops that have established this area as the largest hardware and ceramic tile market nationwide for over 50 years into public art pieces.

The opening ceremony was held at the Euljiro-dong Community Service Center, attended by Jung-gu Mayor Seoyangho, Moon Dongkwon, Head of Shinhan Card’s Management Planning Group, the merchants’ association president, and participating artists.

Following the ceremony, a plaque unveiling took place in front of Dongshin Construction Materials, a ceramic tile store, and the shutter gallery tour began, passing through Chungmuro 9-gil, the Euljiro Nogari Beer Alley, and continuing to Chungmuro 11-gil.

Known as a hot spot where trendsetters gather for the younger generation and a place to unwind with a beer for the middle-aged, Nogari Beer Alley has become a representative tourist attraction in Euljiro.

However, the hardware and ceramic tile markets in this area have struggled with business difficulties due to various reasons such as economic slowdown caused by COVID-19, decline in the industry’s growth, and changes in distribution structures.

In response, Jung-gu established a comprehensive plan from January to revitalize the Euljiro alley commercial district, with the first initiative being the 'Euljiro Shutter Gallery' project. As the name suggests, this project applies specialized designs reflecting each store’s identity onto their shutters, transforming the area into a unique gallery.

Thanks to this, surrounding stores have enjoyed improved street environments and distinctive promotional effects, while visitors to Euljiro now have wonderful artworks created by artists to enjoy.

Shinhan Card actively supported this as part of its community contribution activities, and five artists who spread happiness through painting (Kim Geonju, Kim Daye, Kim Seonwoo, 275c, Jackson Sim) participated in the project.

Shinhan Card employees also took part in painting the shutters, adding significance to the coexistence between the community and the company.

From now on, when the shutters of stores in the Euljiro alley area close after business hours, instead of shabby old shutters, a new alley scene filled with vibrant colors telling each store’s story will unfold.

Each shutter reflects the unique characteristics of its store, and the artworks harmoniously blend to transform the area around Euljiro Nogari Alley into an alleyway with renewed vitality even after business hours.