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Seoul, South Korea
Photo: Ji-soo Seo, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Seodaemun (서대문) and Mapo (마포) are districts in northwestern Seoul, by the banks of the Han River. They're most notable for their colleges and universities, resulting in a distinctly youthful culture, especially in the twin subdistricts of Hongdae (홍대) and Sinchon (신촌), separated by a single subway stop, a 10-minute bus ride, or a 20-minute walk. These two districts are home to some of Seoul's most boisterous nightlife, and Hongdae in particular is unique for having a strong underground indie music and arts scene, a welcome break from the sometimes-unbearable monotony and conformity of the rest of the city.
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The prison was built in 1908, and became infamous during the Japanese occupation when it was used to torture, starve and execute Korean political prisoners. Actual prison cells, wax figures and videos are used to demonstrate the shocking brutality experienced there. Most signs are in Korean although volunteer guides can describe the sights in English. The content may not be suitable for those of a sensitive nature.
It was South Korea's main stadium in the 2002 World Cup and is home to FC Seoul.
At this museum you can learn more about geology, archeology and biology. Plenty of fossils on display, interactive exhibitions and various activities for kids.
월드컵공원
Worldcup Park has several sections. Sky Park is the most popular for the Silver Grass Festival. The park used to be a waste landfill.
Trickeye
Trickeye Museum features optical illusion paintings and installations. Divided into six themed galleries, visitors can freely touch, step inside 3D exhibits and take photos.
A Czech brewery and restaurant, with outside facade being a replica of Prague's Astronomical clock.
한국영화박물관
The Korean Film Museum is divided into a permanent exhibition and temporary exhibitions. The permanent exhibition introduces the history of Korean films in chronological order and operates an experience zone. The exhibitions are held under various themes so that you can watch and enjoy Korean movies from a new perspective.
A Hyundai Department Store brand, it's home to all things fashion, hip-hop, food, and dessert.
Nanji Hangang Park is one of South Korea's famous Han River parks, known for its water features, fountains, festivals, and camping.
Seoul's first Hamsang Theme Park, Hangang Park is famous for its water-based leisure activities.
Yeouido Hangang Park is famous for being the site of the World Fireworks Festival, held every October.
The area around here in Hongik University is completely packed with shops and restaurants aimed solely at University students. Definitely an interesting way to spend some hours exploring the streets and see how Korean students let their hair down. Dinner can be had in this area at student prices, or avail yourself to one of the many street stalls serving Korean student street food.
홍제천
Hongjecheon Stream is an urban stream in Seoul, South Korea, flowing through the districts of Seodaemun-gu and Mapo-gu. It provides a recreational space for residents with walking paths, greenery, and scenic views along its banks.
잠두봉더나인
Korean pork belly with river views. It is located on a dock floating on the river.
This fusion galbi restaurant serves spicy Korean short ribs with cheese.
This is the place to go for loin ribs, Korean gondre namulbap, and kimchi jeon.
This local restaurant serves Korean-style grilled fish and stir-fried squid.
The restaurant's signature dishes are bibimbap and kimchi stew.
This is the place to go for samgyeopsal, a Korean-style barbecue.
옥면가
chicken-specialized small restaurant with different types of noodles.
그레인서울
Build-your-own brunches and all-day mains in a thoughtful open space. English spoken.
신미경 홍대닭갈비
Great dakgalbi place just off the main night market street. Simple menu, cook it at your table. Good value and big portions!
진진
Jinjin is a Chinese restaurant in Seoul's Mapo-gu, offering a focused menu of about 10 dishes, known for its quality and traditional flavors. It has received the Michelin Bib Gourmand award for its good value. Signature dishes include Menbosha (shrimp toast) and stir-fried crab with egg white.
티엔미미
스파카나폴리
Known for authentic Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizza, this restaurant is highly praised for its use of traditional methods, including a real wood-fired oven. Popular menu items include the Margherita and Gorgonzola pizzas, and the ambiance is often described as vibrant and lively.
우와
Located in the bustling Hongdae area, Uwa offers a modern dining experience with a focus on casual yet trendy dishes. It is often visited for its eclectic menu and relaxed atmosphere, making it a go-to spot for younger crowds and students.
훙대씨부
A cozy café known for its desserts and drinks, this spot is famous for its photogenic ambiance. It’s a popular location for both locals and tourists looking for a quiet spot to relax in the busy Hongdae district.
야키토리 묵
The restaurant handles fresh native chicken every day, grills it with the finest splints, and serves customers immediately
세븐 펍
우미집1947
Charming mom-and-pop brunch place
Brunch menu has just one item: omelette-on-toast, but can be customized with add-ons. Rather popular with foreigners, service can be a bit chaotic but food is worth it. About 17000₩ for brunch with coffee.
남북통일
A long-running Korean restaurant specializing in North Korean-style mandu. Popular dishes include mandu hot pot, dumpling soup, chicken kalguksu and mung bean pancakes.
