With 1.2 Million Visitors Including Tourists... 'Cafe Pokpo' Expands to Second Floor

Operating Various Programs Including Mini Concerts to Welcome Autumn

A view of 'Cafe Pokpo,' recently expanded with a second floor and opened. Provided by Seodaemun-gu.

Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (Mayor Lee Seongheon) announced on the 13th that it has completed the expansion construction of the ‘Cafe Pokpo’?a representative tourist attraction in Seoul?and recently opened the second floor.

‘Cafe Pokpo,’ directly managed by the district, opened last April opposite the ‘Seodaemun Hongje Waterfall’ and has since attracted over 1.2 million visitors. It has become known worldwide through global social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.

According to the district’s own survey, the total number of views of videos related to ‘Cafe Pokpo’ uploaded on various social media platforms exceeded 20 million in the first half of this year, and visitors came from 31 different countries.

Due to the number of visitors far exceeding expectations, the district expanded the second floor of ‘Cafe Pokpo’ to provide a more comfortable environment and convenience. The district plans to use this space for exhibitions and art performances. At the same time, a branch of ‘Cafe Pokpo’ named ‘Cafe Ansan’ was opened inside the nearby Seodaemun Natural History Museum.

Seodaemun-gu is also preparing various autumn programs utilizing the spaces inside and outside ‘Cafe Pokpo.’ On September 26, there will be traditional Korean music and folk performances in collaboration with Chugye University for the Arts, and on October 17, a fusion performance of modern Korean music and electronic music will be held. Following the direct transaction market for Chuseok this month, in October, the ‘Seodaemun Pokpo Day’ youth health program combining yoga and running will be held against the backdrop of Hongje Waterfall.

From October 4 to 5, a ‘K-pop Dance Program’ for both foreigners and locals will take place, and on October 18 to 19, a tentative ‘Pokpo Healing Day’ event for local youth and residents will be held.

A view from the second floor of the recently expanded and reopened 'Cafe Pokpo' in Seodaemun-gu. Provided by Seodaemun-gu.

Meanwhile, the profits from ‘Cafe Pokpo’ are returned to the local community through scholarships. Following the 100 million won scholarship awarded in May this year, the district will provide another 100 million won ‘Cafe Pokpo Happiness Scholarship’ to university students and youth in October. The beverage purchase fees paid by local residents and domestic and international visitors are being used meaningfully.

Mayor Lee Seongheon said, “‘Cafe Pokpo,’ which has emerged as a global tourist attraction, will take a further leap forward through the expansion of the second floor and the operation of the branch,” and added, “We hope many people will show interest and participate in the various events prepared this fall.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.