There’s no doubt about it: Seoul is one huge city. It’s so massive and overwhelming that a new comer might be fooled into thinking that the alternating spider web of side streets and skyscraper thoroughfares are all there is. That would be a shame since Seoul really does have a bunch of unique neighborhoods with a feel all of their own.
I’ve searched the far flung corners of the Seoul metropolis to bring you the Top Ten neighborhoods in Seoul.
10. Itaewon dong
Where else in Seoul can you find every ethnic dish you could possibly think of packed into a few square blocks? Le Saint Ex, Berlin, Santorini, Macaroni Market, Ali Baba, The Flying Pan Blue, Buddha’s Belly and many more await your arrival. Culture isn’t spared either with the most fabulous museum in Seoul, The Leeum, and the huge central mosque waiting to be explored. Apart from the international cuisine you can also indulge in the many nightclubs, bars, and lounges scattered about. Did I mention the shopping? Luggage, souvenirs, suits, and more await your pocketbooks. It’s a central location that makes getting to any part of the city a breeze. The Hamilton Hotel and IP Boutique hotel will give you a central location to zip around the entire city.
Just a little ways from Itaewon lays the foreigner infused HBC and Gyeongnidan. The fork in the road leads to each area which calms the chaos of Itaewon while still retaining the community and western vibe. Both draw a huge number of expats who can always be found in the cafes, bars, and restaurants like Phillies, Orange Tree, Indigo, and Latte King in HBC or General Rabbit, Lazy Sue, TG Brunch, and Leo’s Deli on Gyeongnidan.
8. Hyewa
Also known as Daehangno or University Street, the area around Hyewa station is one of the thriving theater districts of Seoul. Along with such venues as the Drawing Show Theater (Ziller Hall), Ggamang Theater, Daehangno Live theater, Theater Egg & Nucleus, Hakchon Theater and Arko Arts Theater you can also stop by Chunnyun Jazz bar, Samtoh Gallery, the Handicraft museum, and the Robot museum. Then there’s Pine Tree Street with a ton of shops, bars and restaurants.
Located near the busy streets of City Hall and Gwanghwamun the neighborhood of Samcheon Dong awaits your discovery. Here you can visit the National Folk Musuem, Kukje Gallery, World Jewelry Museum, as well as cafes and restaurants like Nono, Tea Garden, Coin, Coffee Mill, 8 steps and J’s Kitchen. The nearby Blue House can even be toured if you’ve made the proper arrangements. Known for its lively weekend brunch crowds this little part of Seoul promises an afternoon of delights.
6. Myeong-dong
If you want to put the power in power shopper then head off to Myeong dong. Here you’ll find a shopper’s paradise of H&M, Nike, Puma, Guess, Ralph Lauren and others. All you have to do is grab a buddy and drift from boutique to boutique. You can even scoop up a ton of accessories from the many street vendors or grab a quick bite of fried greasy street food.
5. Apgujeong & Cheongdam Sinsa
Now if shopping for shopping’s sake isn’t enough and you’re a diehard, true blue, label whore then you want to take yourself to Cheongdam/Apgujeong. Here the brand names speak for themselves with Vera Wang, Ed Hardy, DKNY, Jil Sander, Prada, and Cartier to name a few storefronts setting up shop on Luxury Good Street. Don’t forget the Galleria Department Store as well as the hot spots like Once in a Blue Moon (jazz), Pierrot Strike (bowling), and Club Circle. Fine dining, fantastic clubs, and fabulous shopping are what Sinsa is all about. The epicenter of the action erupts along the ultra sleek garousu-gil, drawing fashionistas from across the city. Here your dreams of being a fashion plate may come true as you wine and dine at the trendy night spots, bistros, and cafes that dot the street. Whether its tarts at Deux Cremes or a latte at Coffee Smith you’ll find you never want to leave.
4. Insadong
When you want a taste of old Seoul then nothing beats Insadong. Here you can indulge in Buddhist Temple meals, pick up souvenirs for family members, and even dress up in a traditional Korean hanbok. There’s a Guest house and a temple stay to take in how people lived in years gone by. Insadong also boasts a ton of gallery spaces. Nearby stands Jongno Tower and its crowning glory the Top Cloud restaurant.
3. Hongdae
A thriving artistic community bursting with energy and color Hongdae has so much to offer you can’t see or do it all unless you live there. With clubs, restaurants, galleries, bars, bakeries, boutiques, vintage stores, art spaces and coffee houses you’ll never want to leave. Hongdae is the musical epicenter of Seoul bringing together so many genres that your head will spin. Jazz, reggae, hip hop, rockabilly, rock and roll, punk, ska, pop, k-pop, electronic and everything else up, under and in between can be found.
2. Seorae
You don’t have to go to France to have a Parisian experience just get yourself to Seorae village in Banpo dong. There you can get your hands on French cuisine thanks to the French enclave of expats thriving there. Wine, cheese, and baguettes what else do you need?
1. Buam-dong
If you need to escape the fast paced life of Seoul, but don’t care to venture out into the bosom of Mother Nature then I suggest the little neighborhood of Buam-dong. Here you can find get away from it all and have a cup of coffee at Club Espresso or a bite to eat at Stuart’s then venture up to the nearby Yun Dong Ju hill for a fantastic view of the city.
HONORABLE MENTION
In Dongdaemun nitty meets gritty as the power shoppers descend like vultures on a knock off Guccci carcass. Here you’ll come across a smorgasbord of imitation goods sporting so many “designer” labels that you can practically hear Donna Karan and Ralph Laruen gasp in horror. Whether you chose the labyrinth of street vendors or the Doota building it’s a thrifty shopper’s Paradise. Just be ready for a little rough and tumble fisticuffs to get those W10,000 pair of shoes or some not-so-friendly tug of war to get the last pair of jeans in your size. And did I mention the Russian Village and the tons of Indian restaurants
Check out my Myeondong Video below!
This was awesome, wish there were some more neighborhoods listed for my trip to seoul! Did a ton of research, check out this other neighborhoods article. I think it mentions a few more that you might have missed…
http://www.chopsticklounge.com/2015/01/5-must-visit-neighborhoods-in-seoul.html
Hey Mikey I’m glad you found it helpful! I’ll definitely check out chopsticklounge!
Wham bam thank you, maam, my qsuietons are answered!
Um what questions???
the only thing French about Seorae are the white, blue and red paint on the sidewalks to resemble the flag. why do people keep saying it is French? the food is mostly Italian and maybe a little french fusion. where is this french cheese you speak of? I felt going there was a wasted day!
Sure it’s not Montreal or the New Orleans but there are plenty of French things there like the corporations bank renault, carrefour, the french embassy school, wine shops (tour du vin), bakeries and food stores are on the are on the side streets and in summer there’s a musical festival and in winter they have a special christmas market.
I’m sorry if you didn’t have a great time but there are things there if you look.
score: north of the river: 8
south of the river: 2
north of the river OWNS.
other places worth checking north of the river: seongbukdong, bukcheondong, Seoul Forest (Ttukseom)+Keonguk University
Ahhh I didn’t recognize that until you pointed it out! I guess living near Seoul Station has clouded my judgement a tad. I really like Seoul Forest I’ll have to check out those other spots soon!