Just a 5-minute walk from Euljiro 3-ga Station Exit 10, you'll be surrounded by the retro vibes of Hipjiro in the narrow alleys. Even as a Seoul native, I discover new charms every time I pass through this alley on my way home from work. Instead of crowded tourist spots, I'm going to share my experiences and organize the best walking tour routes and hidden local spots that local office workers actually enjoy.
Enjoy Newtro Vibes in Euljiro and Ikseon-dong
To truly experience Seoul's newtro vibes, the course connecting Euljiro 3-ga and Ikseon-dong is the best. It's classic to walk through the Hanok alleys of Ikseon-dong during the day and enjoy outdoor seating at Euljiro's old restaurants in the evening.
The Meeting of Ikseon-dong Hanok Street and Hipjiro's Old Restaurants
Ikseon-dong Hanok Street is a 3-minute walk from Jongno 3-ga Station Exit 4, and it's packed with unique shops in the narrow alleys. I usually visit around 7 PM on weekdays, which is when the tourists have thinned out and the lights are on, creating the best atmosphere.
After a light stroll in Ikseon-dong, I recommend heading back to Euljiro and enjoying a beer at an Euljiro Hipjiro old restaurant. However, keep in mind that Ikseon-dong can be very crowded on weekends, making it difficult to even move through the alleys. If you want a quieter atmosphere, you'll be much more satisfied if you head to a quiet local spot in Bukchon or take a walk through the galleries in Seochon.
Seongsu-dong Yeonmujang-gil and Ttukseom Hangang Park Picnic
The course of exploring the hottest pop-up stores in Seongsu-dong and enjoying leisure at the Han River is one of the most popular things to do in Seoul for the 2030 generation. Walking along Yeonmujang-gil from Seongsu Station Exit 4 allows you to see the latest trends in Seoul at a glance.
Practical Tips for the Seongsu Yeonmujang-gil Pop-up Tour
Seongsu Yeonmujang-gil is a place where new pop-up stores open every week, so the scenery changes every time you go. For popular pop-ups, remote queuing with CatchTable is essential, and the waiting list can exceed 200 teams on weekend afternoons, so be sure to check the app before visiting. If the wait is too long, booking a Seoul one-day class nearby is also a good way to spend time.
If you want to escape the heat of Seongsu-dong, try the Ttareungi recommended course. If you rent a bicycle in Seongsu-dong and ride for about 15 minutes, you can reach the Ttukseom Hangang Park delivery zone. Boiling ramen at a convenience store and enjoying the river breeze is the perfect after-work vibe for office workers. However, the rental fee for picnic mats at Ttukseom Hangang Park is around ₩5,000–₩10,000 ($4–$7.50), so you can save money by bringing your own.
Smart Living Tips for Using Small Spaces Widely in Seoul
When living in Seoul, you often worry about utilizing small studio or officetel spaces. I was also worried about the small laundry room space, but I found a solution by looking at the latest home appliance trends.
In Seoul's small residential spaces, you have to choose even one appliance carefully. Especially if it's difficult to have a separate washer and dryer, a combined model can be very helpful. I compared items that maximize space efficiency and improve the quality of life.
| Item | LG WashCombo | Existing Separate Model |
|---|---|---|
| Space Utilization | 50% reduction in installation space with integrated design | Height restrictions when installing in series |
| Ease of Use | Easy to load laundry with lowered input | Footstool required when using the top dryer |
| Smart Features | Automatic washing-drying interlocking process | Manual setting required for each |
In fact, my friends who live alone in Seoul also prefer these integrated appliances. If you use the space well, you can create an atmosphere at home that is as good as an Instagrammable cafe.
"One-body design that combines a washer and dryer" [1]
- Space saving: Small laundry room can be used as a utility room
- User-customized height design: Low input reduces back strain
- Save housework time through smart interlocking: Finish with one button before going out
Mangwon Market Food and Yeontral Park Walk
Mangwon Market, a 7-minute walk from Mangwon Station Exit 2, is home to Seoul restaurants with good value for money. The route of walking along the Gyeongui Line Forest Road after exploring the market is the best walking tour route that never fails.
Conquer Mangwon Market Food
My favorite food in Mangwon Market is the ₩5,000 ($3.70) handmade croquettes and sweet and sour chicken. It's fun to buy market food and sit on a bench in Yeontral Park on the Gyeongui Line Forest Road. However, the inside of the market is narrow and crowded with people on weekends, so it's a little difficult to look around leisurely. If you visit around 4 PM on weekdays, you can complete your local restaurant map relatively leisurely.
I recommend finishing your walk with a cost-effective omakase or enjoying an Instagrammable cafe in Yeonnam-dong. If you want a more special experience, you can book a Seoul exhibition docent in advance to enjoy cultural life, or visit Gwanghwamun Book Madang to enjoy the romance of an outdoor library.
Night View Guide to Enjoy Seoul's Night
The highlight of a trip to Seoul is definitely the night view. Namsan or Jamsil are the most suitable places to enjoy the colorful city lights.
My favorite night view spot in Seoul after work is the Haebangchon rooftop night view spot. If you take a village bus from Sookmyung Women's University Station, you can see the entire city of Seoul at a glance. If you want something more active, I also recommend walking up to N Seoul Tower along the Namsan Trail. It's a course that you can climb in about 30 minutes, so it's good for exercise.
If you go to Jamsil, enjoy the view of Lotte Tower from the Jamsil Seokchon Lake rooftop bar or Lotte World Mall's unique cafe. Taking pictures with the colorful night view in the background will make your memories of your trip to Korea last longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary to make a reservation for the Seongsu-dong pop-up store?
Most Seongsu-dong pop-up stores allow walk-in entry, but popular ones require advance reservations to avoid waiting. It is most efficient to check the operating hours and whether reservations are required in advance via Instagram or Naver reservation before visiting.
How long does the Ikseon-dong Euljiro course take?
If you visit both places together, it takes about 4 to 5 hours including travel time. The route of enjoying a walk through Ikseon-dong Hanok Street and a cafe during the day, and enjoying outdoor beer at Euljiro Hipjiro old restaurants around evening is the most popular as an essential course for traveling in Seoul.
How much is the budget for Mangwon Market food?
Mangwon Market is a cost-effective thing to do in Seoul, and you can fully enjoy famous foods for around ₩10,000–₩20,000 ($7.50–$15) per person. Popular menus such as chili fritters, sweet and sour chicken, and smoked pork belly are usually between ₩5,000 and ₩10,000, so the cost burden is low even while exploring Seoul restaurants.
What is the difference between Seochon and Ikseon-dong?
If you like lively and cute shops, I recommend Ikseon-dong, and if you prefer quiet gallery walks and cozy alley vibes, I recommend Seochon. Ikseon-dong is crowded with young people and tourists, while Seochon is a good place to feel the relaxed Seoul sightseeing atmosphere unique to the local area.
What are the disadvantages of Euljiro Hipjiro old restaurants?
The biggest disadvantage is that waiting times are very long due to the outdoor seating and that toilet use can be somewhat inconvenient. In particular, it is crowded on weekend evenings, so to enjoy it relatively comfortably, it is best to visit around 5 PM on weekdays and secure a seat in advance.
Source
- LG Electronics WashCombo Product Review and Information
- Seoul Metropolitan Government Public Bicycle Ttareungi Usage Guide
- Mangwon Market Merchants Association Official Information