Common Ground, Seoul - Cheonggyecheon is a 5.8 km creek flowing East to West through downtown Seoul.
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Common Ground Seoul

4.1
·833 reviews·, South Korea

A vibrant lifestyle complex built from colorful shipping containers, offering unique shopping, dining, and photo opportunities.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon to evening

Vibrant lights and atmosphere

CrowdMedium
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Common Ground, Seoul - Cheonggyecheon is a 5.8 km creek flowing East to West through downtown Seoul.

Common Ground Seoul

Best Time

Late afternoon to evening

Vibrant lights and atmosphere

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant lifestyle complex built from colorful shipping containers, offering unique shopping, dining, and photo opportunities.

4.1
(833 reviews)

"This entire mall was constructed from shipping containers. Perfect backdrop to practice some photography!"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Perfect for Photography

This spot is a photographer's dream! The shipping container setup offers endless unique backdrops.

🍻 Rooftop Food & Drinks

Head to the top floor for craft beer and food. Great for people-watching and soaking in the vibe.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Shipping Container Architecture

Shipping Container Architecture

Entire complex

A vibrant maze of colorful shipping containers forming a unique shopping and dining destination.

Rooftop Views & Eats

Rooftop Views & Eats

Rooftop level

Enjoy craft beer and people-watching from the top floor, offering a great vantage point.

Unique Boutiques

Unique Boutiques

Various containers

Discover trendy fashion, accessories, and local designer goods in a one-of-a-kind setting.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the 'Gram: It's All About the Aesthetics

Common Ground is renowned for its unique shipping container architecture, making it a prime spot for photos. While there are shops and eateries, many visitors come for the visual appeal and Instagrammable moments rather than extensive shopping. InstagramReddit

Timing is Key for the Vibe

To truly capture the essence of Common Ground, consider visiting during daylight hours for vibrant photos, or in the evening when the lights create a magical atmosphere. Weekends can get busy with locals and tourists alike. Instagram

Best Times

When
Late afternoon to evening
Why
Vibrant lights and atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, great for photos
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

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@thatsojameela
98.1K likes • 2.6M views

📸 Perfect for Photography

This spot is a photographer's dream! The shipping container setup offers endless unique backdrops. InstagramReddit

🍻 Rooftop Food & Drinks

Head to the top floor for craft beer and food. Great for people-watching and soaking in the vibe. Reddit

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86.9K likes • 1.1M views
韓国のおしゃれスポット 建大のCOMMON GROUNDに 行ってきました🥺🥺 コンテナの中にお店が たくさんあっておもしろかった〜🥺 しかも撮影スポット 盛りだくさんでした🥺🥺 . . . #建大 #コモングランド #commonground #ソウル #ソウル旅行 #ソウル旅 #韓国旅行 #韓国映えスポット #映えスポット #海外旅行 #ストレートヘア #ハーフアップ #ブラックコーデ...
acokaraage
991 likes • 0 views

🛍️ Shopping is Secondary

While there are shops, many find items overpriced. It's more about the experience and aesthetics. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of exploring and photo-taking, so comfortable footwear is a must! TikTok

#광고 @absolutvodka 🤍 올여름 마지막을 장식할 가장 핫한 앱솔루트 그라운드 팝업에 다녀왔어요 🫧🤍 올해는 건대 커먼드라운드에서 열렸는데 스티키몬스터랑 콜라보했다고 해요 ㅎ ㅎ 지붕에 앉아있는 거대한 스티키 덕에 백만리 밖에서도 보이는 앱솔루트 그라운드💙~ 미리 칵테일 클래스 신청해서 직접 만들어 본 일카페와 앱솔루트로 만든 네스프레소 마티...
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713 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Perfect for Photography

This spot is a photographer's dream! The shipping container setup offers endless unique backdrops. InstagramReddit

🍻 Rooftop Food & Drinks

Head to the top floor for craft beer and food. Great for people-watching and soaking in the vibe. Reddit

🛍️ Shopping is Secondary

While there are shops, many find items overpriced. It's more about the experience and aesthetics. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of exploring and photo-taking, so comfortable footwear is a must! TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.1
(833 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Common Ground is celebrated for its incredibly unique and photogenic shipping container architecture, making it a must-visit for Instagram-worthy shots. Visitors enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, especially in the evening, and the diverse food and drink options on the rooftop. However, some find the shopping prices to be on the higher side, with the experience leaning more towards aesthetics than extensive retail therapy.

