This article is meant to provide an overview of Seoul for those of you who are not really familiar with Seoul. Also, if you’re looking for information to do your homework, like the population and size of Seoul, you won’t find anything in this. Instead, what you can expect is a brief overview of the key areas of Seoul that if you’re visiting Seoul, you definitely shouldn’t miss.

Center

This is one of the oldest and most developed parts of Seoul. The palaces of the ancient Chosun dynasty still remain here. In the center of the city, you will find not only a busy shopping district where ‘suits’ bustle to boost the economy of this country, but also a vibrant shopping district and many places to enjoy Korean and international cuisine.

Myeong-dong

Mye0ng-dong is where you’ll find a great shopping area and eating haven hidden behind the oldest skyscrapers that powered South Korea during the 1970s and 1980s. It’s also a street for the young crowd, especially on weekends. when the suits are out on the street. So what’s good here? Well, the best thing to do is shop for clothes and try some well-known Korean restaurants that are 50+ years old.

Insa-dong

Insa-dong is where you get to know traditional Korea. Its streets are lined with places selling and displaying traditional Korean arts and crafts. It is also famous for having many art galleries. Your best bet in Insa-dong is to sample traditional Korean food and tea while shopping for small souvenirs for your friends and family back home.

samcheong-dong

Samcheong-dong is where you’ll find an eclectic collection of restaurants and cafes representing both traditional Korean and Western cuisine. It’s a bit difficult to get to Samcheong-dong as the nearest subway station will drop you off at a 10-minute walk. Samcheong-dong is home to small art galleries and small restaurants.

hongdae

Hongdae is considered a symbol of Korea’s youth. It is located near 4 renowned universities and is the home of youthful indulgence: rocking, dancing, drinking and partying. Friday nights are ‘club day’ and you can easily see queue after queue of young people trying to get into their favorite clubs. Friday nights in Hongdae don’t end until the sun goes down.

Eating in Hongdae is also one of the must-see experiences. Every restaurant in Hongdae has evolved to cater to young taste buds and their light pockets. Meaning, you will find the tastiest and cheapest places in Seoul to satisfy your taste buds and fill your stomach.

Sinchon

Sinchon is located between two of the best universities in Korea: Yonsei University and Ehwa Women’s University. If you think that means the neighborhood would be full of bookstores and libraries, you are dead wrong.

Sinchon is full of small shops that cater to female students who are extremely interested in accessorizing and dressing up. The items are sometimes original, sometimes fake, but most of the time they are cheap and pretty.

Sinchon is also where alcohol finds its way into Korean student bodies. You cannot walk a hundred meters without going through 30 bars, izayakas, hofs or pochas (all are places where alcohol consumption is their main business).

garosugil

Garosugil, meaning tree-lined street, is where youngsters and fashionistas gather for fine dining and espresso. The tree-lined street is also lined with shops and excellent restaurants that are more European than almost anywhere else in Seoul. On a sunny weekend day, the street fills with well-dressed ladies who gather to enjoy international cuisine and their expensive caffeine fix.

cheongdam-dong

Cheongdam-dong is also known as the Beverly Hills of Seoul. As the name suggests, it is a shopping district where, if you have the means, you can wrap yourself up in the life of luxury with brands like Chanel, Gucci, D&G, Prada, Armani and more available within walking distance of each other. Cheongdam-dong also offers some of the best dining experiences you’ll have in all of Korea. As it caters to the younger segment (ages 20-40) of Seoul’s upper class, you won’t always find stiff-mouthed restaurants that insist on tradition. Rather, you’ll find excellent fusion restaurants infusing various styles of West and East, Old and Young. Be careful though, as the prices will be high. Luxury is not cheap!

Itaewon

Itaewon was formed a long time ago when the only foreign presence in Seoul was the US military stationed near Itaewon. Itaewon was formed due to its proximity to the base to entertain and serve US military personnel stationed in Seoul. However, a lot has changed since then. Yes, Itaewon is still frequented by US military personnel, but it is now undergoing a renaissance as Korea’s international district.

In Itaewon you will find the best (or the most authentic) international cuisine in all of Seoul. The variety of foods you can find is wide, from the Middle East to Belgium. It’s also home to many expat bars where you’ll find the atmosphere of the pub next door and nachos and chicken wings just like they’re made at home.

In Itaewon, you will also find many small shops for clothing, leather goods, and souvenirs to take home. (Look hard enough to find very real fake luxury items, too.)