Where to Go in Seoul: A Guide to the City's Best Neighborhoods

Seoul is the capital and largest city of South Korea, located in the northwest of the country. It is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with a population of over 10 million people. Known for its rich history and culture, Seoul is home to many historical sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, a royal palace built in the 14th century, and the ancient city wall of Hanyang, which dates back to the Joseon Dynasty.

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In addition to its historical sites, Seoul is also known for its modern architecture, cutting-edge technology, and bustling streets. Visitors can find world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment in areas like Gangnam, Myeong-dong, and Hongdae. The city is also home to many museums, art galleries, and performance venues, making it a cultural hub in East Asia. Seoul is also famous for its nightlife, which is among the most diverse and exciting in the region. From trendy rooftop bars to traditional Korean pubs, there is something for everyone. With easy access to transportation, visitors can easily explore the city.

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Seoul is a large and diverse city, with many different neighborhoods to explore. Some of the most popular neighborhoods among foreigners and locals alike include:

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Gangnam

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Gangnam is a district in the southern part of Seoul, South Korea. It is known for its luxury shopping, high-end restaurants, and nightlife. It is the most affluent area in Seoul, and is often referred to as the "Beverly Hills of South Korea." Gangnam is also home to several popular tourist attractions such as COEX Mall, one of the largest shopping and entertainment complexes in Asia and the Gangnam Style street, where the iconic K-pop music video was filmed.

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Gangnam is also a business hub and home to many major multinational companies and financial institutions. Many of the world's leading technology firms have their headquarters in Gangnam, making it a key center for the South Korean economy. Additionally, the district has become a major center for South Korea's cosmetic surgery industry, with many clinics and hospitals catering to both locals and international clients. Gangnam is also known for its green spaces and parks such as the Olympic Park, which was built for the 1988 Summer Olympics, and the Seoul Forest, which is a large urban park with a lake, playgrounds, and hiking trails.

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Hongdae

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Hongdae is a neighborhood located in the western part of Seoul, South Korea. It is known for its vibrant and youthful atmosphere, and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Hongdae is particularly famous for its street performances, live music venues, and clubs, which offer a wide range of performances and entertainment options. The neighborhood is also home to many art and design schools, making it a popular destination for those interested in the arts and design.

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Hongdae is also known for its unique street art and graffiti, which can be found throughout the neighborhood. The neighborhood is home to many street artists and art galleries, making it a popular destination for those looking to explore the street art scene in Seoul. Additionally, Hongdae is also home to many parks, including the Hongik University Park, which is a popular destination for picnics and outdoor activities, and the Hongdae Children's Park, which is a popular destination for families with children. Hongdae is easily accessible by subway, making it easy for visitors to explore the area and its many neighborhoods.

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Itaewon

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Itaewon is a neighborhood located in the central part of Seoul, South Korea. It is known for its diverse and international community, and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Itaewon is particularly famous for its international restaurants, bars, and clubs, which offer a wide range of cuisines and nightlife options. The neighborhood is also home to many shops and markets selling international goods, making it a popular destination for those looking for international products.

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Itaewon is also known for its historical and cultural sites such as the US Army base and the Itaewon Freedom Street, which were established during the Korean War. The neighborhood is also home to the Itaewon Mosque, which is the largest mosque in South Korea, and the Itaewon Antique Furniture Street, which is a popular destination for antique lovers. In addition to its diverse cultural offerings, Itaewon is also a popular destination for its unique street art, and it is known for its vibrant and colorful street art scene. Itaewon is easily accessible by subway, making it easy for visitors to explore the area and its many neighborhoods.

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Jongno

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Jongno is a neighborhood located in the central part of Seoul, South Korea. It is known for its rich history, culture and tradition, and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Jongno is particularly famous for its historical and cultural sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main palace of the Joseon dynasty, and the Bukchon Hanok Village, which is a traditional Korean village with many well-preserved hanok houses. The neighborhood is also home to many temples and shrines, including the Jogyesa Temple, which is the main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.

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Jongno is also known for its traditional markets, such as the Tongin Market, which offers a wide variety of traditional Korean foods and snacks, and the Namdaemun Market, which is the largest traditional market in Seoul. The neighborhood is also home to many high-end shopping areas such as the Insadong, a street known for its traditional Korean crafts and antiques, and the Cheonggyecheon Stream, a popular destination for a leisurely walk or a bike ride. Jongno is easily accessible by subway, making it easy for visitors to explore the area and its many neighborhoods. It is also a great place to explore the historical and cultural heritage of Seoul.

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Apgujeong

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Apgujeong-dong is a neighborhood located in the Gangnam district of Seoul, South Korea. It is known for its high-end boutiques, luxury shops, and high-end restaurants and cafes. The neighborhood is also known for its beauty salons, spas, and plastic surgery clinics, making it a popular destination for those looking for a luxury beauty experience. Apgujeong-dong is considered one of the most affluent and trendy areas in Seoul and is known for its high-end luxury brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and many more.

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Apgujeong-dong is also home to several popular entertainment venues such as the Apgujeong Rodeo Street, which is a popular shopping and entertainment area with many cafes, bars and clubs. Additionally, the neighborhood is home to many art galleries, museums and performance venues, making it a cultural hub in Seoul. The area is also popular with celebrities and often known as the Beverly Hills of South Korea. Despite its luxury reputation, the area also has many historical and architectural sites like the Han River Park, Apgujeong-dong Catholic Church, and the Cheongdamdong Cathedral. It is easily accessible by subway and provides an excellent opportunity to explore the Gangnam district and its many neighborhoods.