"Another great idea of Shopping Mall 👍 build of cargo containers makes it very funky...
Not much to see here, during my visit they only have Olive Young, Butter, ABC Mart, Vans, some local clothing brands and coffee shop.
If you're looking for cool photo spots then this is place for you 😌"

Piter Halim

"Great setup. Interesting stuff inside. Cool place for pics."

Peter Ryan

"This unique and container based street like market is worth to stop by if you are in the area.

There aren't too much to do or see, but enough to enjoy yourself and to grab a bite and a coffee.
Going in the evening would bring a better vibe.

I like the fact its been built out of cargo containers which brings something differen to a very "blend" neighborhood. Now don't get me wrong, the old buildings surrounding this area combined with the very new and modern does bring a very exciting feel, including, young and hip.

The layout of shops and places have been changed since my last visit but considering the size, it doesn't disappoint.

-tip- it would be better to visit this place as a, if you're in the neighborhood or passing by.
I wouldn't go out here only for this.
Just my personal opinion ☺️🙏✌️"

Soul travel stories

What People Like

Unique shipping container design
Photogenic atmosphere
Rooftop dining and drinks

What People Dislike

Overpriced shopping

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Common Ground is easily accessible via the Seoul subway system. Take Line 2 to Konkuk University Station (건대입구역) and use Exit 6. It's a short walk from there. TikTok

Yes, Common Ground is located in the vibrant Seongsu-dong area, known for its trendy cafes, art galleries, and unique shops. It's also relatively close to Konkuk University, offering a lively atmosphere. Reddit

The Seoul subway system is incredibly efficient and affordable. Consider purchasing a T-Money card for easy tap-and-go travel on subways and buses. TikTok

While there isn't a specific pass for Common Ground, the Discover Seoul Pass or Klook Pass Seoul can be cost-effective if you plan to visit multiple attractions. TikTok

Yes, several bus routes serve the Konkuk University area. Check local bus schedules for routes that stop near the station for convenient access. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Common Ground itself is free. You only pay for any purchases you make at the shops or restaurants within the complex. Instagram

Common Ground typically opens around 11 AM and closes around 10 PM, though hours can vary slightly by season and specific stores. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information. Instagram

The entire complex is designed for photos, and there is no separate admission fee for the 'photo spots.' You are free to explore and take pictures throughout the mall. Instagram

Common Ground often hosts pop-up events, exhibitions, and seasonal decorations. Keep an eye on their social media channels for announcements about upcoming events. Instagram

Since entry is free, there's nothing to book in advance for general access. However, if you plan to dine at specific popular restaurants, making a reservation might be advisable. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The entire complex is a photo opportunity! The colorful shipping containers, the central courtyard, and the rooftop area offer fantastic backdrops. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The unique architecture and vibrant colors make it an excellent location for portraits, fashion shoots, and creative photography. Instagram

Daylight hours offer bright, colorful shots of the containers. In the evening, the complex lights up, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere for photos. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed and encouraged. However, for commercial or professional shoots, it's always best to inquire with the management beforehand. Instagram

Tripods are usually permitted for personal photography, but it's wise to be mindful of other visitors, especially during peak hours, to avoid obstruction. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Common Ground offers a diverse range of dining options, from trendy cafes and food trucks to restaurants serving Korean and international cuisine. The rooftop area is particularly popular for food and drinks. Reddit+1

