SOJE-DONG CAFÉ STREET

Crossroads of Time

Tucked away near KTX Daejeon Station lies a unique neighborhood that seems frozen in time. You might stumble upon this unassuming and somewhat neglected area just a short stroll from the bustling modern Daejeon Station and Korail twin towers. Surprisingly, despite its proximity to the station, there are no glitzy shopping malls or towering skyscrapers here. This hidden gem is none other than Soje-dong's renowned café street, a trendy spot in Daejeon. Join us on a journey to Soje-dong, Daejeon’s Ikseon-dong, where vintage cafés from a bygone era await.

Down the Tracks of History

Soje-dong, a village near Daejeon Station, has a rich history that’s intertwined with the development of the railway. In 1904, as Daejeon Station emerged as a vital transportation hub, the Japan Tourist Bureau found the need to provide accommodations for its officials, engineers, and workers. As a result, the picturesque Sojeho Lake was reclaimed, giving rise to a railroad village. During the 1930s, this village boasted more than 100 houses, including official residences known as gwansa, spread across the North, South, and East areas. Sadly, the Korean War ravaged these homes, leaving only around 40 remaining in Soje-dong today.

Over time, Soje-dong became increasingly isolated from the city center, and its vitality gradually waned. As visitors step into its narrow alleyways, they are transported back in time to the faded charm of what was once a bustling village. The neighborhood’s appearance in movies such as C’est Si Bon, A Taxi Driver, and The Drug King also lend it a certain allure.

A Retro-Style Railway Village

The once-neglected and underdeveloped neighborhood of Soje Railroad Worker Residences has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as a vibrant retro-style destination. It has been revitalized by young artists who have turned it into a cultural hub, breathing new life into its long-dormant streets.

Wandering the narrow alleys full of quaint, low-roofed houses, you'll encounter wooden power poles, the landmark Daechang Barbershop, which first opened its doors in the 1960s and still thrives today, Cheongyang Supermarket, and Gwansa No. 42 and 53, each with its unique character.
Restaurants and cafés in this neighborhood have undergone hanok-style makeovers.

These establishments have garnered attention for their fusion of interiors that appeal to the younger generation and a retro concept that evokes nostalgia among the middle-aged. Thanks to its proximity to Daejeon Station and its growing reputation on social media and among locals, the village continues to draw tourists from near and far.

A Blend of Tradition and Modernity: A Cultural Arts Hub

Soje Railroad Worker Residences holds a unique status as a large-scale worker village, which bears immense historical and cultural significance. Among the 40 remaining houses, Gwansa No. 17, 24, and 51 are officially recognized as cultural properties by Daejeon. Furthermore, in Soje-dong, you'll find the modern railroad cultural heritage trio of Daejeon Station, worker residences, and railroad supply warehouses. Delving further into history, you'll discover the Songja House, once the residence of the esteemed philosopher and politician Song Siyeol, known as Master Song (Songja).

©Korea Tourism Organization

Near this historic house stands the Daejeon Traditional Museum NARAE, where visitors can explore 11 types of Daejeon’s Intangible Cultural Properties and delve into the city’s traditional culture. Visitors have the opportunity to savor both the flavors of traditional culture and the essence of modern sensibility. As a result, Soje-dong serves as a cultural and artistic complex that bridges Daejeon's past and present.

©Korea Tourism Organization

Address│Soje-dong, Dong-gu, Daejeon

Way to go│A 10-minute walk from Exit 4 of Daejeon Subway Station

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©Korea Tourism Organization