강남돼지상회 홍대직영점
Pig Company is a pork-focused Korean BBQ spot in Myeongdong, known for cauldron lid grilling and crispy Korean fried chicken made fresh in-house. Built for sharing at the table.
롯지 190
Lodge 190 is a cozy café located along the Hongjecheon Stream in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. Known for its signature French toast made with baguette and topped with seasonal fruits, the café offers a relaxing ambiance with views of Hongjecheon. The menu includes a variety of desserts, such as matcha shaved ice and yogurt bowls. Lodge 190 is also pet-friendly.
비어어클락
This Canadian-run bar serves great pizzas and other grub in addition to showing sports on the big screen and offering darts. Weekends are pretty wild at this joint.
우드스탁
Around since 1991, the bar has prompted a slew of copycats but is the best place to hear classic rock and pop. The sound system is awesome and the owner/DJ knows his stuff. Expect large crowds Friday and Saturday nights and seeing people dance next to their tables. Great place to mix with Koreans of all ages.
파이홀
Piehole is a dessert café located in Sinchon, Seoul, specializing in a variety of homemade sweet pies and tarts. The interior features a cozy and vintage atmosphere with distinct, home-style decorative touches throughout the seating areas. It operates daily in the Sinchon commercial district, serving as a well-known local spot for dessert and coffee.
Psychedelic hippie hangout with psytrance F and Sa, 1960s and 70s rock during the week.
17도씨
Located in Hongdae, chocolate bingsu and dark chocolate drinks are especially popular, making it an attractive space to serve a variety of chocolate drinks and desserts. The inside of the store is cozy and neat.
비포블루밍
It is a cake specialty cafe that offers a variety of cakes using seasonal fruits. Especially, fig cakes are popular, and the store provides a cozy and clean atmosphere to communicate with. It features a convenient ordering system through a kiosk and friendly service. In addition, it is known as a place for special days with the availability of holecakes.
카페공명 연남점
It is a large cafe that offers top-class coffee and fresh baked bakery with cozy interior design. This is a space where customers can enjoy a variety of desserts, with ample seats and cozy lighting to help them relax. In particular, the signature drink 'Rise Latte' and the signature dessert 'Biscuit Shoe' are receiving positive reviews from many visitors. Also, various books are available throughout the cafe.
스윗헤르츠
This cafe offers a variety of matcha and hojicha drinks and desserts with its cute interior and Japanese sensibility. In particular, matcha basque cheesecake and whipped cream cake are popular, and the dessert is not sweet and features the original taste of the ingredients. The interior of the cafe is decorated with warm lights and cute props, providing a comfortable atmosphere.
만동제과
Located in Yeonnam-dong, this takeaway specialty store offers a wide variety of bread. The interior of the store is compact, neat, and full of savory bread. The staff kindly provides tasting bread to help customers choose. Specifically, garlic baguette is a signature menu, featuring a rich garlic sauce and a soft texture. There is a wide variety of menus, and reservations are also available for convenience.
오랑지
It is a cafe famous for its cute interior design and cute desserts. Serving various matcha drinks and desserts, heart pancakes and kitty matcha tiramisu are especially popular. The inside of the cafe is white-toned and cozy, with props everywhere, making it a great place to take pictures. It is a place to enjoy dessert with friendly service.
조앤도슨
It is a cafe famous for French toast and milk tea. It is decorated with a cozy and emotional interior, and customers appreciate the moist texture and unique taste of French toast. In particular, the combination of Maldon salt and maple syrup is impressive as French toast has a crispy outside and soft inside.
플렘므
Located in Yeonnam-dong, the cafe offers a variety of desserts, such as souffle pancakes and croffles. This cafe has a cozy and quiet atmosphere, and it has various amenities for customers to spend their time comfortably. Souffles are cooked on the spot and take about 20-30 minutes. Specifically, souffle pancakes feature a soft and fluffy texture.
턴다운서비스
It's a quiet Woody emotional cafe, where LP music plays. Inside, it's compact and spacious, and offers a variety of handmade tarts and coffee menus. Specifically, the signature menu, Kernel Latte, boasts a savory and sweet taste with homemade nut creams on it. There is a two-hour limit.
네시사분
Located in Yeonnam-dong, the cafe offers a variety of desserts according to the four seasons and boasts a cozy and warm atmosphere. It is decorated with an emotional interior, and the menu changes from season to season, and desserts using figs and corn are especially popular. Beverages and desserts are being evaluated for their excellent visuals and taste.
메이비 케이크 홍대 본점
It is famous for whipped cream cakes that use fresh strawberries, and it is operated by reservation, so advance reservations are required. The cake is made with 100 percent animal whipped cream, which boasts a moderately sweet taste without being greasy. Also, the interior is decorated with a cute and pretty atmosphere.
