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6 Must-Visit Areas in Seoul: From Myeongdong to Gangnam
Seoul is huge. If you only have a few days, it can feel impossible to decide where to go first – Myeongdong, Gangnam, Hongdae, Itaewon, Insadong… they all sound familiar from K-dramas and TikTok.
This guide breaks down 6 must-visit areas in Seoul, what each neighbourhood is known for, and who it’s best for. Perfect if you’re visiting Seoul for the first time and want a mix of shopping, culture, nightlife and cute cafés.
1. Myeongdong – Shopping, Street Food & First-Timer Base
If you’ve seen photos of neon signs, huge skincare shops and busy streets, it was probably Myeongdong.
Vibe:
Busy, bright, tourist-friendly – like a mix of Times Square and an outdoor mall.
Best for:
- First-time visitors who want a central base
- K-beauty and fashion shopping
- Easy access to many main sights
Highlights:
- Myeongdong Shopping Street – endless beauty stores (Innisfree, Etude, Olive Young, etc.), clothes, accessory shops.
- Famous night food market – tteokbokki, hotteok, tornado potatoes, lobster with cheese and more.
- Short subway rides to other famous sightseeing spots: Namsan Tower, Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village.
Tip:
Stay near Myeongdong Station if you want easy subway access and tours that leave from this area.
2. Hongdae – Youth Culture, Nightlife & Street Performances
Hongdae is the student and nightlife district around Hongik University. Think buskers, K-pop dance covers and indie cafés.
Vibe:
Creative, young, loud, fun – perfect if you love music, nightlife and late-night snacks.
Best for:
- Younger travellers and students
- Bar-hopping, clubs, live music
- Café lovers and Instagram spots
Highlights:
- Hongdae Walking Street – street performances, shops, arcades, claw machine cafés.
- Tons of theme cafés (pet cafés, board game cafés, aesthetic dessert cafés).
- Easy AREX train connection to Incheon and Gimpo Airport.
Tip:
Come in the evening or on weekends when the area really comes alive.
3. Gangnam – K-Pop, Skyscrapers & Stylish City Life
Thanks to “Gangnam Style”, this area needs no introduction. Gangnam is Seoul’s modern business and luxury district, south of the Han River.
Vibe:
Polished, busy, high-rise, trendy – business by day, flashy by night.
Best for:
- Those who like city skylines and big malls
- K-pop fans and stylish nightlife
- Shopping for mid- to high-end brands
Highlights:
- COEX Mall & Starfield Library – huge underground mall with an iconic open library and aquarium.
- Gangnam Station area – underground shopping, lots of restaurants and cafés.
- Sinsa / Garosu-gil – tree-lined street with boutiques, galleries and Instagram-friendly cafés.
Tip:
Gangnam is well-connected but spread out – plan your day by “micro-areas” (COEX area, Gangnam Station, Sinsa) so you don’t lose time moving around.
4. Itaewon – International Food, Nightlife & Mixed Culture
Itaewon has historically been the international district of Seoul, with lots of foreign restaurants, bars and expat-friendly spots. It’s close to the former US Army base and still feels very global.
Vibe:
International, diverse, nightlife focused
Best for:
- Trying non-Korean food (Turkish, Middle Eastern, Mexican, Western brunch, etc.)
- Bars and nightlife
- Travellers who want a more international atmosphere
Highlights:
- Global restaurants & bars – great if you need a break from Korean food.
- Nearby Namsan views and side streets like Haebangchon (HBC) with a growing café and food scene.
- The famous K-drama “Itaewon class” has been filmed in this area.
Tip:
Itaewon’s vibe has changed a bit over the years – now it’s more mixed, with some quieter streets and indie cafés as well as bars and clubs.
5. Bukchon Hanok Village – Traditional Korean Houses & City Views
Between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung lies Bukchon Hanok Village, a residential area full of traditional Korean houses (hanok). It’s one of Seoul’s most photographed places – and also a real neighbourhood where people live.
Vibe:
Calm, charming, historical – with some tourist crowds during the day.
Best for:
- First-time travellers
- Anyone who loves traditional architecture
- Photo walks with city + hanok views
Highlights:
- Narrow lanes with rows of hanok and views towards modern Seoul.
- Small museums, workshops and cultural centres hidden in side streets.
- Close to Samcheong-dong, another lovely area with galleries and cafés.
Important:
Bukchon is a residential area. Keep noise low, respect signs and local rules (many streets now have visiting hours because of overtourism).
6. Seongsu-dong – “Brooklyn of Seoul” with Hip Cafés & Concept Stores
If you like less touristy, more local-feeling areas, add Seongsu-dong to your list. Often called the “Brooklyn of Seoul”, it’s full of converted warehouses, designer shops and aesthetic cafés.
Vibe:
Industrial-chic, creative, trendy but more relaxed than Hongdae.
Best for:
- Café-hopping and bakery lovers
- Design shops, pop-up stores, sneaker and lifestyle brands
- People who’ve already seen the classic tourist spots
Highlights:
- Big, airy cafés in old factory buildings – perfect for work, study or photos.
- Local fashion and lifestyle brands.
- Han River parks not too far away for a sunset walk or picnic.
Tip:
This area is great for a slower day in your itinerary when you just want to wander, drink good coffee and people-watch.
How to Choose the Best Area in Seoul for You?
Short on time? Here’s a quick match guide:
- “It’s my first time in Korea.” → Stay or spend lots of time in Myeongdong
- “I love nightlife, live music and street performances.” → Hongdae and Itaewon
- “Give me skyscrapers, malls and K-pop city vibes.” → Gangnam
- “I’m here for history, palaces and hanok streets.” → Bukchon
- “I want more local, creative neighbourhoods.” → Seongsu-dong
You don’t have to choose just one – with Seoul’s subway system, you can easily visit several of these areas in one trip.
Final Seoul Travel Tips!
- Get a T-money or Cashbee card for easy subway and bus rides.
- Plan one neighbourhood per half-day instead of trying to run all over the city.
- Mix “classic” tourist areas (Myeongdong, Bukchon, Gangnam) with at least one local favourite (Seongsu or a side street near Itaewon/HBC) to really feel the city.