Other neighbourhoods to stay in Seoul
Mapo-gu
(Nightlife, shopping, cafés, restaurants, leisure, couples)
If you want an area where you can take a stroll through quiet streets and amall parks during the day and experience the vibrant night live that Seoul is so famous for, after dark, Mapo-gu is the district that has both to offer you, The area around Hongik University located near Hongdae and Hapjeong stations, is known for its great shopping. You can find Korean skincare products, makeup and the most up-to-the-minute fashion pieces. This is also where you find a lot of unique theme-cafes. Perhaps you want to make a DIY phone case or have a snack with furry companions such as cats, dogs or racoons- all these options are possible, accompanied by coffee and other refreshments. If you are looking for something more casual, this area also offers many pretty flower cafes such as Blute café.
The area around Hongik University is also famous for its vibrant night-life. The streets are often filled with people looking for a place to dance, enjoy good food, drinks or enjoy the various street performances.
Another hot spot in Mapo-gu, is the restaurant-filled Yeonnam-dong and the Food Street in Yonggang-dong. Both are 'must sees' for foodies and connoisseurs alike. The market is the place to try authentic Mapo’s dishes, such as marinated grilled meat and charcoal-grilled ribs. If you want to have a leisurely picnic during the sunny summer evenings, you should head to “Yeontral Park”. This is the central park located in the heart of Yeonnam-dong.
Hotels in Mapo-gu
Yongsan gu
(Heritage, museums, food, international, relaxation)
“The dragon hill” or more commonly known as Yongsan district is where history meets the present day. If you are interested in Korean culture, Yongsan is the area for you. Here, you find one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Seoul - Haebangchon. This area is located close to Namsan tower, a world famous landmark, situated in an attractive park. Both are just a step away. Youngsan-gu is filled with museums of Korean history. If you find yourself in Yongsan area on a rainy day or just wish to learn more, you can find The National Museum of Korea and the War Memorial Museum, where important cultural and historical artifacts are displayed, with plenty of interesting information.
If you don’t mind walking uphill, strolling through this neighbourhood on your way to the tower, is a great way to enjoy this quiet and pleasant area. There are plenty of lovely cafes and restaurants to enjoy along the way too.
In the unlikely event that you get tired of Korean food, Itaewon is the place for authentic food from both Europe and the Middle East. There are also a selection of vegetarian and vegan restaurants. This area is very cosmopolitan and most staff at stores, cafés and restaurants speak fluent English.
A great place to stay and relax after sightseeing in Seoul, is the Dragon Hill Spa and Resort. This is a Korean style bathhouse, or jjimjilbang as it is called in Korean. It is an experience that everyone visiting should try at least once. There you can find everything you could ever need: a variety of saunas, heated sleeping rooms, game-rooms, swimming pools, food court and much more.
Hotels in Yongsan-gu
Gangnam-gu
(Shopping, luxury, food, nightlife)
Known as one of the richest areas in Seoul, Gangnam is home to many luxury brand stores such as Chanel and Luis Vuitton, as well as classy department stores and malls. The most famous area to 'shop-until-you-drop' in Gangnam-district is the one around Gangnam station, but the areas of Garousgil and Apguejong are also worth visiting. In these areas you can also find really good restaurants and cafes and while they are on the pricier side, they an authentic taste of Seoul. If somehow these places are not quite right, head to the COEX Shopping mall. This place has it all! Shopping, a movie theatre, variety of restaurants and cafes, and even a large aquarium!
If you are looking to enjoy Seoul’s crazy nightlife in an EDM or hip-hop club, Gangnam is also the place to be!
Gangnam is also where the big Korean entertainment companies such as SM, YG and JYP have their headquarters and studios. If you are lucky, you might get a glimpse of a celebrity or even a pop group while you are there. All those swept along on the Korean wave should head here to perhaps see their favorite artist or maybe just see the building where they spend hours rehearsing.
Hotels in Gangnam-gu
Seodaemun
(River park, boat tour, bars, restaurants)
This district is found in the north-west of the city and is located by the lovely Han River, which flows right through the city. There are tour companies that offer boat trips up and down the river. This is particularly popular at night as you can see all the lights of Seoul. The Seodaemun Prison is quite a haunting place that is well known for its history. It was used by the Japanese to torture and execute Korean political prisoners. It is now a museum but everything in it is original and therefore very moving to see.
As well as the prison, the area is very famous for its drinking areas and the best places are Hongdae and Sinchon. There are university students everywhere and therefore lots of pubs, bars and clubs that even offer “baggy cocktails”. There is a huge amount of accommodation in this area, but guesthouses and hostels, rather than hotels.
Hotels in Seodaemun
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO STAY?