Looking for a Euljiro diary shop? Here’s a simple Seoul day trip that Korean diary lovers actually enjoy: buy a good-quality diary near Euljiro 3-ga Station, walk over to Dongdaemun Comprehensive Market for decorating supplies, then put everything together at home. I’m Korean Unni, and I did the whole route to build my own diary.
In Korea, decorating a diary is a hobby of its own. Koreans call it dakku (다꾸, short for 다이어리 꾸미기), and this route gives you everything you need to start.
Step 1: Buy Your Diary at a Euljiro Diary Shop
Get off at Euljiro 3-ga Station. I went to Hanju Diary (한주 다이어리), one of the most popular diary shops among Koreans right now. It sells good-quality notebooks at really low prices, from about 1,000 won (under a dollar) up to around 10,000 won (roughly $7). Exchange rates change, so check the current rate before you go.
The shop is full of pretty notebooks, so browsing is half the fun. I took a long time deciding before I finally bought mine, so give yourself plenty of time.
Where to Find Hanju Diary
- Address: 1F, 2 Chungmuro 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울 중구 충무로4길 2 1층)
- Getting there: From Euljiro 3-ga Station Exit 8, walk toward Myeongbo Art Hall.
- Map: Open Hanju Diary on Google Maps
- Opening hours: Hours can change, so check Naver Map before you go.
Step 2: Shop for Decorating Supplies at Dongdaemun Comprehensive Market
Here’s my secret spot. The neighborhood right next to Euljiro is Dongdaemun, and Dongdaemun Comprehensive Market (동대문종합시장) is where you’ll find decorating supplies. From the subway station it’s a short walk. Just head up to the 5th floor.
The 5th floor sells decorating supplies at retail, so you can buy exactly what you want. There are so many shops and so many kinds of supplies that just walking around is fun. This is where I picked out my diary charms.
Dongdaemun Market is huge, so it can feel overwhelming at first. According to Visit Seoul’s official Dongdaemun Market page, the Dongdaemun Tourist Information Center in front of Exit 14 of Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station is a great place to start if you want some guidance.
Step 3: Put Your Diary Together at Home
I bought two versions of my diary charms and brought them home. Once you attach everything to the binder rings, your very own diary is done. It’s a small project, but it feels great to hold something you made yourself.
Tips for Your Euljiro to Dongdaemun Day Trip
- Use Naver Map to find both stops. Google Maps is unreliable in Korea, so see my guide to Naver Map vs. Kakao Map.
- Set a budget first. Everything looks cute, and it adds up fast. My Seoul travel budget guide can help you plan.
- Get a transit card. Here’s how to get a T-money card for riding the subway between stops.
- Visit the diary shop first. Choose your diary, then buy supplies to match it.
- Want a nostalgic stop too? Read about a real Korean stationery shop (munbanggu).
Euljiro Diary Shop FAQ
Which diary shop did you visit near Euljiro 3-ga Station?
I visited Hanju Diary (한주 다이어리), one of the most popular diary shops among Koreans right now. It’s at 1F, 2 Chungmuro 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul.
What is dakku in Korea?
Dakku (다꾸) is short for 다이어리 꾸미기, which means decorating your diary. It’s a popular hobby in Korea.
How much does a diary cost in Korea?
At the diary shop I visited, notebooks ranged from about 1,000 won to around 10,000 won. Prices vary by shop and product.
Where do Koreans buy diary decorating supplies?
One great place is the 5th floor of Dongdaemun Comprehensive Market, where decorating supplies are sold at retail.
Is the Dongdaemun market close to Euljiro?
Yes, Dongdaemun is the neighborhood right next to Euljiro, so you can easily do both in one day.
Would you choose the diary you buy or the one you decorate yourself? Tell me in the comments, and follow along for more everyday Korea.