Garosugil

Garosu-gil, also spelled Garosugil, is a street and commercial district in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea. The name combines garosu (가로수), meaning tree-lined, and gil (길), meaning street, and it refers to the boulevard known for its rows of ginkgo trees and a convergence of shops. The area is renowned for fashion boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and art galleries.

Location and layout: Garosu-gil runs through Sinsa-dong and its main thoroughfare is a pedestrian-friendly boulevard with narrow storefronts, small side streets, and courtyards. The tree canopy of ginkgo trees, especially in autumn when leaves turn yellow, is a defining feature and draws visitors throughout the year.

History and development: The district evolved from a quiet residential area into a fashion-forward shopping street in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Redevelopment and careful planning preserved the tree-lined boulevard while attracting domestic and international brands, designers, and cafés, establishing Garosu-gil as a trendsetting destination in Seoul.

Today, Garosu-gil is characterized by a mix of high-end and boutique fashion stores, beauty and home decor shops, and a dense concentration of cafés and dining options. It is popular with locals and tourists for shopping, dining, and people-watching, and it has become one of Seoul's recognizable street cultures. The area has also faced debates about balancing development with preserving its character.

Access and location: Garosu-gil is in Gangnam-gu, within walking distance of Sinsa Station on Seoul Subway Line 3, and connected to nearby neighborhoods such as Apgujeong and Cheongdam.