Travel destinations in Seoul that Koreans Really Like!

Hello, Sweetie. For you, I will recommend travel destinations that women in their 20s and 30s will enjoy when traveling to Seoul! Of course, you can visit with your family or lover. Instead of the cliché travel destinations that are advertised everywhere, introduce travel destinations told by a real Seoul woman! Then let me start!

---

1. #Gangnam

📍 Gangnam Station (subway)

This is the place known as Psy’s Gangnam Style. It's Gangnam!

Gangnam is considered the most attractive travel destination in Korea. It is a special place becausecenter of transportation and education in Korea. There are many academies and offices for students and adults in Gangnam. But in fact, the reason Gangnam is special for women is because it is a symbol of beauty.

One of the things women visiting Korea are most interested in is beauty, right? Gangnam has many plastic surgery clinics and dermatologists, and there is also a LASIK hospital that is famous among foreigners!

I also visit a dermatologist regularly to prevent aging, and I usually go to Gangnam. I’ll also write about simple dermatological procedures you can get in Korea!

And this place boasts the most expensive land prices in Korea, so most of the stores located here are the most famous and hottest brands these days! That's why if you visit here, you can see Koreans expressing themselves in a fashionable way. So, it would be fun to walk the streets here, do some shopping, and watch the people on the streets!

But these days, Koreans don’t go to Gangnam often. It doesn't feel as sophisticated as it used to. Would it be correct to say that it has become old? So where do Koreans really go? I'll introduce it right away.

---

2. #Chengdam-dong

📍 Apgujeong Rodeo Station

There is a place called the most luxurious area in Korea. That place is Cheongdam!

The road leading from Cheongdam Station intersection to Galleria Department Store is called ‘Cheongdam Fashion Street’ because it is lined with luxury stores. This area, frequently visited by celebrities, has become a popular tourist destination for Korean Wave fans. There are famous restaurants in the alley and art galleries and boutiques in the area, gaining a reputation as a cultural shopping street. It is also the location of large Korean entertainment companies.

Cheongdam has a very calm and luxurious atmosphere. It's a great place to visit a high-end restaurant or experience a quality brunch during the day. If you want to enjoy the beauty of Korea, we recommend visiting an esthetician or spa in Cheongdam-dong and receiving treatment that makes you feel like you're a celebrity.

---

3. #Apgujeong & #Sinsa-dong (Garosu-gil)

📍 Sinsa Station

Apgujeong and Sinsa-dong still have a luxurious feel, but they are younger and more vibrant areas than Cheongdam-dong. Sinsa-dong (Garosu-gil) and Apgujeong are fashionable and trend-leading areas. It is famous for its high-end boutiques, trendy shops, cafes, restaurants and eateries.

In Korea, it is famous for having the largest number of fashion people, so many photographers take photos of street people's fashion. In addition, there are many better quality Korean style fashion stores than Hongdae, which is famous for street clothes, so it is a good place to enjoy unique shopping.

Many brands operate flagship stores here, and they are very trendy and artistic. In particular, various stores such as Gentle Monster's sunglasses store, Diptyque, and Aesop decorated their stores with their own unique characteristics. So, this is a place that people who like art galleries or museums or have an artistic sense will really enjoy visiting.

And these days, it's popular to take pictures in front of the 'TAMBURINS' store where Jenny's picture is hanging! They wait in line and take pictures :)

Ah! If you like bars and clubs, I highly recommend checking out some of the places in this area. I will introduce clubs and bars in this area in another post❣️ And next! Other than luxurious areas like Cheongdam or Sinsa, where do trendy young Koreans visit?

---

4. #Seoungsu-dong

📍 Seongsu Station

Seongsu-dong is currently the hottest area in Korea. It is one of the most tagged places on Instagram in 2022. Not only world famous luxury brands, but also new domestic brand stores and select shops are located in Seongsu-dong, making it a shopping paradise.

Seongsu is called the Brooklyn of Seoul because it was created by converting warehouses into art spaces and cafes. More and more Korean artists are flocking to the stores, which are famous for their art and design. People looking for something special come here due to the unique atmosphere that cannot be found in any other area of ​​Seoul.

I also really like Seongsu-dong’s unique sensibility, so I go there often :)

There are also many accessory shops, designer brand clothing stores, and prop shops. It's great to shop around the various stores with an artistic feel in every alley. Another great way to enjoy Seongsu-dong is to explore themed cafes and restaurants that serve delicious desserts and food.

In fact, there is a separate hot place where artists gathered before Seongsu-dong! We introduce a place that is very famous among all travelers.

---

5. #Hongdae Station

📍 Hongdae Station

Hongdae is a popular destination for local youth and a must-visit destination for many foreign tourists visiting Seoul, South Korea.

Hongik University is a university famous for its art, and the streets around Hongik University have naturally evolved into a unique free-spirited culture, including amateur busking performances, art markets, street art murals, cozy galleries, exhibitions by young artists, and clubs.

Interestingly, almost all the nearby cafes and restaurants along the Hongdae shopping street have surprisingly good review ratings, something not often found in other parts of Seoul. Therefore, you can easily go to your favorite cafe or restaurant and have a delicious meal.

