Guidebook for local area (Yongsan-gu)

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Guidebook for local area (Yongsan-gu)

Arts & Culture

Considered the best museum in Korea. Contemporary arts; check first what is exhibiting, because tickets are 10,000 won, plus 7,000 for any temporary exhibition.
91 現地メンバーのおすすめ
サムスン美術館リウム
60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil
91 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Considered the best museum in Korea. Contemporary arts; check first what is exhibiting, because tickets are 10,000 won, plus 7,000 for any temporary exhibition.
Very new museum, very central, and free! Also convenient if you plan on visiting a palace or two. It's down the street from Deoksugung palace, about five minute walk. May have an exhibition or similar that make a good bonus.
34 現地メンバーのおすすめ
ソウル歴史博物館
55 Saemunan-ro
34 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Very new museum, very central, and free! Also convenient if you plan on visiting a palace or two. It's down the street from Deoksugung palace, about five minute walk. May have an exhibition or similar that make a good bonus.
This is a gallery space that isn't open all the time, as you are walking from the apartment on the way to Itaewon, especially on a weekend night, you may want to peek in to see if these artists are having an event or exhibition. Kind of like a gallery/bar/artspace.
Blackmarket Barbershop / Cafe
This is a gallery space that isn't open all the time, as you are walking from the apartment on the way to Itaewon, especially on a weekend night, you may want to peek in to see if these artists are having an event or exhibition. Kind of like a gallery/bar/artspace.

Parks & Nature

The islands are actually giant LED display panels, at night they have lovely changing colors, occasionally designed by artists, and nearby is a large picnicking area, bike trails, convenience stores (where you can get all your picnicking supplies), and concert area where they frequently stage concerts; food trucks on summer weekend nights, and the Banpo bridge, which does a colored waterjet light show on the hour after dark.
SEBITSEOM Seoul Floating Island
2085-14 올림픽대로
The islands are actually giant LED display panels, at night they have lovely changing colors, occasionally designed by artists, and nearby is a large picnicking area, bike trails, convenience stores (where you can get all your picnicking supplies), and concert area where they frequently stage concerts; food trucks on summer weekend nights, and the Banpo bridge, which does a colored waterjet light show on the hour after dark.
This is pretty much the iconic place for Korean nature; Gangwon has more than the other provinces, but unfortunately, it gets pretty popular on the weekends. For beaches, i recommend Gangneung, then if you have more time, all the beaches north of that (all the way to the DMZ, the farther, the better!), for hiking, Soraksan (crowded), and Odaesan (right across the highway from Sorak, but not nearly as crowded). The former has the jaggedy granite peaks you see in oriental paintings a lot. The latter is perhaps less dramatic, but a better place to get away from it all. Chuncheon and Gapyeong are far easier to reach from Seoul (1 hour), they mostly have mountain hiking and riverside cycling.
Gangwon-do
This is pretty much the iconic place for Korean nature; Gangwon has more than the other provinces, but unfortunately, it gets pretty popular on the weekends. For beaches, i recommend Gangneung, then if you have more time, all the beaches north of that (all the way to the DMZ, the farther, the better!), for hiking, Soraksan (crowded), and Odaesan (right across the highway from Sorak, but not nearly as crowded). The former has the jaggedy granite peaks you see in oriental paintings a lot. The latter is perhaps less dramatic, but a better place to get away from it all. Chuncheon and Gapyeong are far easier to reach from Seoul (1 hour), they mostly have mountain hiking and riverside cycling.

Shopping

Lots of little boutiques, from houseware to clothing, tatoos, coffee shops, all of them usually run by the owner who is an artist of some sort. No franchises (yet), this is the freshest new artist area of Seoul. Prices are also still quite reasonable compared to neighboring areas.
Usadan-ro 10-gil
Lots of little boutiques, from houseware to clothing, tatoos, coffee shops, all of them usually run by the owner who is an artist of some sort. No franchises (yet), this is the freshest new artist area of Seoul. Prices are also still quite reasonable compared to neighboring areas.

