In the heart of Seoul there is a bar that tells the story of leather — though calling it simply a bar would be an understatement. More than a place for socialising, more than a concept store, more than a museum, it is a cultural experience that uses leather as a language, a repository of memory and a vision of the future. Its name is GACH, and it was born in the historic district of Sinseol-dong, where for decades artisans and traders shaped an identity that is now at risk of disappearing. Here, leather is not merely décor, but a living narrative — one that is attracting designers, global brands and new audiences alike. We went to visit it, and to discover how it came about you can read “If you’ve never been to a leather bar, follow us to GACH in Seoul” on Lineapelle Magazine.
A bar that tells the story of leather
GACH was born out of the desire to save a neighbourhood that was slowly losing its voice. Its founder and CEO, Yoon Jung Won, grew up among the workshops of Sinseol-dong, when the air was scented with leather and the streets were alive with young creatives in search of materials and inspiration. Today that spirit risks fading away, but GACH brings it back to the surface by turning leather into an emotional journey: a material not just to be looked at, but to be felt. The result is a space that surprises everyone who walks through it — international visitors, designers and global brands alike. All discover that leather can act as a bridge between past and future, between industry and culture.
Cultural projects that create momentum
GACH, then, is not only a commercial venue but also a fully fledged cultural platform. It is a place for conversation, study and imagination. Upcycled leather coasters, collaborations with Korean brands, micro-exhibitions and a map of the district become tools to spark curiosity and awareness. Those who come in for a coffee often leave with the desire to explore the leather streets, buy materials and create something of their own. It is this spontaneous movement that is breathing new life into the district. And while GACH is already looking towards new international openings, its greatest ambition remains local: to transform Sinseol-dong into a true “Gat-gil”, a leather street recognised as a living heritage.
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