Seoul: A guide to the city's 10 iconic districts (2024)

Seoul is a city that harmoniously blends past and future, tradition and modernity. This dynamic metropolis is made up of numerous districts offering a unique atmosphere and distinct attractions. In this article, EnVols introduces you to 10 iconic districts of South Korea’s capital.

• Jongno
• Myeongdong
• Insadong
• Itaewon
• Hongdae
• Gangnam
• Bukchon Hanok Village
• Apgujeong
• Dongdaemun
• Garosugil

Top 10 neighbourhoods in Seoul

Jongno

Located in the centre of Seoul, Jongno is the quintessential historic district. It is home to a multitude of royal palaces, traditional alleyways known as bukchon hanok, and ancient temples. Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the largest palaces of the Joseon dynasty, is a must-see in Jongno. Of particular note: Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Gyeongho*ru Royal Reception Hall, an architectural masterpiece

This district is steeped in history, and Insa-dong Street is the ideal place to discover traditional Korean art, crafts, culture and cuisine. There are art galleries, ceramic shops and restaurants serving classic Korean dishes. Jongno is a must for lovers of history and culture.

Myeongdong

Myeongdong is Seoul’s shopping Eden. The streets of this district are lined with fashion shops, cosmetics shops, souvenir shops and street food stalls. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion trends or popular Korean beauty products, Myeongdong has everything you need. In addition, street vendors offer local culinary delights such as tteokbokki, spicy rice cakes, and odeng, fish skewers.

Insadong

Insadong is an artistic and cultural district offering a deep dive into Korean arts, craftsmanship and traditions. Insadong-gil Street is lined with art galleries, calligraphy shops and traditional teahouses. Holidaymakers can admire and buy Korean works of art, unique souvenirs and handicrafts.

The area is full of restaurants serving authentic Korean cuisine, with dishes such as bibimbap and bulgogi. Insadong is the ideal place to discover Korea’s rich cultural heritage.

Itaewon

Itaewon is Seoul’s international district, often celebrated for its cultural diversity. There, you can find restaurants serving cuisine from all over the world, fashion boutiques, trendy cafes and, after dark, a lively nightlife. The Itaewon antiques market is a great place to pick up unique treasures and souvenirs. The district is also home to the National Museum of Korea, which houses a vast collection of Korean art and artefacts.

Hongdae

The Hongdae district is the epicentre of Seoul’s art and music scene. Named after Hongik University, it is renowned for its lively, creative streets, full of cafés, bars, clubs and independent boutiques.

Hongik University Street is the perfect place to see street performances, emerging artists perform live and to enjoy street art. The district is also famous for its vibrant nightlife. Hongdae’s clubs are known for their lively parties and selection of music, ranging from K-pop to electronic music.

Gangnam

Gangnam, made famous by Psy’s song Gangnam Style, is the beating heart of modernity and refinement in Seoul. This stylish district is associated with high fashion, trendy nightlife and glittering skyscrapers. It also functions as the city’s business centre, home to many international companies.

A visit to Gangnam should include a stroll along Garosugil Street, a tree-lined avenue packed with designer boutiques, trendy cafés and upmarket restaurants. Gangnam is the ideal district for those wishing to revel in the luxurious side of Seoul.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village is a preserved neighbourhood where visitors can get immersed in Korea’s past. It is famous for its traditional Korean houses, known as hanok. These wooden houses with tiled roofs are precious relics of traditional Korean architecture. This picturesque district offers a striking contrast with the modernity of the Seoul city centre.

To get an insight into Korean history, take a stroll through the winding streets of Bukchon, and visit the local museums retracing the country’s history and culture. Don’t miss the panoramic view from Bukchon Hill, where you can admire the traditional hanok roofs against the backdrop of the modern skyscrapers of the city centre.

Apgujeong

Apgujeong is Seoul’s luxury fashion district. If you like to indulge in some high-end shopping, this is the place to find the latest fashion trends, world-famous designer boutiques and luxury goods. The area is renowned for its high-end shopping malls, including the Galleria Department Store, the Hyundai Department Store, and Louis Vuitton’s flagship shop, with a top-floor cafe designed by architect Frank Gehry.

Dongdaemun

Dongdaemun is a shopping paradise for fashion addicts. This district is known for its giant shopping centres, wholesale markets, cloth stores and clothing shops. The two main shopping centres, Doota and Dongdaemun Design Plaza, are open 24 hours a day, so you can shop at any time of the day or night.

Dongdaemun is also a district famous for its futuristic architecture. The Dongdaemun Design Plaza, designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid, is an architectural masterpiece that houses art exhibitions, cultural events and leisure facilities.

Garosugil

Located in the Sinsa-dong district, Garosugil has a bohemian atmosphere, making it the ideal place to have a walk and enjoy art, fashion and gastronomy. Independent fashion boutiques offer unique clothes and accessories, while cafés and restaurants offer a variety of delicious dishes. Garosugil is also a popular place for street art, with many colourful murals adorning the walls.