Hi, I'm Kathy. I like Seongsu-dong! There are a lot of pop-up stores there, so I'm sure you'll like it. I took this picture when I went to Seongsu-dong. Do you know the Netflix series Squid Game? You can see the character in the picture above at the pop-up store of Squid Game If you're curious, I recommend you come to the pop-up store in Seongsu-dong, Seoul!
I don’t live in Seoul, but there’s a neighborhood in Seoul that I really love—Seongsu-dong. I wanted to take some time to write you a letter because I'm really curious about Turkey—your culture, your food, and your everyday life. But before I ask my questions, I thought I’d first tell you a little about Seongsu-dong, the place I like so much.
Seongsu-dong is a neighborhood located in the eastern part of Seoul, the capital city of South Korea. It used to be an industrial area with lots of shoe factories and old warehouses. But over the years, it has changed into one of the most stylish and creative spots in the city. Many of the old buildings have been turned into unique cafes, art galleries, and local designer shops. It’s the kind of place where you can feel both the history of the past and the modern, artistic vibe of today. I love visiting Seongsu-dong because it’s not as busy as other famous areas in Seoul like Gangnam or Hongdae, but it has its own charm and peaceful energy. The streets are full of creativity, and I always discover something new whenever I go there. Another reason I love Seongsu-dong is because it’s full of fun and exciting pop-up stores. Many famous K-pop artists have pop-up shops there where you can buy special merchandise and limited edition items. You can also find pop-up stores related to Korean beauty (K-beauty), popular variety shows, and K-dramas. It’s a really cool place where you can feel the trends of Korean pop culture all in one spot!
"This is a photo of the NCT DREAM pop-up store that was held in Seongsu last year."
The 2025 Musinsa Beauty Festa was held from May 16 to May 18 across three venues in Seongsu-dong, Seoul: Musinsa Square Seongsu 4, Musinsa Beauty Space 1, and Musinsa Store Seongsu@Daelim Changgo. This event featured interactive booths where visitors could experience a wide range of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and body care, and inner beauty items. A total of 45 emerging beauty brands participated, such as The Tool Lab, Bbia, and Hince. Attendees had the opportunity to try products and collect keyword stamps to determine their "Chugumi" (pursuit beauty) type, receiving a personalized beauty kit based on their results.
These images capture the vibrant atmosphere of the event, showcasing the bustling crowds, brand booths, and the overall excitement of the festival.
Now, I’d really love to learn more about your country—Turkey. I’ve heard so many amazing things about it. Your country has a long and rich history, and I’ve seen pictures of beautiful places like Istanbul, with its grand mosques and colorful markets. Cappadocia also looks like a dream with its fairy chimneys and hot air balloons. Have you ever been there?
I’m also really curious about Turkish food. Here in Korea, we eat dishes like kimchi, bulgogi, and bibimbap, but I want to know what kind of food Turkish people usually enjoy. I’ve heard of kebabs, baklava, and Turkish delight—just the names make me hungry! What are your favorite Turkish dishes? Are there any traditional foods you eat during holidays or family gatherings? And what does a typical breakfast or dinner look like in Turkey? I’d love to try cooking a Turkish recipe if you can recommend one.
Another thing I’m curious about is daily life in Turkey. What do students or young people usually do in their free time? What kind of music is popular? Are there neighborhoods like Seongsu-dong in Turkey where young people like to hang out?
Thank you for reading my letter. I’m really looking forward to learning more about your country, and I hope we can share more stories and experiences in the future. I think it’s exciting and meaningful to connect with people from different parts of the world.
Wishing you all the best from Korea!
Warm regards,Kathy
