Seoul City Selects 13 'Oregaegae' in Southeast Area for the First Time... Old Scenery Amidst the Building Forest

Selected 13 Long-Standing Shops in Gangnam, Seocho, Songpa, etc., Proposing 4 'Rediscovery' Themed Travel Courses
Reflecting Regional Characteristics Where Old Charm Meets Cutting-Edge Innovation

][Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the 6th, Seoul City announced the selection of 13 new 'Oregaegae' (Old Shops) in the southeastern region, including Gangnam-gu, Seocho-gu, and Songpa-gu. These areas are where cutting-edge technology and old appearances coexist. Oregaegae is another name for the Sino-Korean word Nopo (老鋪), meaning 'old shops that have lasted a long time and are hoped to last even longer.'

Seoul City currently operates 105 Oregaegae across the city, and this is the first time Oregaegae have been selected specifically in the southeastern region. Oregaegae are shops with over 30 years of history in Seoul, or those that have been passed down through two or more generations, or shops where masters and artisans designated as intangible cultural assets continue their skills and values. These shops are selected through recommendations from citizens, district offices, and experts, followed by on-site verification.

The 13 newly selected Oregaegae centered in the southeastern region are ▲5 locations in Gangnam-gu (Mannadang, Mannabunsik, Motungijip, Sangshindang, Jembreoseu) ▲5 locations in Seocho-gu (Duseong Paper, Seowoo Bakery, Ihwa Myeongju, Hillstring) ▲1 location in Songpa-gu (Myeongga Tteokjip) ▲1 location in Guro-gu (Jinseon Audio) ▲1 location in Dongjak-gu (Apple House).

Seoul City proposed four exploration courses under the theme ‘Rediscovery: Old meets New,’ including Rediscovery of Gangnam, Rediscovery of Markets, Rediscovery of Walks, and Rediscovery of Emotions. Detailed information about the Oregaegae and the ‘Rediscovery’ travel courses can be found on the global travel platform TripAdvisor.

Choi Kyung-joo, Director of the Seoul Tourism and Sports Bureau, said, “Oregaegae, which have stayed by our side for a long time, are still preparing to welcome new customers and travelers without change,” adding, “Seoul is a place where you can enjoy travel in various forms, and the local tours we are experiencing now are expected to become themes that global visitors from around the world will seek in the future.”