Exploring Seoul: My 7 Favourite Neighbourhoods (no Myeongdong or Hongdae!)

Seoul is one of those cities that never runs out of things to discover — and each neighbourhood has its own vibe. Here are 7 of my personal favourites to explore:

1. Seongsu

Trendy and creative, this area is packed with concept stores, cool cafes, and pop-up shops.

Don’t miss:
* So Far 소파 – olive oil & salt ice cream sounds weird, but it’s mindblowing
* Coffee Nap Roasters – a sleek café with quality brews and minimal interiors
* Neungdong Minari – famous for their yukhwe (Korean beef tartare) bibimbap and comforting beef broth with water parsley

2. Apgujeong-ro

Upscale and stylish — expect designer boutiques, curated dessert spots, and very aesthetic cafés.

Faves:
* Jayeondo Salt Bread – freshly baked, perfectly chewy, and just the right touch of salt
* Standard System – known for its honeycomb latte and beautiful, industrial-style interiors

3. Sinsa / Garosugil

We stayed here (at Voco Hotel) and loved the balance — vibrant but not overwhelming, with lots of hidden gems.

Go to:
* Villa Records Bar – chill vinyl bar with great cocktails and music
* Acid House – creative brunch plates and a fun, eclectic vibe

4. Haebangchon

A little artsy, a little grungy — perfect for wandering with no plans.
Tip: Head up to Sinheung Market, a tiny local strip full of indie energy.

Must-try:
* Mr Ahn Craft Makgeolli – small-batch makgeolli with fun pairings like Korean tapas and cheese

5. Mangwon

Less touristy and very local — a food lover’s paradise with a neighbourhood feel.

Try:
* Mangwon Market – bustling street food and affordable bites (look out for hotteok and tteokbokki)
* Always August Roasters – laid-back coffee shop with excellent beans and pastries

6. Anguk

This area blends tradition with trendiness — hanoks, art galleries, and stylish eateries coexist beautifully.

Favourites:
* 서촌가락 Socheon Garak – seasonal Korean dining with hanok vibes
* Cham in Season – the more relaxed, nature-inspired offshoot of Bar Cham, serving elegant cocktails

7. Hapjeong

Close to Hongdae, but without the chaos. A hip, low-key neighbourhood with solid food and chill energy.

Don’t miss:
* Okdongsik Seogyo – comforting pork gomtang rice soup in a no-frills setting
* 카페 진정성 – café literally perched on Yanghwa Bridge with panoramic river views and good coffee

Which one would you explore first? 😄
\#seoul #seoultravel #neighbourhoodguide