There are so many interactive stores and pop-ups in Seongsu, but here’s one of the unique ones we’ve found: oilfried.zip. This multi-storey concept space focuses on oil and everything related to it, even showcasing how it’s used!
Oil-Themed Experiences
The concept space is themed after oil. It’s tucked in an alleyway, but you can spot it by the large yellow blob on the side of the building.
There are also yellow decals and posters outside that call your attention. It also lights up at night with a bright yellow glow!
Story Of Oil
Oilfried.zip comprises three floors, each highlighting a different facet of oil. From what I understand, this seems to be a permanent fixture and not a pop-up.
The main experience is on the second floor, which focuses on the chemical composition and markers of different oils.
There’s a laboratory and an oil press, where visitors can watch a demonstration of cold-pressed virgin perilla oil being extracted. You can sample it too!
Unfortunately I didn’t catch this, but it looks quite fun based on their Instagram.
There was also an interactive section where visitors could smell different oils, ranging from cooking oils to sesame oil.
To be honest, there’s nothing much else to do here after these two areas. I liked the novelty and seamless design of the space, though.
The third floor is an open-air garden-cum-seating area where you can take pictures or enjoy their snacks.
The first floor is the same, but has a cool LED wall and standing tables.
Freshly Fried French Fries
What’s the best way to use oil? Deep fry something in it! Following this ideology, oilfried.zip has a food kiosk offering the simplest but tastiest fried food: the humble fry.
Choose from Potato Fries, Potato Balls, Sweet Fries or Banana Fries. They are all priced at 7,900 won.
This includes two free sauces. There are 20 flavours, ranging from Mala Mayo to White Barbecue.
There are also smoothie options, including a Perilla Milk Shake (6,900 won) and Perilla Hot Vanilla Latte (4,700 won).
They offer these colourful flavours, including a Red Papaya Rest & Recharge Smoothie (17,900 won) and Green Caviar Probiotics Antioxidant Smoothie (17,900 won), which remind us of Erewhon (a bougie American health food supermarket).
I tried the Potato Fries and a Perilla Banana Shake (6,900 won). The fries were surprisingly well done! Freshly cut, slowly fried and lightly salted.
They were crisp on the outside but fluffy inside, perfect carriers for the Green Onion Cream (my chosen sauce). A side of perilla oil is provided and you can drip it onto your fries for extra flavour.
I was underwhelmed by the milkshake. There wasn’t any Perilla taste and it tasted like a regular banana shake. Maybe the Erewhon dupe smoothies might be better!
Things To Do In Seongsu
I am constantly amazed that Korea can make anything into a unique, interactive art space. Oilfried.zip is a novel concept, albeit boring at some points, but something I’d consider a ‘hidden gem’ worth popping by if you’re exploring the area!
Check out more things to do in Seongsu:
- Hanib Bagel (한입베이글): Bite-Sized Bagels in Seongsu, Seoul Ranging From Sweet To Savoury
- Rain Report Croissant (레인리포트 크루아상): Rain-Themed Bakery Cafe in Seongsu, Seoul
- Foreplan (포어플랜): Unique Architecture-Themed Cafe in Seongsu-dong Opened By Architects
Oilfried.zip 오일프라이드집 (OFZ)
서울 성동구 연무장길 41-18 1층
41-18, Yeonmujang-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Korea
Nearest train station: Seongsu (성수역, Exit 4)
Open daily. 11am – 10pm
Naver Maps | Kakao Maps
*This was an independent review by MiddleClass
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