All the local vibes, none of the tourist traps.
South Korea ’s dynamical capital is one of the most famous — and well - documented — urban center on the satellite . Seoul ’s Ne - lit alleyways , electric night life , hidden legal community , thriving medicine scene , raging karaoke nights , trendsetting style , andworld - class diningcoexist beautifully with its scenic beauty and ancient heritage . It ’s a city that ’s always on the move , but also one whose history is still so present — stiff and solid , almost as unmovable as the Bukhansan Mountain Range looming in the distance . And when you chat this eclectic urban center of 10 million , you instantly become a part of its level .
Perhaps the most interesting thing about Seoul , however , is just how one of the universe ’s largest metropolises still , somehow , maintains a concourse of concealed treasure . You just involve to know where to look .
While living in the southerncity of Busan , I get to know some of the good places to see , eat , and drink in go - to Seoul neighborhoods like Hongdae , Insadong , Itaewon , and beyond . I visit dusty jazz order andmakkoli taproom , wandered the centuries - old Gyeongbokgung Palace , and ate my way through Gwangjang Market . The core of the metropolis ’s sensible horizon , the Seoul Tower , became my Northern Star . I truly felt like I cognise the city from the inside out .
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Yet some of Seoul ’s most interesting , vivacious , and transformative areas remain under the microwave radar for even the savviest of tourer — something I found out when I recently returned to the city after a extend absence . Guided by friends , I was led off more familiar paths and before long encountered a side of Seoul I had n’t known before . These close - rumple areas were still humming with activity , unbelievable flavors , and gorgeous art , yet reassuringly steeped in chronicle and origination .
No trip to Seoul is complete without exploring the highlights , but to rightfully experience the metropolis is to bosom its less - touristy sides with equal vigor . Here are three neighborhoods key to unlock the heart of modern Seoul .
Mullae
South of the Han River , the once - overlooked industrial area of Mullae - dong ( dong means ' neck of the woods ' in Korean ) is develop in popularity as rents go up in more milled districts like Gangnam and Itaewon . And the cool kids have definitely get on — even on a cold Thursday in February , the bars , eating place , and cafes are filled to the rim . It feel at the same time like Seoul ’s intimately - andworst - kept secret .
Even if it ’s yourfirst timein the country , plan to spend at least a Clarence Shepard Day Jr. in Mullae - dong . From funky bar to cover alleyways full of fine art and finish , Mullae rewards urban adventurers . Make a beeline for theMullae Arts Village , arguably the neighborhood ’s biggest attraction for newcomers and locals likewise . scatter along a few narrow alleyways just east of Mullae ’s subway station , this area is a mix of paint murals and cutting - edge gallery .
The coffee bar culture is next level in Seoul , and Mullae - dong stands improbable amongst the metropolis ’s giants . Many of the neighborhood ’s now - close brand and iron factories have been converted into crowded burnt umber shop and saloon , and it seems like every corner of business district Mullae is pay aesthetic homage to its industrial account . seize a hand - dribble coffee — sometimes hard to find in Korea — at the open and airyPont Cafe Mullae , and save way for pastries atRust Bakery , whose second story is home to corking views and even honorable vibes . And just up the route you ’ll findCafe 1953 with Audrey , where you’re able to sipBreakfast at Tiffany’s - theme lattes in a converted storage warehouse dedicated to Hollywood picture Audrey Hepburn ’s stylish legacy .
ongi/Shutterstock
Starlets aside , sometimes the Mullae ’s best moment are the quietest ones . The last metre I wandered the settlement , my ally and I warm up at a minor , nameless kettle of fish - in - the - wall attend ramen . The spicy , steam broth commingle with exhaust fumes from nearby Fe foundries to create a sensational mingling of the neighbourhood ’s solution and its ever - changing present tense .
Hyehwa
A trendy locality about 15 minutes outside of cardinal Seoul , Hyehwa is place to hilly , winding street house a well - preserve fortress , indie theater , and boutique shops . Here , you could explore drawing card all day before attempt refuge in one of the many bars and restaurants at dark . Compared to the renowned Hongdae University dominion a few miles south , this area feels more laid - back while still offering a wealth of experiences around every recess .
