Yangjae-dong: Seoul's Unexpected Automotive Paradise
On a rainy Tuesday morning, I wandered into Yangjae-dong searching for coffee beans from another neighborhood. My destination was a small roastery near Yangjae Station, but what I ultimately discovered was one of Seoul's most unexpected places. Behind quiet residential streets, past the massive Costco parking lot, a five-story building revealed itself, and behind its glass windows, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Porsches gleamed.
The shock of first seeing the Seoul Auto Gallery remains vivid. How could so many supercars coexist in an ordinary Seoul residential area? This discovery was my first introduction to the duality of Yangjae-dong as a neighborhood.
The Heart of Korean Car Culture
From Yangjae Station Exit 7, a ten-minute walk reveals the sanctuary where Seoul's car enthusiasts gather. Located on Yangjae-daero 11-gil, this five-story building isn't just a used car dealership—it's a condensed space of Korea's automotive culture.
"This isn't just a used car market; it's a gallery for people who love cars," building manager Lee Jung-ho told me. He's worked here for five years, witnessing countless cars and the stories of those who seek them.
From the first to the fifth floor, approximately 200 imported used cars are displayed. At first glance, it might not seem extraordinary, but as you ascend each floor, you discover hidden treasures. Vintage Porsche 911s on the third floor, limited edition Ferraris on the fourth, and the most exotic supercars waiting on the fifth.
"We get many photographers on weekends. It's also popular as a date course for couples," Lee said, and indeed, I felt that this place had transformed beyond a simple car market into a cultural space.
Beyond the Showroom: Yangjae's Other Side
Leaving the auto gallery and beginning to explore the neighborhood revealed Yangjae-dong's other face. Hidden from the main roads, old printing houses coexist with modern cafes.
Tucked deep in an alley, Coffee Hanyakbang was one of my treasures. The interior, inspired by a 1970s traditional medicine clinic, transports visitors to the past. The young barista handed me an espresso and said, "My grandfather ran a traditional medicine clinic here for 30 years. Now, coffee has become the medicine."
This is Yangjae-dong—where past and present meet. Old printing buildings have transformed into creators' workshops, and small neighborhood shops have become trendy restaurants. It's changing, yet maintaining its essence.
Where New and Old Intersect
Yangjaecheon Stream is the neighborhood's backbone. In the morning, joggers; at lunch, office workers; in the evening, families strolling. The cafes along the stream offer a respite from the city's busy pace.
At a small restaurant called "Jibbap" near Yangjaecheon Park, owner Kim Min-sook told me about the neighborhood's changes. "Ten years ago, this was just a quiet residential area. Now, weekends are busy with people visiting the auto gallery."
But she welcomed this change. "With more young car enthusiasts, the atmosphere has become more vibrant. New life has been breathed into this old neighborhood."
The Neighborhood's Evolution
Yangjae-dong showcases a typical Seoul transformation story. Until the 1990s, it was merely a transportation hub connecting southern Seoul. With the opening of the Bundang Line, the arrival of Costco, and rising real estate prices, gradual changes began.
The biggest turning point came in 2018 when the Seoul Auto Gallery opened. Originally, this was a typical used car lot, but gradually transformed into a luxury import car center, becoming a sanctuary for car enthusiasts.
"Yangjae-dong is different from other Seoul neighborhoods," local real estate agent Park Cheol-su told me. "Unlike Seongsu or Yeonnam, this wasn't planned development. Automotive culture naturally became its center. That's why it has a more unique charm."
A Perfect Day in Yangjae-dong
My recommended day in Yangjae-dong goes like this: Arrive at Yangjae Station at 10 AM, start the day with an Americano at an alley cafe. Then head to the auto gallery and admire cars for about two hours. Have lunch at a local restaurant, and finish with a walk along Yangjaecheon Stream.
Yangjae-dong is a unique neighborhood that can't be explained by Seoul's urban planning. It's filled with the passion of car lovers, the creativity that transforms old into new, and residents' efforts to maintain their identity amid a changing city.
Next time you want to escape Seoul without going too far, visit Yangjae-dong. A paradise of supercars hidden behind quiet residential streets awaits you. In this place where the shining chrome of supercars meets the aroma of old coffee beans, you'll discover another face of Seoul.
Found during my exploration: The best time to quietly enjoy the Auto Gallery is weekend mornings. Photography is freely available outside, but indoor shots require permission.
What locals tell me: After visiting the Auto Gallery, walk along Yangjaecheon. There, you can fully experience this neighborhood's charm—the simultaneous feeling of urban bustle and natural tranquility.
