5 Must-Visit Neighbourhoods in Seoul

From street food and markets to shopping and cafes, each of Seoul's neighbourhoods offers something different to travellers. As a thoroughly vibrant city, you're going to want to explore as much of it as you can and, surprisingly, it's not too hard to get around either! Whilst we anticipated a language barrier to really hinder our solo explorations, we found it to be a lot easier than expected. Using a T-Money (Metro / MTR / Underground) card, we were able to navigate our way around the city to check out a number of must-see areas. In need of some inspiration for your trip? Get mapping now!

Insa-dong

Insa-dong is your one-stop shop for all things cool Korean and a must-see for tourists as one of the most memorable areas that provides a focal point in traditional Korean culture. With tea houses to sip a hot beverage in and Korean antiques to browse, there's a mixture of past and present that combine to make this a mecca for culture. Comprised of a main street that branches off into different alleys, you'll find everything from cool cafés and museums to arts and crafts stationary and more. The area is a centre for the arts, where painters, craftsmen and art lovers continue to set up shop along the narrow alleys – making it completely unique and rich in experiential opportunities.

Find it: Anguk Station – Line 3, exit 6

Myeong-dong

For those who like to shop 'til they drop, Myeon-dong is your haven. As one of the busiest places in Seoul, this neighbourhood is the premium destination for shopping. With two anchor stores (Lotte and Shinsegae) alongside brand names like Zara, H&M, Forever 21, Innisfree, Korean makeup stores and more taking centrestage, you'll be able to find most luxury brands here. On the other side of the spectrum, inexpensive items can also be bought at street stalls and smaller shops that sell all kinds of weird and wonderful Korean-centric items – KPop band socks anyone? The fun doesn't stop there though. You can continue your shopping spree at Namdaemun Market – the largest traditional market in Korea and one which has over 600 years of history!

Find it: Myeongdong Station – Line 4, exit 6 or Euljiro 1-ga Station – Line 2, exit 6

Samcheong-dong

With Gyeongbokgung Palace to its left and Changdeokgung Palace to its right, Samcheong-dong is famous for its traditional landscape, majestic palaces, artisan cafés and the Bukchon Hanok Village. Here, modern day shops and cafés artfully blend themselves into the traditional landscape, taking up residence in renovated hanok that may otherwise have perished. And, in the midst of all the hustle and bustle, you can escape to the quiet and calming Hanok Village which features traditional Korean housing where the aristocratic class stayed during the Joseon era. A true walk through history.

Find it: Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 2. Walk straight for 10 minutes.

Hongdae

Clubs, bars, cafés and everything in between make up the Seoul neighbourhood that is Hongdae. As the 'cool' hangout in the city, this university neighbourhood is filled with people in their 20s at all hours of the day. It's a hip and lively area that holds a thriving art scene and music scene with street performers, street food, shops, restaurants and more. When in the area, we definitely recommend eating at Apple Samgyupsal – quite easily the best Korean BBQ we've had!

Find it: Hongik University Station – Line 2, exit 9 or Sangsu Station – Line 6, exit 1

Gangnam

If you only visit this area for the name, its still worth it to see Seoul at its most metropolitan. Gangnam is a popular spot for Korean college students who live below the Han River. Whilst there isn't a lot for tourist in terms of sightseeing, this Seoul neighbourhood decorates Psy's rise to glory through displays and music. Lots of it. As you step out of Gangnam Station Gangnam Style is the first thing that you hear. Want to explore further? Just out of the Gangnam Neighbourhood lies Bonguensa Temple, a peaceful location that will dazzle you with its beauty.

Find it: Gangnam Station – Line 2, exit 10,11 or Sinnonhyeon Station – Line 9, exit 5

Ready to get exploring?