Hyehwa ’s core isMarronnier Park . This tree - lined expanse is a nifty station to relax in the hot summer months , but it becomes even more stunning during the fragrant leap blush and autumn ’s colorful bursts . A few blocks south , you ’ll findIhwa Mural Village , whose snaking alleyways are full of eye - catch public art and statues depicting typical Korean biography . This signifier of modern-day construction stands in sharp contrast with nearbyNaksan Park Fortress Wall , which was first built in the late 1300s during Korea ’s Joseon Dynasty and feature sweeping views of Seoul and the mountains of Bukhansan .
Seoul ’s indie theater fit is also headquarter in Hyehwa , with one of the biggest concentrations of performance - arts quad in the metropolis . ARKO Art Center , Tintinhol , Madang Cecil Theater , JTN Art Hall , and more are clustered down on “ Theater Street , ” a modest reach of marquise a few blocks east of Marronnier Park . Hosting everything from musicals toK - popand terpsichore performance , you ’ll quick see why so many of the city ’s arts - loving residents make Hyehwa their home .
*@pont_official_*
Drop some immediate payment at the area ’s touch stationery shops and indie boutique , then get quick to eat . Catering to a multicultural college Thomas Kyd bunch , Hyehwa ’s cuisine leans outside . Here you ’ll find Hong Kong - style dinerJami the Hongperched alongside the country ’s oldest coffee shop class , Hakrim Dabang , which has been pouring Viennese brew since 1956 . On Sundays , seize ube - flavored goody and homemade empanadas atDaehangno Philippine Market . Or go back in time at the undergroundSudowon Bar , where charcuterie and Belgian beer are served by candlelight .
Seongsu
saddle along the city ’s eastern side just north of the Han River wait super - chic Seongsu - dong . Similar to Mullae - dong , Seongsu is eclipse by refurbished factories convert into stylish coffee shops and prevention that pull in the coolest of Seoulites . Yet while Mullae still sports a gritty edge , Seongsu - dong has been completely transformed over the retiring decade . What was once a neighborhood of horseshoe factories and rice manufacturing plant is now one of Seoul ’s voguish territorial dominion , complete with postmodern fine art exhibits , see - and - be - seen nightclubs , headspring - turning architecture , and matcha caffe latte going for 12,000 - won ( about $ 9 USD ) .
A cafe crawl is essential to immerse yourself in the neck of the woods . Sip an espresso in the minimalistRecovery Coffee Bar , or head toTongue Planetfor a more maximalist experience : With colourful plush death chair and a ‘ 70s - hotel look , this oasis of bar , coffee , and art exemplifies quirky Korean coffeehouse cultivation . Later , kick back in with a burnt umber atOUDO , whose onsite gallery and sleek outdoor garden go a long way in justifying Seongsu ’s repute as " the Brooklyn of Seoul . ”
As for chuck , you could try out anything from Italian alimentary paste to Thai flurry - fry and Vietnamese pho , but Seongsu is one of the top areas for strain South Korea ’s splendidly succulent galbi barbecue . Pork short rib are a quintessential part of anyKorean BBQ experience , andDaeseong Galbijust might offer the cream of the crop . Located in the carnivorous enclave ofGalbi Alley , look plentiful sum of money ofbanchanto accompany the mouth - watering costa and other K - BBQ mainstays grill decently at your table .
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All that immaculately marinated nub is certain to will you hungry . Head over toVillain Barin the southerly end of Seongsu , a dimly lit watering trap tailor made for wind down with a classic cocktail or a Nipponese whisky served up with a smiling . Then keep the vigour flowing atBlue Seongsu , a former art studio turned Mediterranean wine-coloured bar . Stocked with a few wooden board , minute wooden barroom , and cozy windowsill trace with wine bottles , this welcome point pride itself on serving some of the best sangaree around .
ARKO Art Center ｜ 아르코미술관
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