About about Seoul-searching

To begin, let's do a brief orientation of the main popular areas within Seoul.

Seoul is much more than just Myeongdong, Hongdae/Hongik, and Gangnam. There are plenty of other exciting and fun spots to explore that will make your visit truly worthwhile!

Note: This is just in illustration and it's not to scale of the exact points on the map.

Some essential information you may find it useful

• Communications

Unable to communicate or read in the native language? No worries! Just download the Papago app (Apple / Google Play) or use Google Translate. Here’s what I usually do on my trips:

• type the message in English, translate it in Korean, either show the translated message or enable the audio feature

• take a photo of the menu and it will translate the foreign language to your preferred language.

Papago App

• Navigation / Transportation

  I was told that Google map doesn't work in Korea, and should download Naver Map and Kakao Map instead.

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1. Sinsa-dong / Samseong-do / Express Bus Terminal

   1. Express Bus terminal Subway (Goto Mall Undergaround shopping), Banpo bridge

   2. Gentle Monster (sunglasses/specs)

   3. Tamburins

   4. Coex Starfield Library

      
      

2. Yeouido Subway

   a. The Hyundai (shopping Mall)

   b. Yeouido Park

1. Seongsu-ro (reference) / Dongdaemun /

2. Ikseong Hanok village / Anguk / Insadong

Sightseeing

• Cheongdeokgong Palace (UNESCO Heritage Secret Garden, extra entry fee to get in)

Shopping

• NyuNyu Wholesale

• Mimiline Wholesales

• Blue Elephant

• Gentle Monster

• 
  

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Hongdae or Hongik University

Hongdae, named after Hongik University, is a vibrant hotspot in Seoul bursting with youthful energy! Known for its artsy scene, cool cafes, and live music, this district offers an unforgettable mix of street performances, trendy shops, and delicious street food.

Main Hongdae shopping street

My personal preference is to walk along Yeongnam-ro and Donggyo-ro streets. There are many hidden gems cafes and restaurants in the side and back alleys.

Food

1. Kyochon Chicken Hongdae (교촌치킨 홍대점)

   6 Yanghwa-ro 16-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

   Hongdae Exit 9

   Cuisine: Fried Chicken

   
   

2. Myth Jokal Hongdae (미쓰족발 홍대점)

   123-1 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

   Hongdae Exit 9

   Cuisine: Braised pork knuckle

   
   

3. Y0ogane Chicken Galbi (유가네닭갈비 홍대점)

   109 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

   Hongdae Exit 9

   Cuisine: Hotplate chicken

   
   

4. Doma (도마)

   33 Yanghwa-ro 16-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

   Cuisine: K-bbq

   
   

5. Cafe Pokpo

   262-29 Yeonhui-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea

   
   

Shopping

1. Hongdae Exit 5

   AK Plaza Hongdae (same building as Holiday Inn Hotel)

   
   

2. Hongdae Exit 8/9

   Kakao Friends, Olive Young, Musinsa, Hongdae shopping street.

3. NyuNyu Wholesale (Dongdaemun)

4. Mimiline wholesales (Dongdaemun, 3F Jung District, Majang-ro, 30 KR 서울특별시 mimiline 1F)

   
   

Myeongdong

Ikseong Hanok Village