A view of the AmorePacific building in Seongsu-dong, Seoul.

There are many sides to Seongsu-dong, but perhaps it is most commonly known for its alleys and one 40-year-old factory. Every weekend, its streets are thronged with artists and fashionistas who give the area a lively and bustling atmosphere.

Seoul Forest is located on one side of the residential area, which is quite year-round, unlike other parks in Seoul. After you take a walk on the lawn, which stretches on both sides of the fountain at the center, you will immediately face Underground Avenue, a new shopping mall made from container boxes.

An inside look of AmorePacific building in Seongsu-dong, Seoul.

Common Ground is also a shopping mall made from container boxes in Seongsu-dong, where there is a food truck selling barbecued foods in the outdoor space for visitors to have a beer with friends on cool autumn nights.

These two places offer an energetic mood compared to other parts of Seongsu-dong. With its secluded atmosphere, vibrant energy and artistic inspiration, Seongsu-dong is a thriving area of Seoul that offers visitors diverse experiences.

The brand Teal Table, whose head office is in Jagok-dong, with an academy in Sinsa-dong and store in Seoul Express Bus Terminal, recently reopened in Seongsu-dong. The academy on the first basement level offers professional gardening classes, while a showroom stands on the first floor.

The showroom of Teal Table puts all nature-related objects in one place and sells them. Just like the brand's motto, the showroom offers a variety of cacti, flowers, vases, gardening supplies, frames and interior items that are fun to browse.

The red brick building that had been built as a rice mill in the 1970s was used as a warehouse in the 1990s, and it has recently been transformed into a cultural complex that serves as a gallery and café. The quaint beauty of the old red bricks and oxidized iron gate remain perfectly preserved.

Works by famous artists are carelessly and randomly placed in various spots, allowing visitors to encounter them up close. You need to buy a 10,000-won ticket to enter this place on weekends, which entitles you to gallery entry and a complimentary beverage. On weekdays, entry is ticket-free.

Cosmetics products on display inside the Seongsu-dong AmorePacific building, Seongsu-dong, Seoul. (Photos:Amore)

The place is perfect for informal get-togethers as it sells casual dishes like pasta and pizza, as well as craft beers.

Penduka is the Namibian word for “wake up,” and this interior accessories shop is run by the fair trade company The Fair Story.

It sells cushions, aprons and tablecloths sewn and embroidered by Namibian women, and all proceeds go to charity to help the poor and disabled women of Namibia, a country in southern Africa.

There are many products decorated with simple and adorable embroideries, some of which also portray scenes from the daily lives of Namibians.