A Mini Guide to All the Best Seoul Neighborhoods: What to Do, Where to Eat & What to See in Each of Them

When I first arrived in Seoul, I had no idea how big the city actually was. I showed up with a long list of things I wanted to do, only to quickly realize that most of them were about a 45-minute train ride from each other. And when you have limited time in the city, that honestly just doesn’t work.

That’s when I realized it makes way more sense to explore Seoul by neighborhoods and check off your must-see list that way, instead of zigzagging across the city all day. The problem was, I didn’t actually know which neighborhoods were worth visiting.

So I put together this guide to the best neighborhoods in Seoul, breaking down what you can expect from each area, what to do while you’re there, and where to eat and hang out. This guide covers all the major must-see spots and will help you plan your days in a way that actually makes sense.

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A Mini Guide to All the Best Seoul Neighborhoods: What to Do, Where to Eat & What to See in Each of Them

Best Seoul Neighborhoods — My Experience

Every neighborhood in Seoul honestly has something totally different to offer. When I first booked my stay, I chose an apartment in Mangwon. I knew it was a bit farther from the city center, but I didn’t realize it was over an hour to get to neighborhoods on the other side of the city.

This caused some serious sightseeing problems. One afternoon, I visited Namsan to see N Seoul Tower, then hopped on public transportation all the way to COEX mall to visit Starfield Library in Gangnam, which was another 40 minutes away. After that, it took an hour and twenty minutes to get back home. It was honestly a terrible mistake, all just to check off a few “must-see” spots. And because of that, I barely had time to actually explore the neighborhoods themselves.

Looking back, I would’ve grouped the districts in Seoul way differently. I would’ve visited Gangnam and Seongsu together since they’re close, and paired N Seoul Tower with Myeongdong or Itaewon to make way better use of my time. But when I was planning, I just didn’t know any better. I also didn’t really know what there was to do in each neighborhood beyond walking around.

That’s exactly why I wanted to create this Seoul neighborhood guide, so you don’t make the same mistakes I did. By the end of this, you’ll know which neighborhoods make sense to group together in a day and what to do in each one, so you can actually enjoy the city and do all the best things in Seoul.

8 Seoul Neighborhoods to Visit: Where to Go & What to Do

Seoul is massive, and trying to see everything without a plan will have you spending more time on the subway than actually enjoying the city.

This neighborhood travel guide breaks down where to go, what to do in each area, best hotels, and how to group spots together so you can make the most of your time in Seoul.

1. Myeongdong

Myeongdong has always been one of the most popular areas in Seoul. It’s super central, close to major train stations, and makes planning your days a lot easier if you stay here. That said, it is extremely touristy. The shopping streets are always busy, and the night market can get packed.

Personally, I still think it’s worth a visit, and it’s a great place to stay if it’s your first time in Seoul. You’ll find all the popular shops, plenty of good restaurants, and I love that most of the streets are blocked off from cars, which makes wandering around way more enjoyable.

If you don’t stay in Myeongdong, I recommend visiting this area grouped with Namsan and N Seoul Tower, Namdaemun Market, and pairing it with Itaewon, since they’re all close and easy to combine in one day.

Things to do in Myeongdong

Walk the Famous Myeongdong shopping streets
Eat Korean Street Food at the famous night food market
Historic Myeongdong Cathedral
Easy access to nearby attractions like N. Seoul Tower, Namson Park, and Namdaemun Market

Where to eat in Myeongdong

Wangbijip – Fantastic KBBq Spot
Myeongdong Kyoja Main Restaurant – A must eat Michelin Rated dumpling spot
Rewire Coffee – Our favorite cafe in Myeondong

Where to stay in Myeongdong

$$$ Hotel28 – This was our favorite stay in Seoul!
$$ Ibis Ambassador
$ ARA125

2. Hongdae

Hongdae is such a cool neighborhood, and it has a young, energetic vibe that feels totally different from the rest of Seoul. Since it’s located near a university, the area always feels alive, with street performers, late-night food spots, and people just hanging out. There’s a lot happening here, especially in the evenings, and it’s one of those neighborhoods where you can wander without a plan and still have a great time.

My first homestay in Seoul was just a few stops from Hongdae, so I spent a few nights hanging out here and absolutely loved it. I made some really fun souvenirs in this area. You can do that in other neighborhoods too, but I felt like the store Object had the best selection for more eclectic, creative souvenirs.

We also had an amazing dak-galbi dinner here. The grilled chicken and melted cheese were cooked right at the table, paired with soju and beer, and it was honestly the perfect way to kick off a night out.