Essentials

Emart is best for: wine, beer, and processed foods. Veggies and fruits are often cheaper or the same price in local shops, though note that Emart has always good quality in that dept. Items like asparagus, limes, etc, not commonly found in Korean cuisine, will usually be found here. There is a closer shop in Gongdeok station , also in Yongsan station, but not in their map so I chose the next nearest one in Dongdaemun
76 現地メンバーのおすすめ
E-mart Cheonggyecheon
400 Cheonggyecheon-ro
76 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Emart is best for: wine, beer, and processed foods. Veggies and fruits are often cheaper or the same price in local shops, though note that Emart has always good quality in that dept. Items like asparagus, limes, etc, not commonly found in Korean cuisine, will usually be found here. There is a closer shop in Gongdeok station , also in Yongsan station, but not in their map so I chose the next nearest one in Dongdaemun
Between Emart and Homeplus, you should be able to find every food item, every kitchen item, even most hardware and home deco items. Also the neighborhood of this branch is interesting, because it's near the Cheonggyechun (also on my map), an iconic greenspace river walk. Use Cheonggyechun river walk to get here from downtown/palace area after a day of sightseeing. This neighborhood, North of here, is also a traditional flea market area, and not far is a traditional Chinese medicine market.
12 現地メンバーのおすすめ
HOMEPLUS Dongdaemun
133 Cheonho-daero
12 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Between Emart and Homeplus, you should be able to find every food item, every kitchen item, even most hardware and home deco items. Also the neighborhood of this branch is interesting, because it's near the Cheonggyechun (also on my map), an iconic greenspace river walk. Use Cheonggyechun river walk to get here from downtown/palace area after a day of sightseeing. This neighborhood, North of here, is also a traditional flea market area, and not far is a traditional Chinese medicine market.

Food Scene

Run by a very dedicated German baker, this is the best bread I've seen anywhere in Seoul. He has a selection from the ordinary ciabatta, to sourdough rye (my fave), plus you can actually sit down and have a nice European cafe menu. Very crowded on weekends, though, so plan accordingly for brunch.
32 現地メンバーのおすすめ
The Bakers Table
244-1 Noksapyeong-daero
32 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Run by a very dedicated German baker, this is the best bread I've seen anywhere in Seoul. He has a selection from the ordinary ciabatta, to sourdough rye (my fave), plus you can actually sit down and have a nice European cafe menu. Very crowded on weekends, though, so plan accordingly for brunch.
An LA Mexican restaurant with a backstory- they are consistently rated the best Mexican food in Seoul. The chef/owner is a Korean American who appears to have been raised in the Latino East LA, and he picked up some very good recipes. Another advantage is that it's not as noisy or crowded as Vatos can be. Both are walking distance from the apartment. Mains from about 10-15, beers about 5, and yes, they have margaritas
El Pino323
An LA Mexican restaurant with a backstory- they are consistently rated the best Mexican food in Seoul. The chef/owner is a Korean American who appears to have been raised in the Latino East LA, and he picked up some very good recipes. Another advantage is that it's not as noisy or crowded as Vatos can be. Both are walking distance from the apartment. Mains from about 10-15, beers about 5, and yes, they have margaritas
They roast their own coffee. Owner lets you sit there and enjoy the space without constantly trying to move you on. For that same reason, it's always difficult to get a seat there. Try a weekday about 11, you should be fine. Absolutely the best coffee shop in my book, both for the price and taste and ambiance.
Le Cafe
44-8 Yongsan 2(i)ga-dong
They roast their own coffee. Owner lets you sit there and enjoy the space without constantly trying to move you on. For that same reason, it's always difficult to get a seat there. Try a weekday about 11, you should be fine. Absolutely the best coffee shop in my book, both for the price and taste and ambiance.
Excellent Brunch place. The best eggs benny in Seoul . Count on 12-20,000 won for a good feed. Not crowded like other brunch favorites in the area. Up an alley, you'll have to look carefully for a white place with windows on the alley. Prepare to wait on weekends up to an hour, though, unless you show up at 10-11
Summer Lane
738-13 Hannam-dong
Excellent Brunch place. The best eggs benny in Seoul . Count on 12-20,000 won for a good feed. Not crowded like other brunch favorites in the area. Up an alley, you'll have to look carefully for a white place with windows on the alley. Prepare to wait on weekends up to an hour, though, unless you show up at 10-11

