Unravel the charm of Seoul, where ancient traditions meet vibrant streets. Explore cozy hanoks in Insa-dong and indulge in mouthwatering local cuisine!
South Korea isn’t at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists. However, in recent years, K-pop and Korean food have firmly put the South Korean capital on everyone’s radar. Seoul is a safe city, making it a great destination for families and solo travelers alike. There is something for everyone, with ski resorts, beaches, and vibrant urban areas to explore.
Insa-dong
If you are looking for traditional Korean culture and food, Insa-dong is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Seoul. It is rich in traditional culture, food, and architecture, serving as the center of traditional Korean art.
In this area, you will find:
Loads of shops selling traditional items such as paper, hanbok outfits, and pens, perfect for taking home as gifts.
A pedestrian-friendly main street closed to cars on weekends, featuring stalls and booths.
Opportunities to buy traditional Korean candy and gifts, and even have your fortune told!
If you plan on visiting any of the city’s palaces, this is the best location to stay as it is centrally located.
Myeong-dong
Seoul’s shopping scene attracts millions of tourists every month. If shopping is your primary reason for visiting, consider staying in Myeong-dong. Here, you will find a great selection of shops and boutiques, mostly targeting a youthful crowd, making the area particularly popular with Korean and Japanese students.
If you love Korean beauty and skincare, most major Korean beauty brands have flagship stores here.
Another great reason to stay in Myeong-dong is the food. The main shopping area is closed to cars, allowing the streets to be lined with street food stalls selling: Traditional Korean snacks Unique and adventurous food items to try
However, be prepared for crowds. Myeong-dong can get pretty busy during peak times, with estimates of up to 2 million visitors daily. If you are looking for a tranquil place to stay, it may be worth steering clear of this area.
Gangnam
Gangnam translates to "south of the river," and it feels a world away from the traditional Korean buildings in Insa-dong. Here, skyscrapers loom above displays of glittering neon signs. Most shops and nightlife can be found around Gangnam Subway Station, particularly near exits 10 and 11.
Seoul has a vibrant nightlife, and Gangnam is home to some of the city’s most famous nightclubs and bars. The side streets are also worth exploring, as they are filled with: Bars and pubs
Restaurants serving both Korean and international cuisine Unique shops
Gangnam is known as one of the wealthiest parts of Seoul, so budget-friendly options can be harder to find. However, if you enjoy staying in posh hotels, there are plenty of luxurious accommodations available.
Itaewon
Not everyone is looking for traditional culture when they go on holiday. For some, it’s all about vibrant nightlife and the chance to party with people from around the world in famous clubs and bars.
Until recently, Itaewon was home to the US military base, Yongsan Garrison. With a concentration of US army personnel stationed here, Itaewon has remained popular with tourists and Seoul’s large ex-pat community. Although the US base was relocated to the south of Seoul in 2018, a great cultural mix remains in Itaewon.
Today, there are about 20,000 foreigners living in Itaewon. World Food Street boasts 40 restaurants owned by ex-pats, making it a great place to stay if you enjoy exploring international cuisine. The side streets are packed with: Bars Clubs Pubs
Restaurants serving everything from Ethiopian food to American smokehouse dishes
Sinsa and Apujeong
Sinsa is one of the lesser-known areas of Seoul among tourists, making it a quieter place to stay (though still busy!). Technically part of Gangnam, Sinsa has a more refined, upmarket feel compared to the Gangnam Station area.
The main street, Garous-gil, is tree-lined and filled with K-Beauty brands and shops to explore. If you venture onto the side streets, you will find a good selection of: Cute, stylish coffee shops Trendy restaurants
While there are places serving local Korean food, it is less prevalent here than in other neighborhoods.
A short walk from Sinsa Station is Apujeong Rodeo, one of the most affluent areas of Seoul. Here, you will find most international designer brands, such as: Dior Chanel Prada
The Galleria department store is also located here.
Jamsil
Seoul is a fantastic place to visit with a family. The city is home to numerous attractions for both young and older children. Jamsil is a modern district in the southeast of the city by the river and was the site of the 1988 Olympic Games. Here, you will find: The Jamsil Basketball Stadium Lotte World Theme Park
Seoul is a great destination to visit, regardless of your travel criteria. With beautiful palaces, vibrant shopping districts, traditional buildings, and delicious food, it should be at the top of anyone’s list. There are several neighborhoods to stay in, each offering something perfect to suit your needs.
Conclusion
I hope this travel guide has provided you with insight into what Seoul, South Korea, has to offer. From modern skyscrapers to palaces and street markets, make sure this destination is on your travel bucket list!
Share
Written by
Nat C
Natalia has traveled the globe with a backpack and a budget, visiting over 50 countries to date. Now, she has swapped her backpack for a babypack and is enjoying the world of family-friendly travel.
