The neighborhood, long known as a gathering place for the elderly, has evolved into a vibrant district that draws visitors of all ages. Trendy shops and bustling pocha (traditional Korean pubs) line the streets, transforming the area into a hotspot for young professionals and tourists alike.
However, the district's newfound popularity stands in stark contrast to the adjacent Donui-dong jjokbang village, a shantytown where residents typically occupy one-pyeong rooms (about 3.3 square meters).
![A view of the streets near Jongno 3-ga in Seoul on the morning of July 11 2024 This area becomes crowded with numerous visitors at night AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok](https://image.ajunews.com/content/image/2024/07/11/20240711111002337753.jpg)
![An alley behind the Donui-dong jjokbang village in Seoul photographed on the morning of July 11 2024 At night this street becomes crowded with numerous visitors AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok](https://image.ajunews.com/content/image/2024/07/11/20240711111104493725.jpg)
![A street in the Donui-dong jjokbang village in Seoul on the morning of July 11 2024 AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok](https://image.ajunews.com/content/image/2024/07/11/20240711111155519913.jpg)
![A narrow alley in the Donui-dong jjokbang village in Seoul on the morning of July 11 2024 AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok](https://image.ajunews.com/content/image/2024/07/11/20240711111228190405.jpg)
![A cooling fog system operates in the Donui-dong jjokbang village in Seoul on the morning of July 11 2024 AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok](https://image.ajunews.com/content/image/2024/07/11/20240711111301320242.jpg)
![A notice board in the Donui-dong jjokbang village in Seoul displays advertisements for new tenants on July 11 2024 AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok](https://image.ajunews.com/content/image/2024/07/11/20240711111333972975.jpg)
![A welfare flyer posted on a wall in the Donui-dong jjokbang village in Seoul on July 11 2024 AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok](https://image.ajunews.com/content/image/2024/07/11/20240711111411480331.jpg)
![A sign with encouraging messages for residents installed by a local church in the Donui-dong jjokbang village in Seoul on July 11 2024 AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok](https://image.ajunews.com/content/image/2024/07/11/20240711111503304797.jpg)