But these days, Hongdae is a place that has become outdated for Koreans. Hongdae, like Myeong-dong before it, is changing into a place where more foreigners visit. So where do Koreans visit?

---

6. #Yeonnam-dong

📍 Hongdae Station

Yeonnam-dong is an area located near Hongik University Station and has been evaluated as being much more trendy than Hongdae among Koreans for several years. While Hongdae is crowded and feels disorganized, Yeonnam-dong is calmer and has many artistic spaces.

Stylish cafes and restaurants are lined up along the forest road in the middle of Yeonnam-dong, and on days when the weather is nice, you can see people sitting on the forest road and enjoying a picnic. The mural-painted alleys have unique cafes and independent bookstores, and the Dongjin Market, held on weekends, sells vintage clothing and handmade fashion accessories.

If you are tired of the noisy market-like feel of Hongdae, this is one of the places you must visit. Next, let’s go to an area with a traditional Korean feel!

---

7. #Seochon

📍 Gyeongbokgung Station

When you come to Korea, there is a place you must visit. Gyeongbokgung Palace! And many tourists will visit Insa-dong or Ikseon-dong near Gyeongbokgung Palace. But the place I recommend today is ‘Seochon’.

This place is like a place that offers rest to people who are tired of the busy modern life. In addition, as the retro craze spreads around the world these days, Seochon, where you can feel the old atmosphere, is emerging.

The old Hanok houses lined up along the long alleys blend well with the newly emerging shops and shops. As you walk through the large maze-like alleys, you will be impressed by the combination of murals and cute paintings.

Traces of Korean tradition are really well balanced with modern, sophisticated spaces that evoke the authentic, rustic beauty and coziness of Seochon Village. Here, you can spend more time leisurely taking a walk, exploring an art museum, or drinking traditional Korean tea than anywhere else.

If you want a calm area, this is a must-visit place. There are many things to enjoy here, including traditional teahouses and various restaurants, as well as art galleries, unique shops, and LP bars.

---

8. #Hanriver

Imagine having a picnic at the Han River with your loved ones! It’s good to enjoy except in mid-winter or mid-summer. Picnic tables can be rented, food is sold, and busking performances are also available. There are also The Hyundai Seoul and Hongdae nearby, so it's good to visit together. However, it can be too crowded on weekends, so I recommend going on weekdays.

3 places to enjoy a picnic at the Han River!

1) Yeouido Hangang Park

📍 Yeouinaru Station

From biking along the riverbank to pedaling along the river in a cute duck boat, there are quite a few activities to do here before settling in at the picnic area. You can buy ramen at a nearby convenience store or use a delivery app. Or enjoy the street food sold on the street!

You can sometimes catch a performance at the Yeouido Floating Stage, located a short walk along the river from the convenience store. During normal times, the audience seating can be used as a picnic area. Yeouido Hangang Park is one of the most popular Hangang parks as it is easily accessible as it is a short walk from Yeouinaru Station.

2) Banpo Hangang Park

📍 Sinbanpo Station

It's home to the iconic Banpo Bridge, and there are plenty of spots for an atmospheric Han River picnic on the nearby lawn. Banpo Bridge is also listed in the Guinness World Records as the world's longest bridge fountain! The bridge is nearly 1,500 meters long and features the iconic Moonlight Rainbow Fountain Show.

The rainbow-colored jets spewing out from both sides of the bridge are truly mesmerizing. The best time to see the show is from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM every day. Shows are every 30 minutes, so find a good picnic spot early. Nearby Sebit Island is an artificial island with a dome structure. At night, the panels light up in different colors, giving them a captivating rainbow appearance.

3) Ttukseom Hangang Park

📍 Ttugseom-yuwonji Station

Ttukseom Hangang Park near Lotte Tower is a place where you can enjoy picnicking and camping at the same time. You can rent a tent and enjoy a picnic at a cost of ₩10,000 (~S$10). You can nap, read a book, or eat delicious food in a cozy tent. You can also spend the night like any other campsite!

The park also has a centipede-shaped place called J-Bug, where you can admire art and sit and read a book. Enjoy the fountain while listening to music at the musical fountain in the park. Streams of water of various colors dance to K-pop hits.

---

9. #Euljiro

📍 Euljiro 3-ga Station

Seoul's old industrial district now bustling with hip cafes, restaurants and bars! Euljiro, our own hip neighborhood.

Euljiro, filled with the feel of old Seoul, is famous as the hippest area among young Koreans. There are cafes and restaurants between actual factories and wholesalers, so it's fun to find hot places. There are art galleries and street art everywhere, so this is a must-visit place for art lovers! Also, in Euljiro, there is an alley called ‘Nogari Alley’ where you can sit outside and have beer and snacks. Many people gather in Nogari Alley after their day's work and end the day with a glass of beer.

Nearby is Gwangjang Market, famous for Korean street food, and Bangsan Market, which sells materials for making cell phone cases or Crocs' Jibits yourself. It is a good idea to plan your route well and visit together.