Seoul: What Neighborhood to Stay In
Seoul is the capital of Korea and its largest city. It’s over 2,000 years old and has held title of capital throughout the course of numerous dynasties. More recently, the city has continued to sub-section into various neighborhoods with specific personalities and different areas that house its nearly 10 million residents.
For intel on where to stay in the city, here are a handful of options I suggest.
Hongdae
Hongdae is central Seoul. It’s hip, established, youthful, and of close-knit streets. Hongdae is where you want to stay if you enjoy window shopping and a thriving cafe and boutique food scene. It’s mixed with university student-filled restaurants and easy eateries. Hongdae has the nightlife of a Korean partying dream with bright lights and blasting music until the early morning.
Hongdae has all the charm, Image by Joe Lewandowski
Sindorim
Sindorim is a subdued location to stay, central enough to be immediately by the metro. But with families long-lived in apartments, young and elder that gives it a worn-in neighborhood feel. Even the shopping centers are more locally catered. A quieter yet still amenities-rich area.
A lot of high-story apartments, great Airbnb options around here
Shopping in Sindorim is coherent
Itaewon
Itaewon is where artsy, army, expats and alternative culture of Seoul reside up the hill. With galleries and international eateries, a scene inclusive to the foreign population, you’ll find unusual bars and rooftop flaunts in Itaewon. The neighborhood has narrow walled-in streets to maze through. The mansion from Parasite was in Itaewon and Itaewon has a peculiar old-school vibe. The spots found here are interesting and scenic.
Itaewon is kind of a poetic neighborhood
It’s hilly and has nooks and crannies, beautiful homes mixed with old apartment complexes, abundant shopping and art scenes interspersed throughout
Guro Digital Complex
Guro feels like an arcade area. Bright neon lights are almost typical picturesque of Tokyo, smaller-scale here. Flyers for Korean fried chicken billow into the streets and music invites suited men post work in to have an icey beer.
Lot of fun bars and restaurants, more informal in Guro
It’s somewhat central area but feels somewhat on its own, it’s calm residential and yet has a vibrant nightlife
Gangnam
Gangnam is known for its high rises and the financial district of the city. It also has a cool, down-on-the-ground scene with totally delicious food and cafes.
Lots of good eateries in Gangnam, a bit of an older established career crowd
Myeongdong
Myeongdung is a scenic yet busyyy area. While Gangnam is busier with locals, Myeongdung is busier with foreigners. Chock-filled with street food, beauty stores, international brands, and restaurants on the upper floor of those brand stores, Myeongdung is a buzz.
Myeongdong does draw the crowds, both foreigners and Koreans
Skincare shopping paradise as well as name brands are throughout the area, it feels like the Shinjuku of Korea
Bucheon
Bucheon is outside of Seoul central. It’s somewhat like Guro Digital and expresses bright lights yet with a slightly off-roads feel, small spaces for affordable price points.
Bucheon draws a diverse Asian crowd and is on the outskirts of Seoul