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Insadong

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Insadong is a neighborhood located in the central part of Seoul, South Korea. It is known for its rich history, culture and tradition, and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Insadong is particularly famous for its traditional Korean crafts and antiques, and is home to many art galleries, traditional craft workshops, and traditional tea houses. Visitors can find traditional Korean paintings, pottery, lacquerware, and other craft items in the many shops and street vendors in the area.

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Insadong is also known for its traditional Korean food and snacks. Visitors can find traditional Korean delicacies such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), and hotteok (sweet pancakes) at the many street vendors and food stalls in the area. The neighborhood is also home to many traditional Korean tea houses, where visitors can enjoy a cup of traditional Korean tea and experience the traditional Korean tea ceremony. Insadong is easily accessible by subway, making it easy for visitors to explore the area and its many neighborhoods. It's a great place to explore the historical and cultural heritage of Seoul.

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Myeong-dong

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Myeong-dong is a shopping and entertainment district located in the heart of Seoul, South Korea. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, known for its department stores, luxury brand shops, and street vendors selling a variety of goods. Myeong-dong is also famous for its delicious street food, which is a great place to try Korean food such as tteokbokki, hotteok, and kimbap.

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The district is also home to many Korean beauty shops, famous for its wide range of beauty products, skincare, and make-up. The district is also famous for its cosmetics shops, where you can find many Korean-made beauty products at affordable prices. Myeong-dong is also a great place to explore local culture and entertainment, with many theaters and performances showcasing traditional Korean music and dance. Additionally, the district is home to several churches, temples and cathedrals, which are popular tourist attractions. The district is easily accessible by subway, making it easy for visitors to explore the area, and it also has many accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels.

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Sungsu-dong

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Sungsu-dong is a neighborhood located in the eastern part of Seoul, South Korea. It is known for its modern and trendy atmosphere, and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Sungsu-dong is particularly famous for its unique cafes, restaurants, and bars, which offer a wide range of dining and entertainment options. The neighborhood is also home to many design and fashion studios, making it a popular destination for those interested in the creative arts and fashion.

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Sungsu-dong is also known for its urban design and architecture, which can be seen throughout the neighborhood. The neighborhood is home to many modern buildings, including the Sungsu T-shaped building, which is a popular destination for its unique design and rooftop terrace. Additionally, Sungsu-dong is also home to many parks, such as the Sungin-dong Park, which is a popular destination for picnics and outdoor activities. The neighborhood is easily accessible by subway, making it easy for visitors to explore the area and its many neighborhoods. It's a great place to explore the modern and trendy side of Seoul.

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Yeouido

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Yeouido is a neighborhood located in the western part of Seoul, South Korea. It is known for its modern and business-oriented atmosphere, and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Yeouido is particularly famous for being the financial and political center of South Korea, it is home to many financial institutions, government offices and major broadcasting stations. The neighborhood is also home to the National Assembly Building, the main legislative building of South Korea, where visitors can learn about the country's political system.

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Yeouido is also known for its natural beauty, it is home to the Yeouido Park and the Han River Park. The Yeouido Park offers visitors a chance to enjoy nature, with its many walking trails, gardens, and playgrounds. The Han River Park is a popular destination for picnics, outdoor activities, and watching the sunset over the Han River. Yeouido is easily accessible by subway, making it easy for visitors to explore the area and its many neighborhoods. It's a great place to explore the modern and business-oriented side of Seoul and also enjoy the natural beauty of the Han River.

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Samcheong-dong

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Samcheong-dong is a neighborhood located in the central part of Seoul, South Korea. It is known for its charming and picturesque atmosphere, and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Samcheong-dong is particularly famous for its traditional Korean architecture and its narrow winding streets, which are lined with traditional Korean houses called "hanok" and unique boutiques, cafes and galleries. The neighborhood is also home to many traditional Korean teahouses, where visitors can enjoy a cup of traditional Korean tea and experience the traditional Korean tea ceremony.

Samcheong-dong is also known for its art and culture scene. The neighborhood is home to many art galleries and museums, such as the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, which is a popular destination for contemporary art lovers. The neighborhood is also home to many traditional Korean cultural centers, such as the National Folk Museum of Korea, which is a great place to learn about traditional Korean culture. Samcheong-dong is easily accessible by subway, making it easy for visitors to explore the area and its many neighborhoods. It's a great place to explore the traditional and artistic side of Seoul.

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Garosu-gil

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Garosu-gil is a neighborhood located in the Gangnam district of Seoul, South Korea. It is known for its trendy and upscale atmosphere, and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Garosu-gil is particularly famous for its tree-lined streets, which are lined with designer boutiques, luxury brand shops, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants. It is often described as a "fashionista's paradise" as it has a wide variety of stylish and high-end shops, making it a popular destination for shopping.

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Garosu-gil is also known for its vibrant nightlife scene, it is home to many bars, pubs, and clubs, which offer a wide range of entertainment options for visitors. The neighborhood is also home to many outdoor cafes and restaurants, which offer a great place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or a meal. Garosu-gil is easily accessible by subway, making it easy for visitors to explore the area and its many neighborhoods. It's a great place to explore the trendy and upscale side of Seoul.

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Download the Shuttle App

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You can get food delivered in Seoul on the Shuttle app! Getting set up on the Shuttle app is a breeze, it’s available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store:

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Apple App Store

‍Google Play Store

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1. Set your address—type in your address in English, or use your location and we’ll find you.

2. Use your email address to create an account, or sign up with Facebook or Apple. It’s helpful if you have a local phone number when ordering,  but it is not required to open an account.

3. Place an order—we accept PayPal and all domestic and international credit cards. Your credit card information is securely stored on your own device, so checkout is a breeze after you’ve added a card to your wallet.