The results of a poll for the 100x100 Project to Discover Korea's Top Attractions, a joint program of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization, have been released on the initiative's official website (https://spot100x100.kr), which is linked to the Visit Korea homepage. This Korea.net series introduces 100 travel themes in eight sectors to highlight attractions recommended by the Korean public for foreign visitors.

A woman on Dec. 10, 2025, takes a selfie at an alley of the Euljiro area in Seoul's Jung-gu District. (Korea.net DB)

By Lee Ji Yae

The 100x100 Project to Discover Korea's Top Attractions, as selected by 40,000 Koreans, offers a closer look at their travel preferences.

Rather than flashy attractions, many Koreans look for unique experiences in places rich with stories and leisure in everyday life. The recent trend of seeking things only found in a certain region is clearly evident in the "lifestyle" category.

Korea.net recommends three "analog" destinations known for their retro charm by both domestic and international visitors. Marked by the passage of time, these spaces evoke familiar and nostalgic scenes for Koreans while offering foreign tourists the experience of atmospheres often seen in Korean dramas and films.

The first pick is "Hipjiro," specifically the Euljiro area of Seoul's Jung-gu District referring to the area around Euljiro 3-ga Station and Sewoon and Daelim Arcades. The area is known for its nostalgic scenery of aging alleys blending with a more contemporary vibe.

At night, the neighborhood's Nogari Alley comes alive with people enjoying nogari (dried young pollock) and beer at makeshift tables on the street. Walking along the elevated pedestrian paths of the two arcades are unique shops, cafes and restaurants tucked between old buildings. Bright neon signs, weathered signs and modern spaces come together to create Hipjiro's trademark retro atmosphere.

Once the country's largest printing district where all types of books and printed materials were produced, Euljiro evolved later after young artists and creators gradually moved into its alleys, which were packed with print shops, hardware stores and long-established restaurants.

Cafes, wine bars and eateries began occupying these historical spaces, transforming Euljiro into a Seoul landmark destination where the past and present coexist.

Hipjiro is a short walk from Euljiro 3-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 2 and 3).

Abel Bookstore, located at Baedari Secondhand Bookstore Alley in Incheon's Jemulpo-gu District, has run for over half a century since its opening in 1973. (Korea Tourism Organization)

The second recommendation is Baedari Secondhand Bookstore Alley in Incheon's Jemulpo-gu District. Formed over decades after merchants who sold books from carts gathered there after national liberation in 1945, the area retains its original charm through a harmonius blend of its old alleys and bookstores.

Five used bookstores remain in the alley, each with its own history and character in serving as cultural hubs by hosting poetry readings and literary gatherings. A multipurpose cultural complex inside a renovated historical building also offers hobby activities including knitting and book talks.

The best way to enjoy this area is to slowly browse the bookshelves, discover works long forgotten and explore cultural spaces hidden in corners of the quiet alleys.

Baedari is also famous as a filming location for the 2016 hit K-drama "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God." To get there, walk 10 minutes from Dongincheon or Dowon stations (Seoul Subway Line 1) or disembark from a bus at either Incheon Semiconductor High School or Baedari Samgeori.

Chowon Photo Studio is located within Gunsan Time Travel Village in Gunsan, Jeollabuk-do Province. (Korea Tourism Organization)

The third suggestion is Chowon Photo Studio within Gunsan Time Travel Village of Gunsan, Jeollabuk-do Province.

The building's modest exterior, reminiscent of a 1990s photography studio, and its vintage cameras and snapshot-filled walls evoke the atmosphere of the era when people took pictures, had them developed and carefully added them to their photo albums.

The site was later used in the 1998 movie "Christmas in August," promoting the city government to restore the building. It is now considered one of Gunsan's top destinations for experiencing its modern history.

Old buildings and alleys surrounding the studio offer the chance to explore Gunsan's historic streetscape as well. Visitors can use retro props and scenery for photo ops with the studio as a backdrop, to experience a traditional photo studio, something increasingly difficult nowadays.

To get to Chowon, ride a city bus from Gunsan Express Bus Terminal, disembark near Jungang-ro or Myeongsan-dong and walk.

ljyhwa@korea.kr