Drinks & Nightlife

They have an amazing space, the concept is also a little unique. It seems to be a vinyl club, where they play old classics, but I think of it more as a nice place for a cocktail and a Bahn mi, both of which I'd rate highly. If the weather is good, go up to the roof and enjoy the space they've created there. ALSO on this street, but not available on this map, all on the same side of the street as Mmm, walking towards Itaewon, are : AOI Sora, Bar Code The View, and Shh....all of which are delightful cozy little cocktail lounges with character, I don't have time for individual reviews here, so I look forward to you telling me which one you liked best!
8 現地メンバーのおすすめ
mmm records
620-124 Hannam-dong
8 現地メンバーのおすすめ
They have an amazing space, the concept is also a little unique. It seems to be a vinyl club, where they play old classics, but I think of it more as a nice place for a cocktail and a Bahn mi, both of which I'd rate highly. If the weather is good, go up to the roof and enjoy the space they've created there. ALSO on this street, but not available on this map, all on the same side of the street as Mmm, walking towards Itaewon, are : AOI Sora, Bar Code The View, and Shh....all of which are delightful cozy little cocktail lounges with character, I don't have time for individual reviews here, so I look forward to you telling me which one you liked best!
Plus: Owner has excellent taste in music; this is a 'vinyl' bar where all the music comes from vinyl records, so you tend to hear more eclectic and often more 'oldies' than a usual bar. Plus 2: the cocktails are really top notch here, and not much more than surrounding bars. Minus: because this is an owner-small bar, the last time I checked, they still allowed smoking inside- it could have changed though.
Golmok Vinyl & Pub
222 Noksapyeong-daero
Plus: Owner has excellent taste in music; this is a 'vinyl' bar where all the music comes from vinyl records, so you tend to hear more eclectic and often more 'oldies' than a usual bar. Plus 2: the cocktails are really top notch here, and not much more than surrounding bars. Minus: because this is an owner-small bar, the last time I checked, they still allowed smoking inside- it could have changed though.
This foreign-owned bar often hosts poetry slams, live music and other community oriented events. They also do a pretty decent cocktail, and have a decent microbrew selection.
Southside Parlor
527 번지 Itaewon-dong
This foreign-owned bar often hosts poetry slams, live music and other community oriented events. They also do a pretty decent cocktail, and have a decent microbrew selection.
This iconic brewpub actually started the microbrew revolution in Korea, so they always have a new experimental brew on the blackboard (last week it was 'persimmon flavored' ale, I think). The prices are not really a bargain anymore, but none of the establishments in this area are, so they are just paying rent. Don't forget to check out the excellent handmade pizzas downstairs, which can get really noisy on weekends, but they let you take the pizza upstairs where it's much quieter (though smoke can often drift in from the street). Good lively crowd of hipsters and beer enthusiasts, often a diplomat or spook of some kind will be there as well. Beer from 6-10, pizza about 13-18, still the best value in Seoul
29 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Magpie Brewing Co.
244-1 Noksapyeong-daero
29 現地メンバーのおすすめ
This iconic brewpub actually started the microbrew revolution in Korea, so they always have a new experimental brew on the blackboard (last week it was 'persimmon flavored' ale, I think). The prices are not really a bargain anymore, but none of the establishments in this area are, so they are just paying rent. Don't forget to check out the excellent handmade pizzas downstairs, which can get really noisy on weekends, but they let you take the pizza upstairs where it's much quieter (though smoke can often drift in from the street). Good lively crowd of hipsters and beer enthusiasts, often a diplomat or spook of some kind will be there as well. Beer from 6-10, pizza about 13-18, still the best value in Seoul
They do have an excellent view and decent cocktails, but also nearby , and on the same side of the street are two others, each with their own flavor and charm. Look for AOI Sora before and Shhh! after, if you are walking from the apartment towards Itaewon main street. Let me know which one you like best!
Bar:Code The View
They do have an excellent view and decent cocktails, but also nearby , and on the same side of the street are two others, each with their own flavor and charm. Look for AOI Sora before and Shhh! after, if you are walking from the apartment towards Itaewon main street. Let me know which one you like best!

Sightseeing

There's a fence for padlocks, like in Paris, for couples to lock a lock and throw away the keys. The tower itself has a turning restaurant with iconic views, or you can just pay admission and go up. If you walk there from the main street of itaewon, it's a great walking exercise (go via the bridge from the Hyatt) and should take about one hour round trip. The park surrounding the tower is especially good for Cherry blossoms forecast for April 6-16th. There's also a tourist bus which runs up the road to the top but best to ask the tourist info on itaewon main street where the stops are.
686 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Nソウルタワー
686 現地メンバーのおすすめ
There's a fence for padlocks, like in Paris, for couples to lock a lock and throw away the keys. The tower itself has a turning restaurant with iconic views, or you can just pay admission and go up. If you walk there from the main street of itaewon, it's a great walking exercise (go via the bridge from the Hyatt) and should take about one hour round trip. The park surrounding the tower is especially good for Cherry blossoms forecast for April 6-16th. There's also a tourist bus which runs up the road to the top but best to ask the tourist info on itaewon main street where the stops are.
This is maybe of more interest if you are into urban design and planning. This stream was covered over with pavement and choked with pollution and chemicals. Seoul City government won a few green city type awards for restoring this delightful surprise in the urban landscape. You can even use it as a pleasant channel between the culture of the downtown palaces like Deoksu and Gyeongbok palaces, and the fun shopping district of Dongdaemun (see separate entry ). There are loads of trees, fish, and if you come around Buddha's Birthday, a lantern festival.
62 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Cheonggyecheon-ro
62 現地メンバーのおすすめ
This is maybe of more interest if you are into urban design and planning. This stream was covered over with pavement and choked with pollution and chemicals. Seoul City government won a few green city type awards for restoring this delightful surprise in the urban landscape. You can even use it as a pleasant channel between the culture of the downtown palaces like Deoksu and Gyeongbok palaces, and the fun shopping district of Dongdaemun (see separate entry ). There are loads of trees, fish, and if you come around Buddha's Birthday, a lantern festival.