If you don’t stay in Hongdae, I recommend grouping it with Mangwon and a walk along the river for a more local, laid-back day.

Things to do in Hongdae

Watch street performances and people-watch in the evenings
Shop for eclectic souvenirs at Object, M Playground, and along the Hongdae walking street
Go bar hopping, Hongdae is the best place for nightlife
Picnic on the Han River

Where to Eat in Hongdae

Jangin Dakgalbi Hongdae– The best dinner we had in Hongdae
Vinyl Bar – An eclectic 80’s cocktail bar with some super fresh drinks with an interesting twist!
Bebab Bibimbap Korean Restaurant, Hongdae – A fantastic local spot with loads of options for a good price!

Where to stay in Hongdae

$$Slowon Hongdae
$Bunk Guesthouse

3. Itaewon

Itaewon is another neighborhood I really recommend for first-time visitors. It’s super central and sits on Line 6, which makes getting around Seoul really easy. Oliver and I spent an afternoon wandering around here, and it honestly felt so different from the rest of the city in the best way.

The area has a more international vibe, with loads of small alleyways filled with natural wine bars, cool little shops, and places that feel very local but still easy to navigate. It’s slightly off the typical tourist radar since there aren’t any huge “must-see” attractions, but that’s kind of what makes Itaewon such a vibe.

We were also a little over Asian food by the time we got here. Korean food is amazing, and I have some really good recommendations, but Itaewon was where we went when we wanted something different. From French and Italian to Middle Eastern and more, this is the place to come for great international food and cool, laid-back nights.

If you don’t stay in Itaewon, I recommend grouping it with Myeongdong or Namsan, since they’re close and easy to combine in one day.

Things to do in Itaewon

Visit the Leeum Museum and discover contemporary underground art spaces
Learn about the countries history at the War Memorial of Korea
Explore the neighborhood at any time of day to either cafe hop, shop in korean brand stores, and have a cool night out after eating some amazing food.

Where to Eat in Itaewon

Barboo – A super cool wine bar specializing in french food!
Vatos Urban Tacos – A Mexican Korean fusion that is just too good not to try
Cafe Foyer – A good cup of coffee with a great view and chill vibe
APT Seoul – I have no idea if this is what the ROSE song is about, but the bar is a must stop in Itaewon.

Where to stay in Itaewon

$$ The Designers Seoul
$ H Hostel Itaewon

4. Gangnam

There’s no doubt you’ve heard of the world-famous song by PSY, Gangnam Style, which is honestly what put this area on the map for me in the first place. When I started planning my trip, I knew I wanted to see the Gangnam Style statue and the Starfield Library. I’d seen the Instagram photos and, yes, I wanted them too.

Because of some very poor planning on my part, I ended up missing out on a lot of what Gangnam actually has to offer. The neighborhood is sleek, modern, and a little more polished than other parts of Seoul. It feels fast-paced but put together, with wide streets, stylish cafes, and some of the best food spots in the city. It’s a completely different side of Seoul and one that’s absolutely worth seeing, even if you’re only here for a short time.

Gangnam is a great area to dedicate a full morning or afternoon to exploring, especially if you want a break from the older, more traditional neighborhoods. If you don’t stay here, I recommend pairing Gangnam with Seongsu and a walk through Seoul Forest Park to make the most of your day.

Things to do in Gangnam

Visit the Starfield Library at COEX
See the Gangnam Style statue
Cafe hop and explore the food scene
Walk around Seoul Forest Park nearby
Take a KPop Dance Class at a famous studio

Places to Eat in Gangnam

Ggupdang– The best Michelin Rated Kbbq in Gangnam
Pine & Co – A super cool speak easy bar!
Sinsa Kkotgedang Ganjang Gejang– Gangnams best soy sauce marinated crab
Cafe 413 Project – a really cool urban space with amazing breakfast and coffee

Where to stay in Gangnam

$$ Best Western
$ Aiden by Best Western

5. Ikseon dong

Ikseon-dong is a must-do in Seoul. It’s one of the best preserved historical districts in the city and really showcases traditional Korean architecture. Oliver and I came here one morning before visiting the nearby palaces. A lot of the shops weren’t open yet, so we mostly wandered through the alleyways, grabbed a salt bread from one of the viral spots, and enjoyed a coffee in one of the gardens.

If you visit later in the day, the whole area feels completely different. The traditional hanok lined streets fill up with people, cafes open their doors, and small restaurants and bars start buzzing. It’s definitely touristy, but in my opinion, it’s still a really cool area to explore, especially if you enjoy slower wandering and pretty streets.