Some visitors find the food options to be a bit overpriced, typical for popular tourist spots. However, there are also more affordable food trucks and eateries available. Reddit

The Booth offers craft beer and pizza on the rooftop, which is a popular choice for its atmosphere and views. You can also find various Korean street food and casual dining options. Reddit

While options might be limited, you can often find vegetarian dishes at Korean restaurants or specific cafes. It's advisable to check menus or ask staff for recommendations. Reddit

Generally, bringing outside food and drinks into dining establishments is not permitted. However, enjoying purchased items in the common areas is usually fine. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Common Ground offers a visually stimulating environment that can be engaging for children, with its colorful containers and open spaces. While it's not a traditional playground, the novelty of the shipping container mall can be exciting for younger visitors. The rooftop area provides a space for kids to move around a bit more freely, and there are often food options that appeal to children. Instagram

However, it's important to note that the primary focus is on shopping and aesthetics, and some of the boutiques might not be of interest to kids. It's best to manage expectations and perhaps combine a visit with a more child-centric activity nearby. Comfortable shoes are a must for everyone, as there's a lot of ground to cover. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Common Ground is a paradise. The entire complex is a canvas of vibrant colors and unique architectural lines formed by the shipping containers. The interplay of light and shadow throughout the day, and the illuminated spectacle at night, offer endless photographic possibilities. Instagram+1

Experiment with different angles, capture the scale of the containers, and focus on the details of the shops and cafes. The rooftop provides a great vantage point for wider shots of the complex and the surrounding cityscape. Remember to be respectful of other visitors and any private businesses within the mall. Instagram

🛍️ Shoppers Looking for Unique Finds

If you're on the hunt for unique fashion items, accessories, or local designer goods, Common Ground is worth exploring. While some visitors find the prices high, the opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind pieces that you won't find elsewhere is a major draw. Reddit

Focus on the independent boutiques and pop-up stores that showcase local talent. It might take some digging, but you could unearth some hidden gems. It's less about bargain hunting and more about finding something distinctive that reflects Seoul's contemporary style. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Architecture of Common Ground

Common Ground is a groundbreaking retail and lifestyle complex in Seoul, distinguished by its innovative use of over 280 large shipping containers. This architectural marvel creates a vibrant, modular space that feels both industrial and chic. The containers are painted in bright colors, forming a visually striking labyrinth of shops, cafes, and exhibition spaces. It’s a testament to creative urban design, transforming a utilitarian structure into a trendy destination. Instagram+1

The design isn't just for show; it allows for flexibility and adaptability. Shops can be rearranged, and the space can be reconfigured for different events and pop-up stores. This dynamic nature keeps Common Ground fresh and exciting for repeat visitors. The complex is divided into two main sections: 'Market Hall' for fashion and lifestyle brands, and 'Culture Square' for art, food, and entertainment. Instagram

This unique approach has made Common Ground a popular spot for photography enthusiasts and social media influencers, drawn to its distinctive aesthetic. It’s more than just a mall; it’s an experience that blends commerce with art and urban culture, offering a glimpse into Seoul's contemporary creative scene. InstagramReddit

Shopping and Dining Experience

While Common Ground is visually stunning, the shopping experience can be a mixed bag. Many visitors note that the prices for clothing and accessories can be on the higher side, with some items being described as 'overpriced.' Reddit However, this doesn't mean there's nothing to find. You might discover unique, locally made items or trendy pieces from independent designers. It's a place where you're more likely to find a statement accessory or a unique piece of clothing rather than everyday essentials. Reddit

The dining scene at Common Ground is more consistently praised. The rooftop area, in particular, is a highlight, offering a selection of craft beers and food options with a great view. The Booth is frequently mentioned for its pizza and beer, making it a popular spot for socializing and people-watching. Reddit Beyond the rooftop, you'll find a variety of cafes and eateries scattered throughout the complex, offering everything from Korean street food to international flavors. It’s a good place to grab a bite while exploring the unique surroundings. Reddit

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