If you’re thinking of heading to Seoul, you’re in good company.
Data shows Australians travelling to South Korea is increasing year-on-year.
But where should you base yourself while you’re in town? It’s all about preference…
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Data shows Australians travelling to South Korea is increasing year-on-year. (Getty)Insadong
Picture a pocket-sized Kyoto and you’ve got Insadong, a neighbourhood which is steeped in the arts.
Here, where old Hanok buildings house galleries and cafes you’ll find boutiques which specialise in traditional crafts such as calligraphy brushes and handmade pottery, while in the back streets, quaint tea gardens appeal to those keen on experiencing tea ceremonies.
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Start with a coffee at Brewda, a cafe near the subway stop which does an excellent flat white, then take a stroll up Insadong-gil, the main street.
Most will begin with a stroll around Ssamzigil, a four-storey complex which features over 70 independent boutiques.
Other top stops in Insadong include the Alive Museum (currently under renovation), Museum Kimchikan, and the Beautiful Tea Museum, but don’t miss grabbing a teddy bear cafe from the Ssamziann Cafe and Gallery, and having a cup of tea (or two) at a tea house such as Shin Old Teahouse.
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Picture a pocket-sized Kyoto and you’ve got Insadong, a neighbourhood which is steeped in the arts. (Getty)Myeong-dong
Is Myeng-dong touristy and over-priced compared to other neighbourhoods? Absolutely.
That said, it’s hard to dispute the pulling power of this neighbourhood which serves as one of the premier shopping districts of Seoul (or the convenience of being right by Myeon-dong station (Line 4) which offers easy access to other key areas around the city, including Seoul Station and Hongdae.
This is where you can load up on everything from global brands and K-beauty shops (there’s an Olive Young every few paces, or so it seems), to bagfuls of Nyu Nyu before taking yourself to a nearby Korean barbeque joint.
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The iconic Seoul Tower. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Of course once the sun goes down, you also find row after row of street food stalls, and evening entertainment options which include karaoke rooms (known as noraebang locally) and the ever-popular Nanta Cooking Show, which has been running since the mid-90s.
Remember too, that Seoul Tower, Namdaemun Market and Gyeongbokgung Palace are only a short distance away.
Hongdae
Younger travellers in particular will feel at home in Hongdae, home to Hongik University and therefore, a dedicated student neighbourhood.
This means you can expect a population filled with not only students, but creatives and young professionals, all keen to enjoy Hongdae’s celebrated live music scene as well as its bars and clubs.
Considered one of the more affordable places to eat, drink and socialise in Seoul, you’ll want to start by taking in the energy of Hongik University Street and visiting the Hongdae Art Market before enjoying the kitsch of the Trick Eye Museum (we loved this) as well as some of the quirkier cafes along the way.
For those craving a little greenery, the Gyeongui Line Forest Park runs through the area, so you can make the most of it with a walk.
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Hongdae in Seoul, South Korea (Getty)Gangnam
You probably already know that Gangnam is one of the richest districts in South Korea, a neighbourhood where sports cars are bumper-to-bumper outside the likes of Chanel and Versace.
Before you start looking at hotels in the area, however, you should also know that Gangnam means ‘south of the river’ – which means quite a subway ride away from much of what you might like to see and experience in Seoul.
Once you’re here, you’ll want to do damage to your bank account by visiting the top shopping neighbourhoods of Apgujeong and Cheongdam, before paying your respects to PSY’s Gangnam Style at the Gangnam Style Sculpture, which marks the triumph of K-Pop.
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The Gangnam Style Sculpture, which marks the triumph of K-Pop. (Getty)
Will you have to line up? Should you whip out your own version of the dance while you’re standing under the statue? You know that’s a yes to both.
Be sure to check out the COEX Mall with its Insta-friendly Starfield Library, stroll Garosu-Gill, and for those who prefer their shopping to be a little more affordable, head underground to browse the Gangnum Underground Shopping Area.
Fancy a bike ride or a nature stroll? Head down to Han River where both options are available.
Itaewon
It’s hard to fault Korean food but if you’re tired of eating the same flavour profiles again and again, Itaewon, Seoul’s most multicultural neighbourhood, has got you covered.
Home to expats, military personnel and immigrants from all around the globe, here’s where you’ll find a wealth of Middle Eastern, Thai, Mexican, Indian etc food to break up all the bibimbap.
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Itaewon, Seoul’s most multicultural neighbourhood (Getty)
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It’s not all about food in Itaewon, of course; the neighbourhood is also home to a spade of LGBTQIA+ friendly venues (head for the Homo Hill area where much of this is concentrated), as well as nightclubs, live music venues and speakeasies.
Taking a stroll along 1.4-kilometre Itaewon Shopping Street (located near Itaewon Station) is a great way to get your bearings before tackling Itaewon Street Art, Itaewon Antique Furniture Street, Leeum Museum of Art – and if you can get past the 2022 tragedy – World Food Street.
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