Ikseon-dong is also walking distance to Insadong, and I would 100% pair these two neighborhoods together. Between the palaces, hanok streets, cafes, and shops, you can easily make a full morning and afternoon exploring this part of Seoul.

Things to do in Ikseon-dong

Walk the hanok alleyways and explore traditional architecture
Cafe hop and try popular dessert spots
Have a caricature done
Take photos around the historic streets
Explore the nearby palaces like Changdeokgung Palace and Gyeongbokgung Palaces
Visit the Bukchon Hanok Village from 10AM-5PM
Rent a traditional Hanbok Dress

Where to eat in Ikseon-dong

Jayeondo Sogeumppang – One of the best salt breads in Seoul, go early to avoid a line
Brew 3.15 – A cool brewery in Ikseon-dong for beer drinkers and they have a pretty good pizza
Solsot Pot Rice – The steak pot rice was one of my favorite meals in Korea!
Ikseon Chwihyang – Famous pork belly pasta, It’s viral on instagram so there could be a line

Where to stay near Ikseon-dong

$$$ Luxury Hanok Stay Onyou
$$ AWIK Hanok Stay
$ Hanok Hanok Boutique Hotel

6. Insadong

I was on a full-on mission to find postcards in Seoul, and after checking way too many random shops, someone finally told me to try Insadong. I honestly don’t know how we missed this shopping street when we were walking from Ikseon-dong toward Myeongdong, but I’m very glad we circled back.

This area is known for its traditional crafts, art shops, and souvenir stores, and it’s one of the best places in Seoul to pick up gifts that don’t feel mass-produced. You’ll find calligraphy shops, ceramics, tea houses, and little knick knacks to take home. It does get touristy, but it still feels calm compared to places like Myeongdong, and it’s an easy, enjoyable place to wander without a strict plan.

Insadong is right next to Ikseon-dong, so I’d absolutely pair these two together, especially if you’re already visiting the palaces nearby. Between hanok streets, cafes, shopping, and cultural stops, this area makes for a really easy half-day that doesn’t feel rushed.

Things to do in Insadong

Shop for traditional souvenirs, postcards, and handmade crafts on the Insadong Cultural Street
Visit Ssamziegil for unique local shops
Stop at a traditional tea house
Browse art galleries and calligraphy stores
Pair with Ikseon-dong and nearby palaces for a full morning or afternoon

Where to Eat in Insadong

Shin Old Teahouse (Sinyet chatjip)– A traditional tea house with a lovely garden
Bukchon Son Mandu– Delicious dumplings
Menchuru Ramen Bar – A little bit down the road, but a great japanese restaurant
Insadong Sujebi– A fantastic Korean spot with traditional decor, a must try in insadong!
Artist Bakery – Huge variety of salt bread pastries, get it for take away to avoid the wait

Where to stay in Insadong

$$ Moxy
$ Beyond Residence

7. Mangwon

Personally, Mangwon might actually be my favorite neighborhood in Seoul. It’s still pretty under the radar, and there aren’t a ton of tourists wandering around, which instantly makes it feel more local. We stayed here for a couple of nights and while I don’t really recommend staying in Mangwon since it’s a bit far from most major sights, it’s absolutely a must-visit.

Mangwon Market is the heart of the neighborhood and it’s so good. It has local vendors, amazing food, and the prices are really fair. The surrounding streets are packed with vintage shops, low-key boutiques, great restaurants, and some of my favorite cafes in all of Seoul. This is not a rushed, checklist kind of area. It’s perfect for slowing down and just existing for a bit.

I recommend spending a morning or afternoon here and taking it easy. Mangwon is only a couple of stops past the Hongik University Station in Hongdae, so it makes sense to group those two together, and if the weather’s nice, add a stop by the Han River for a picnic. This is very much a chill, no-pressure day of seeing what everyday life in Seoul actually looks like.

Things to do in Mangwon

Eat your way through Mangwon Market
Browse vintage and thrift shops
Cafe-hop at some of the best local spots in the city
Walk around the neighborhood and take it slow
Have a picnic at the river

Where to Eat in Mangwon

Buttercream Factory – Out of this world Portuguese Tarts, go in the morning as they sell out!
In Between – My favorite coffee spot in Mangwon
Kindly– Unique Madeleine pastry flavors with great coffee
Salt House – A european inspired deli, the reuben sandwich was amazing!
Taqueria El Domingo– Some of the best tacos i’ve had in Asia

Where to stay in Mangwon

$ KWon Stay – Great for longterm bookings
$ Oceans Guesthouse

8. Seongsu

Seongsu is definitely one of the most popular neighborhoods in Seoul right now. A year or two ago, it felt like the hipster, cool-kid area, full of converted warehouses, pop-up shops, and creative events happening all the time. In my opinion, it’s gotten a little too popular. A lot of the stores have lines out front, the streets can feel crowded, and it’s not quite the hidden gem it once was.

