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

Myeongdong is a bustling shopping district in Seoul that was once renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and endless retail options. Sadly, since the pandemic, it has lost some of its shine, but it still offers a mix of shopping and street food (a few items will easily cost 20,000-30,000wo).

• Located right in the heart of Seoul, Myeongdong is a key tourist hotspot with plenty of hotel options for accommodation, though Airbnb choices are limited. If you’re lucky, you might get a room with a stunning view of Seoul Tower, especially if your window faces Namsan Park.

• Shopping

  • Daiso

  • Olive Young

  • Drug store

• Food

  • Myeongdong Kyoza (there are 2 outlets in Myeongdong)

    29 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

  • Molto Italian Express Bar (directly across from Myeongdong Cathedral)

    73 3F Myeongdong-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

  • Wangbijip Myeongdong kbbq

    26 Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

Ikseong Hanok Village

From Jongno 3-ga Station's Exit 4 and entrance to Ikseondong Hanok Village

Food

• Mil Toast House

30-3 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

• Soha Salt Pond

  : 30-3 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

• SolSot

  South Korea, Seoul, Jongno District, Ikseon-dong, 123-2 1층

• Flippers' Pancakes

  31 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Ikseon-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea