Seoul | Underrated Places
Instead of Gangnam, go to Seongsu-dong
Instead of Gangnam, consider visiting Seongsu-dong, an area known as the Brooklyn of Seoul due to its industrial and hip vibe. It boasts trendy shops, art galleries, and cafes. The area has become so popular that Dior opened an outlet in 2022 to connect with the younger crowd that frequents the area.
There are two vibrant areas in Seongsu. One is closer to Seoul Forest Park, while the other is closer to Seongsu train station. You will be spoilt with all the aesthetic-looking cafes and shops. Here are a few of my top recommendations
Cafes:
Shops:
Instead of Coex Starfield Library, go to Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
You've probably seen Coex Starfield Library all over social media, so I was curious about the hype and decided to visit. However, I was a little disappointed to discover that it is located in the middle section of a mall. There wasn't much else to see in the area except for the Gangnam-style statue, and the mall itself was not that impressive.
In my opinion, it's not worth the trip. Instead, I highly recommend visiting Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). It is a multi-cultural complex that hosts various exhibitions, events, and shows. The building, designed by Zaha Hadid is truly spectacular. When night falls, this futuristic structure truly comes to life and becomes even more captivating.
Instead of shopping at Dongdaemun Wholesale Market, go to Goto Mall
Instead of Gwanjang Market, go to Gyeondong Market
Gyeongdong Market, also known as the oriental medicine market, offers a wide variety of traditional Korean ingredients, including ginseng, dried herbs, and medicinal plants. Visitors can explore not only the medicinal section but also fresh produce, seafood, and traditional Korean condiments. It's a bustling hub with locals, and the area itself is much larger, covering 300,000 square meters. With its lively atmosphere and authentic local experience, Gyeongdong Market offers a captivating glimpse into Seoul's vibrant culinary and cultural heritage.
Instead of Hongdae, go to Yeonnam
Hongdae main street is popular with the young crowd, known for its vibrant street performances and shopping. However, I didn't find the shopping experience to be good; it was rather overpriced. The cafes and food establishments seemed to cater more towards tourists.
However, if you venture just 15 minutes further away from Hongdae, you'll discover a hipster area with excellent cafes and shops which is Yeonnam. In the Spring season, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms along the street where all the cafes are.
Cafes:
The home for unique & authentic travel