That said, it’s still a really cool area to explore, especially if you’re into shopping, design, and trendy cafes. Seongsu feels completely different from most of Seoul. Oliver and I immediately said it reminded us of Brooklyn or Melbourne, with industrial buildings turned into sleek cafes, fashion stores, and concept spaces. Expect minimalist interiors, curated boutiques, and places that feel like they were designed specifically to be photographed.

If you want to see a more creative, modern side of the city, Seongsu is worth your time. I recommend pairing it with Gangnam or Seoul Forest to make a full day out of it without bouncing all over the city.

Things to do in Seongsu

Shop at converted warehouse stores in Common Ground and concept shops like Gentle Monster, Tamburins and Rockfish
Cafe-hop at some of the trendiest spots in Seoul
Explore pop-ups and temporary exhibitions
Walk through Seoul Forest nearby
Get some free skin care scans done at the biggest Olive Young in Seoul (make reservations)

Where to Eat in Seongsu

DUMB Seoul – Retro cocktail bar with vinyls playing
Ggupdang Seongsu – best Korean BBQ in Seongsuz
Somunnan Seongsu Gamjatang (Pork Bone Soup) – A super famous spot that locals and tourists love
Cafe Onion – If you want to go to Cafe Onion Anguk but don’t want to wait in line, their branch is Seoungsu is just as amazing
Daelim Changgo – A cafe in warehouse with cool art installations, this was my favorite cafe in Seoungsu!

Where to stay in Seongsu

$$$ The Classic 500 Residence
$$ Pullman Ambassador Seoul
$ Seoul Forest Stay

Final Thoughts on the Best Seoul Neighborhoods in South Korea

And there you have it, a neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide to the different Seoul areas. Hopefully this gives you a clearer picture of how to plan your days, what each area actually feels like, and where it’s worth spending your time once you’re there. Every neighborhood has its own personality, and that’s honestly what makes Seoul such a fun city to explore.

Instead of crisscrossing the city just to tick off famous spots, you can slow down, group nearby neighborhoods together, and really experience them properly. Whether you’re into food, shopping, cafes, nightlife, or just wandering aimlessly with an iced coffee in hand, this guide should help you build days that feel full but not exhausting. Seoul is massive, but with a little planning, it becomes way more manageable—and a lot more fun.

FAQ: Seoul Neighborhoods

Best area to stay in Seoul for the first time

If it’s your first time in Seoul, I’d say Myeongdong or Itaewon are the easiest and least stressful options. Myeongdong is super central, walkable, and makes sightseeing simple, especially if you want to hit a lot of major spots without overthinking transport. Itaewon is also a great choice if you want something a little less touristy, great food options, and easy access thanks to Line 6. Both are solid “home base” neighborhoods.

Is it better to stay in Seongsu or Myeongdong?

They’re honestly very different vibes. Myeongdong wins for convenience and first-time visitors, hands down. Seongsu is better if you’re more into trendy cafes, shopping, pop-ups, and don’t mind dealing with crowds during the day, but the hotels aren’t as good in my opinion. Personally, I wouldn’t stay in Seongsu unless you really love that scene, but I would absolutely visit it for an afternoon.

What is the hipster neighborhood in Seoul?

This one’s easy: Seongsu. Think warehouse cafes, concept stores, pop-up everything, and crowds that make you wonder if everyone got the same memo. It used to feel more underground, but now it’s very much the cool-kid hotspot. Hongdae also deserves an honorable mention for its creative, youthful energy, especially at night.

Is it better to stay in Itaewon or Hongdae?

It depends on what kind of trip you want. Itaewon is better for a central location, amazing international food, wine bars, and a more relaxed-but-cool vibe. Hongdae is louder, younger, and more chaotic in a fun way, especially at night. If nightlife and energy are your priority, Hongdae wins. If you want balance and ease, I’d go Itaewon.

Favorite hidden area of Seoul?

Without a doubt, Mangwon. It still feels local, the market is incredible, cafes are top-tier, and it’s way less touristy than most places on this list. I wouldn’t recommend staying there unless you don’t mind longer travel times, but it’s one of my favorite neighborhoods to just slow down, eat well, and see everyday life in Seoul. Pair it with Hongdae or the river and you’ve got a perfect chill day.