Neighborhoods and Districts

Apgujeong Rodeo Street

Apgujeong Rodeo Street is a popular high-end fashion and shopping street located in the upscale district of Gangnam. This is one of the wealthier areas in Seoul. It is here where you will find the latest fashion shopping trends and styles popular in Seoul. And, it is here where you will find stylish shops, cafes, and high-end restaurants.

Buam-dong

Daehangno (College Street)

Daehangno, also known as College or University Street, is a popular youth culture area that is lined with small theaters. Seoul National University was once located here. This lively and youthful area is a great place to catch a show, have a nice dinner, or just wander around. Prior to 1985, this area was known as Sunggyobang, meaning "high respect for teaching."

Haebangchon

Haebangchon, also known as HBC, is a neighborhood located in the Yongsan-gu District of Seoul, Korea.

Hongdae (Hongik University Area)

Hongdae is a vibrant, energetic, and youthful neighborhood and nightlife district popular for indie music, street art, galleries, cafes, and shops. The area is named after the nearby Hongik University (Hongik Daehakgyo), one of the most prestigious fine arts universities in Korea. Since Hongik University was built in 1948, it has gone on to be one of the top art and design schools in the country.

Insadong

Insadong is a popular neighborhood in the heart of Seoul that is often visited by locals and tourists wanting to experience traditional culture of Korea. Streets and narrow back alleys are lined with art galleries, wooden tea houses, restaurants, cafes, and small shops selling arts and crafts. The main street, Insadong-gil, runs for 700 meters from Tapgol Park in the south to Anguk-dong Rotary.

Itaewon

Itaewon is foreigner friendly international district popular for international cuisine restaurants, shops, bars, and clubs that cater to foreigners. The district is located in Yongsan-gu just south of Myeongdong and north of the Hangang River. The best time to visit Itaewon is during the evenings and on the weekends when locals, foreigners, and American soldiers flock here to shop, eat, and party.

Kondae (Konkuk University Area)

Kondae (Konkuk University), is a crowded nightlife area packed with college students, street food, restaurants, and an almost endless amount of bars. The best time to visit is at night when the place is lit up, loud, and packed with lots of hungry people looking for to party and for cheap food and drinks.

Myeongdong

If you are looking for some of the best shopping and eating in Seoul, then start with Myeongdong. This popular district features street food carts, major shopping malls, and entertainment. The dense grid of streets found in this bustling neighborhood is packed with people at all hours of the day looking to enjoy some of the best shopping, street food, and nightlife in all of Korea.

Nowon Culture Street

Nowon Culture Street, located near Nowon Station in northeast Seoul, is a government created entertainment and shopping district known for its nightlife. This district might not be the most well known in Seoul, but it still offers visitors a wide variety of nightlife including restaurants and bars without the huge crowds.

Samcheongdong

Samcheongdong is an upscale neighborhood of Seoul that lies in a scenic area east of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House). The clean water and beautiful mountains in the area inspired the name of this trendy, youthful neighborhood. Surrounded by hills, the neighborhood is famous for its traditional hanok homes and modern, chic art galleries.

Seorae Maeul (Seorae French Village)

Seorae Maeul (Seorae French Village), or French Town, is a small French neighborhood in Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu home to over 500 French and European expats. Over 40% of the French population in Seoul, most who are in the country for business, lives in this small and unique area. Many of the street signs found here are both in Korean, French, and English which adds to the charm of the area.

Last Updated on Feb 29, 2024