In newly developed or planned cities, it’s easy to find large supermarkets. However, in the older downtown areas of Seoul, it’s relatively more challenging to find large shopping centers or supermarkets. Finding large-scale stores like E-Mart or Homeplus, which are commonly seen in downtown Seoul, is relatively difficult.
Yeonhui-dong can also be considered a part of the older downtown area of Seoul, which makes it challenging to find large supermarkets there. While you can find an E-Mart near Sinchon Station, it’s not the same scale as the E-Marts you might find in new towns or planned cities.
Additionally, Sinchon Station is always busy with traffic, and parking is not easy to come by. So, even if you have a car, it’s not the most convenient place for everyday shopping.
“Seoul Yeonhui-dong Mart: Saruga Shopping Center”
I was curious about where people in Yeonhui-dong go to buy things. Since it’s not easy to find large supermarkets in the vicinity, I searched the neighborhood thinking I might find a small local mart. That’s when I came across a mart with a unique name: “Saruga.”
As it turns out, Saruga is a neighborhood mart in Yeonhui-dong that sells a variety of unique items. Despite being a local mart, it exudes a rather sophisticated ambiance. At first, I thought it might be a newly established place, but that’s not the case. It’s a neighborhood mart that has been in Yeonhui-dong for over a few decades, much like a longstanding figure in the community.
“An Old Yet Stylish Mart, Like a Cherished Figure in the Neighborhood”
While Saruga, the mart in Yeonhui-dong, has a long history, it doesn’t feel old at all. In fact, it exudes a sense of sophistication. Perhaps this is because they have consistently renovated and upgraded their facilities over the years.
“A Place with Many Unique Products”
They also offer imported products that you might not find in other marts. So, while it has a long history, it can also be considered a mart that keeps up with the latest trends. It’s enjoyable to explore various items at Saruga Shopping Center.
Additionally, in front of Saruga Shopping Center, there are small shops operated by individuals. Here too, you can find a variety of imported products like Japanese snacks.
Especially, personally, I had been somewhat disappointed because I lost a “flat folding umbrella” that I had purchased during a previous trip to Japan. However, in front of Saruga Shopping Center, I was able to find the same umbrella. Of course, it was too expensive at 30,000 KRW, so I didn’t buy it. Instead, I purchased a similar product made by Pierre Cardin for 15,000 KRW, but I’m even more satisfied with it.
“Good Quality, But a Bit Pricey”
They sell fruits, fish, and meat, and overall, it feels clean. However, the quality of the products is good, but the prices are a bit on the expensive side. If you’re looking for slightly cheaper products, you might consider using “365 Discount Mart,” which you can find nearby.
Saruga Shopping Center, a unique-named mart you can find in Yeonhui-dong. It’s not just a fun neighborhood mart with an interesting name; it’s a mart that has been a representative of Yeonhui-dong for decades, much like a cherished figure in the neighborhood. Despite looking like a small neighborhood mart, it also provides parking space, making it a convenient place for shopping, even if you have a car.
“Seoul Yeonhui-dong: Saruga Shopping Center”
- Address: 23 Yeonhui-mal-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
- Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Phone Number: 02-334-2428