‘Hyemin-dang,’ a well-regarded dessert shop and part of the Euljiro café scene, will cease operations at the end of March because of a redevelopment initiative by Seoul City. Situated near Euljiro 3-ga subway station, the genteel space transformed the once-ordinary alley into a trendy locale frequented by young locals, elderly residents, and foreign tourists alike. The café struggled initially but found its stride as word-of-mouth popularized the charm of the area, and recently attracted a significant number of international visitors as well, constituting 30% of their patrons.

Established in 2014, ‘Hyemin-dang’ developed into one of the first-generation spots that contributed to Euljiro's reputation as 'Hipjiro.' The café's director, Park Yong-beom, emphasized the goal was to create a cozy space for local office workers to escape the routine. After a slow start, the café became popular as trends like ‘vintage’ and ‘retro’ took hold, and it evolved to include viewers snapping photos, capturing the unique atmosphere that the area fostered.

As development plans threaten the identities of Euljiro's cherished spots, the café's closure serves as a poignant reminder of the rapid urban change in Seoul. The management has expressed a desire to preserve the memories associated with the café while acknowledging that the city continually evolves. While ‘Hyemin-dang’ prepares to shut its doors, it leaves behind a history etched in the alleyways, destined to remain in the memories of its visitors as a symbol of Euljiro's transformative culture.