This article is meant to provide an overview of Seoul for those of you who are not really familiar with Seoul. Also, if you’re looking for information to do your homework, like the population and size of Seoul, you won’t find anything on this. Instead, what you can expect is a brief overview of the key areas of Seoul that, if you visit Seoul, you definitely shouldn’t miss.
Center
This is one of the oldest and most developed parts of Seoul. The palaces of the old Chosun dynasty still remain here. In the center of the city, you will find not only a busy shopping district where ‘suits’ bustle around to boost this country’s economy, but also a vibrant shopping district and many places to enjoy Korean and international cuisine.
Myeong-dong
Mye0ng-dong is where you’ll find a great shopping area and eating haven tucked away behind the older skyscrapers that powered South Korea during the ’70s and ’80s. It’s also a street for the young crowd, especially on weekends. when the suits are off the street. So what’s good here? Well, the best thing to do is shop for clothes and try out some well-known Korean restaurants that are 50+ years old.
Insa-dong
Insa-dong is where you meet traditional Korea. Its streets are filled with places that sell and display traditional Korean arts and crafts. It is also famous for having many art galleries. Your best bet in Insa-dong is to sample traditional Korean food and tea while shopping for small souvenirs for your friends and family back home.
Samcheongdong
Samcheong-dong is where you’ll find an eclectic collection of restaurants and cafes representing traditional Korean and Western cuisine. It’s a bit difficult to get to Samcheong-dong as the nearest subway station will drop you off at a 10-minute walk. Samcheong-dong is home to small art galleries and small restaurants.
hongdae
Hongdae is considered a symbol of Korea’s youth. It is located near 4 renowned universities and is the home of youthful indulgence: rocking, dancing, drinking and partying. Friday nights are ‘club day’ and you can easily see queue after queue of young people trying to get into their favorite clubs. Friday nights in Hongdae don’t end until the sun goes down.
Eating in Hongdae is also one of the must-see experiences. Every restaurant in Hongdae has evolved to cater to young taste buds and light pockets. That is, you will find the tastiest and cheapest places in Seoul to satisfy your palate and fill your stomach.
Sinchon
Sinchon is located between two of the best universities in Korea: Yonsei University and Ehwa Womans University. If you think that means the neighborhood would be full of bookstores and libraries, you are dead wrong.
Sinchon is full of small shops that cater to female students who are extremely interested in accessorizing and dressing well. The items are sometimes original, sometimes fake, but most of the time they are cheap and pretty.
Sinchon is also where alcohol finds its way into the Korean student bodies. You cannot walk a hundred meters without going through 30 bars, izayakas, hofs or pochas (all are places where alcohol consumption is their main business).
Garosugil
Garosugil, which means tree-lined street, is the place where young people and fashionistas gather for fine dining and espresso. The tree-lined street is also lined with shops and great restaurants that are more European than almost anywhere else in Seoul. On a sunny weekend day, the street fills with well-dressed ladies who gather to enjoy international cuisine and their expensive caffeine fix.
Cheongdam-dong
Cheongdam-dong is also known as the Beverly Hills of Seoul. As the name suggests, it is a shopping district where, if you have the means, you can wrap yourself up in the life of luxury with brands like Chanel, Gucci, D&G, Prada, Armani and more available within walking distance of each other. Cheongdam-dong also offers some of the best dining experiences you’ll have in all of Korea. Catering to the younger segment (ages 20-40) of Seoul’s upper class, you won’t always find stiff-mouthed restaurants insisting on tradition. Rather, you’ll find great fusion restaurants infusing various styles from West and East, Old and Young. Be careful though, as prices will be high. Luxury is not cheap!
Itaewon
Itaewon was formed long ago when the only foreign presence in Seoul was the US military stationed near Itaewon. Itaewon was formed due to its proximity to the base to entertain and serve US military personnel stationed in Seoul. However, much has changed since then. Yes, Itaewon is still frequented by US military personnel, but now it’s undergoing a renaissance as the international district of Korea.
At Itaewon you will find the best (or most authentic) international cuisine in all of Seoul. The variety of food you can find is wide, from the Middle East to Belgium. It’s also home to many expat bars where you’ll find the vibe of the pub next door and nachos and chicken wings just like they’re made at home.
In Itaewon, you’ll also find many small shops selling clothing, leather goods, and souvenirs to take home. (Look hard enough to find very real fake luxury items, too.)
