Administratively, Seoul is divided into 25 districts (구 gu), each with an area and population comparable to a small city. The districts are then further subdivided into 522 sub-districts (동 dong). For travellers, however, it may be easier to divide the city into the following areas:
Jongno (종로) ? The Joseon-era historical core of the city, containing most palaces and government offices, lies on the north side of the Han-Gang(River). Here you can also find Insa-dong which is a popular street area to find souvenirs and within walking distance to many of Seoul's historic cultural landmarks.
Gangnam (강남) ? South of the river, Gangnam is a modern international business district, but it is also peppered with various bars, restaurants and nightclubs. For this reason it is perhaps Seoul's most popular area for foreign tourists and business people (although it vies with Hongdae and Itaewon for weekend entertainment). A number of grand hotels are located here.
Yeoui-do (여의도) ? An island in the Han River in Yeongdeungpo-gu (영등포-구) and the closest Seoul gets to Manhattan with skyscrapers, the National Assembly and the Seoul Stock Exchange.
Hongdae (홍대) and Sinchon (신촌) ? Located west of Seoul Station in the gu of Seodaemun (서대문) and Mapo (마포), Hongdae and Sinchon are two of the areas most frequented by young people as there are literally hundreds of restaurants and bars, and over a dozen night clubs. Students, 20-somethings and foreigners (especially resident English teachers) typically hit the area in force on Friday and Saturday nights. Street food is readily available and street performers are often in action. West of Mapo-gu you can find the Seoul World Cup Stadium.
Dongdaemun (동대문) ? Once home to Korea's first modern sports stadium, Dongdaemun is Seoul's fashion shopper's paradise along with Myeongdong. With literally hundreds of vendors across dozens of buildings, you can find just about anything on sale here.
Hyehwa (혜화) ? colloquially known as Daehangno (대학로), is Seoul's performing arts center, located to the north of Jongno. Many small theaters with live dramatic and comedic performances lining every street. This district is filled with life and street commerce past midnight.
Yongsan (용산) ? Yongsan is home to the US Army Military Base as well as one of the largest electronics markets in the world. This is also where you'll find Itaewon (이태원), perhaps the most culturally diverse area on the entire peninsula and home to dozens of restaurants featuring cuisine from the world over, numerous shops selling everything from custom-tailored suits to antiques, and several Western pubs and bars.
Songpa ? a primarily residential district east of Gangnam where you'll find Lotte World, Olympic Park, and Seoul (Jamsil) Sports Complex. Songpa is one of the richest districts in Seoul. To the west of Gangnam is the Seocho district, again a more up-market residential area.
Yangcheon ? a district of western Seoul with the Mok-dong area at its centre, home to some of the tallest residential buildings in Seoul, a large Hyundae department store and an ice rink.
Jung ? rests to the south of City Hall--but still north of the Han River--and is where you'll find the 262-meter peak of Namsan (남산), a structure similar to the shape of Seattle and Shanghai's most popular skyscrapers and the National Theater. The Myeongdong shopping area is incredibly busy and bustling, especially on weekends.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Seoul
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Seoul - updated Apr 2024
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Seoul Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
