Exploring Seoul: My 7 Favourite Neighbourhoods (no Myeongdong or Hongdae!)

Seoul is one of those cities that never runs out of things to discover — and each neighbourhood has its own vibe. Here are 7 of my personal favourites to explore: 1. Seongsu Trendy and creative, this area is packed with concept stores, cool cafes, and pop-up shops. Don’t miss: * So Far 소파 – olive oil & salt ice cream sounds weird, but it’s mindblowing * Coffee Nap Roasters – a sleek café with quality brews and minimal interiors * Neungdong Minari – famous for their yukhwe (Korean beef tartare) bibimbap and comforting beef broth with water parsley 2. Apgujeong-ro Upscale and stylish — expect designer boutiques, curated dessert spots, and very aesthetic cafés. Faves: * Jayeondo Salt Bread – freshly baked, perfectly chewy, and just the right touch of salt * Standard System – known for its honeycomb latte and beautiful, industrial-style interiors 3. Sinsa / Garosugil We stayed here (at Voco Hotel) and loved the balance — vibrant but not overwhelming, with lots of hidden gems. Go to: * Villa Records Bar – chill vinyl bar with great cocktails and music * Acid House – creative brunch plates and a fun, eclectic vibe 4. Haebangchon A little artsy, a little grungy — perfect for wandering with no plans. Tip: Head up to Sinheung Market, a tiny local strip full of indie energy. Must-try: * Mr Ahn Craft Makgeolli – small-batch makgeolli with fun pairings like Korean tapas and cheese 5. Mangwon Less touristy and very local — a food lover’s paradise with a neighbourhood feel. Try: * Mangwon Market – bustling street food and affordable bites (look out for hotteok and tteokbokki) * Always August Roasters – laid-back coffee shop with excellent beans and pastries 6. Anguk This area blends tradition with trendiness — hanoks, art galleries, and stylish eateries coexist beautifully. Favourites: * 서촌가락 Socheon Garak – seasonal Korean dining with hanok vibes * Cham in Season – the more relaxed, nature-inspired offshoot of Bar Cham, serving elegant cocktails 7. Hapjeong Close to Hongdae, but without the chaos. A hip, low-key neighbourhood with solid food and chill energy. Don’t miss: * Okdongsik Seogyo – comforting pork gomtang rice soup in a no-frills setting * 카페 진정성 – café literally perched on Yanghwa Bridge with panoramic river views and good coffee Which one would you explore first? 😄 \#seoul #seoultravel #neighbourhoodguide