Everyday, I’d wonder which million dollar business would be next to move into Garosugil. Garosugil is the upscale, trendy shopping street that happens to be next to Be Mused Korea’s office. I’d pass an eye-sore of iron bars and white plaster that was stacked six stories high. Was it a high-ceiling franchise cafe? A luxe handbag store? I would then scoff at the consumerist culture that had transformed (or tainted) this once charming, quiet, and artsy street full of indie shops into a tourist trap packed with designer brands and glitzy franchises. Come September, the hammering and drilling ceased and the building finally removed its outer plaster. I was wrong. The new building on the block was Garo Golmok.
Introducing Garo Golmok
Garo Golmok (Garo Alley) is known as a ‘community mall’. However, don’t let the word mall fool you. The building is reminiscent of Insadong’s Ssamziegi, with an open courtyard in the center and a winding string of shops that wrap around the courtyard for five stories high. There are five floors of shops, a rooftop, ground level courtyard, and a basement level food market. An abundance of plants, modern and quirky artwork, and calming music set the mood as you step inside. Instantly, I knew this mall would be different.
Shops
Garol Golmok features a variety of boutique and artsy shops. For instance, I saw a handful of independent retail brands, a plant store, a stationery store, and a pet clothing store.
On the highest level, there is a spacious cafe and an area that held an art exhibition when it first opened doors. You can then take your coffee outside to the rooftop. Surprisingly, there were not too many shoppers in the stores. Or maybe it just felt that way because the place is so huge and the energy was pleasantly low-key.
Rooftop
On the rooftop, you can rest on wooden bleachers that give you a scenic view of the Seoul skyline. You can even see Namsan Tower! In addition, you’re surrounded by the open sky which just uplifts your mood.
I liked to look over the railing and people watch the shoppers all the way on the ground level of Garosugil. That’s the moment the sharp contrast between Garo Golmok and Garosugil hit me. Garo Golmok is definitely a haven away from the buzzing shopping energy and materialistic visuals that overflow Garosugil street.
Significance
The unique ambiance of Garo Golmok was actually part of the complex’s intentional design. This eclectic cultural complex was created to take the emphasis off of the consumerist lifestyle symbolized by Garosugil and to bring more immersive and diverse aspects of Seoul culture.
This new courtyard mall definitely brings back a taste of Garosugil’s artsy and charming roots. Visitors can come to experience a new and quirky aspect of Gangnam. Seoulites can escape their hectic work day for a moment to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. We recommend checking it out!
Which Seoul attraction do you want to visit the most?
[wps_products titles=”Oneoseven Rose Vinegar Water, Aqulabo Self Care Kit, The Pure Lotus Jeju Botanical pH Balancing Cleanser” limit=”4″]