띵크프룻
It is a cafe that specializes in souffles and various fruit desserts in Hongdae. The inside is neatly decorated in white tone, and it boasts a bright atmosphere with full glass. Souffles are made right on order and of high quality using Hagen-Dazs ice cream. It is especially popular with customers as it offers a wide variety of menus using seasonal fruits.
라헬의 부엌 홍대점
It is a cafe that offers soft souffles and a variety of brunch menus. Inside, it is decorated with cute white and pink-toned interiors, and it is a space that feels open through the window. There are many kinds of souffles, and they are handmade and have a fresh taste. In addition, they can be accompanied by pets and come with chairs for infants.
카페장썜
Located in Hongik University, this cozy dessert cafe serves a wide variety of dacquoise and cakes. Specifically, dacquoise is loved by many visitors for its fluffy texture and the combination of chewy cream, and the price is also reasonable. The interior is decorated with warm wood-tone interiors.
키친 205
It is a place that provides desserts produced and sold on the same day using fresh strawberries throughout the four seasons. Strawberry cakes here are especially loved for their freshness and quality. The store has a clean and cozy atmosphere.
트라이브 홍대점
It is a cafe famous for its unique interior design and various souffle menus that contain Jeju's sensibility. In particular, souffle is loved by many visitors for its soft and fluffy texture, and it is an attractive space to enjoy with various drinks.
저스트 단비
It's a real-time live place to deliver freshly baked crepes as soon as you order.
주디마리 홍대점
It is a dessert cafe famous for its cute interior and various pudding menus. In particular, the soft texture and rich taste of the pudding are loved by many visitors. The interior of the store is decorated with cute props, making it a great place to take pictures.
카페레터
It is a bakery cafe that boasts a warm sensibility and cozy atmosphere, offering various kinds of bakery and specialty coffee. Especially, strawberry vanilla bun and croissant sandwiches are recommended as signature menus, and the cozy interior and meticulous service provide a comfortable experience for visitors.
피오니 홍대점
A cake specialty store that has been in operation since 2008, it is famous for its fresh strawberry cream cake made using 100 percent animal whipped cream and fresh strawberries. The interior of the store is cozy and clean, and it is a popular destination for many customers as it offers a variety of drinks and cakes. In particular, cakes that are carefully made with all ingredients boast reliable and edible quality.
코코로카라
A dessert shop in Yeonnam-dong specializing in handmade desserts and baked goods.
1 min from subway station, 2 min from airport bus stop.
홍대게스트하우스
Clean, spacious rooms with high ceilings, ondol heating, aircon, hot water. English spoken.
The owner, Mr. Yoo, speaks Korean, Japanese, and English. He is very friendly and always asks where you will go (in the morning) and where you went (at night). Laundry service is available for ₩5,000/cycle, which he will operate. He offers taxi service to and from Gimpo and Incheon airports, for ₩30,000 and ₩60,000, respectively. He has many pamphlets in different languages, books, a computer and printer, and WiFi. KakaoTalk and KakaoStory are available for communication. No curfew, but keep silence after 23:00. There is a code lock for security.
더 윈 부티크 호텔
The basement dorm has a large common area and several bathrooms. Everything is clean, and access is 24-hr. Staff presence is minimal; reservations are recommended.
Formerly the Holiday Inn, located in the Mapo area across from Yeouido Island.
109-91 Nogosan-dong, Mapo-gu (4 min from Line 2 Sinchon stn exit 7). Friendly and adorable English- and Chinese-speaking staff, free breakfast (toast, jam, peanut butter, eggs, coffee and tea), free wifi, free international phone call, free laundry, dryer, A/C, hot water, rooftop terrace, common area with kitchen. All rooms are equipped with desktop computer, refrigerator, big flat TV with cable TV on the wall. you can get some chocolates at the reception at anytime. private from ₩50,000/night with own bathroom.
신라스테이 서대문
EDAE
At the front gate of Ewha Women's University, visitors can find a dense market geared towards young women. You can find stores that sell clothes, shoes, hats, handbags, and so on. There are also clothes for men, and franchise stores. The campus itself is beautiful.
카카오프렌즈 홍대플래그쉽
A merchandise store for mascots of the omnipresent KakaoTalk messenger app. Very cute Character designs.
미니소 홍대점
A variety store near Hongik University Station selling stationery, household goods, accessories, cosmetics and character merchandise.
코우지
A vintage clothing shop in Hongdae selling secondhand and vintage fashion items.
오티코티
A vintage clothing shop in Yeonnam-dong selling a selection of secondhand clothing and accessories.
차가운스웨터
A vintage clothing shop in Yeonnam-dong selling secondhand clothing and accessories.
Mostly CDs. All genres.
Newly issued vinyls, CDs. Pop and Indies.
Mostly second hand. CDs are main. Vinyl records covers also exist.
A vintage clothing shop in Hongdae selling secondhand and vintage fashion items.
Subway lines 2, 5, and 6 pass through this part of Seoul, as do some commuter trains and the AREX from Incheon International Airport.
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Seoul · International · GMP
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