18 Best Things To Do in Seochon (From a Korean!)

Check out the Best Things to Do in Seochon in this guide!

Seochon is one of the hottest neighborhoods in Seoul, Korea right now. Seochon is where young couples go on their dates and is full of both history, as well as trendy shops and eateries.

Here are the Best Things to do in Seochon, my favorite neighborhood in Korea!

Best Things To Do in Seochon

Best Activities in Seochon

1. Step back in time at the Seochon Hanok Village (서촌마을)

Step back in time by visiting the beautiful traditional hanok houses in Seochon Hanok Village! The Seochon Hanok Village is formed by 633 Korean hanok houses, most of which were built after the 1910s.

It’s such a sweet and romantic adventure walking around Seochon Village – and of course, it’s a wonderful free thing to do in Seoul!

Hanoks are a traditional style of Korean houses that was created during the Joseon Dynasty (which began in the 1300’s!). Hanoks are easily identifiable by their distinctive roofing tiles, and traditionally have courtyards in the center to keep cool during the summer, and heated floor structures called “ondol” to keep warm during the winter.

There are multiple hanok villages surrounding Gyeongbokgung, including in the Seochon and Bukchon neighborhoods. During the Joseon Dynasty, the ruling class lived in Bukchon, and skilled professionals, such as lawyers and doctors, lived in Seochon.

2. Funky contemporary art experience at BOAN1942 (통의동 보안여관)

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Seochon, BOAN1942 is a must-do! Boan was an inn that operated from 1942 for over 60 years, before it reopened in 2017 as a modern art and cultural space. Plus, it’s free to enter.

Boan has kept two floors of its run down motel spaces, which are now used as art exhibits. It’s so cool experiencing modern art, against musky wooden posts and craggy walls that are low-key falling apart (that’s my kinda vibe!).

Go downstairs, and you’ll be able to walk on top of the glass flooring to view excavated remnants still embedded in the dirt ground. Of course, they made use of this basement floor as an exhibition space, too!

There’s also an amazing artsy gift shop that’s connected to BOAN1942. I loved all the trinkets there, from browsing the art books to the different home decorations (I bought a plastic decorative mobile to hang up in front of my window).

Above those two floors is an actual renovated hostel space that’s a nod to its past as an inn.

Address: 33 Hyoja-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

Best Shopping in Seochon

3. Find Cute Stationary & Trinkets at One More Bag (원모어백)

Of course, you can’t talk about Seochon without talking about the cutesy gift shops. Gift shops with keychains, magnets, patterned packing tape and more are all the rage in Korea right now. Check out One More Bag, which is one of the most hot stores among young peeps in Seochon right now!

If you’re traveling and looking for small gifts to bring back home, One More Bag is a great place to find unique trinkets that are uniquely Korean. All the goods they had were so adorable and cutesy, which is a vibe that I think is easier to find in Asia than in other parts of the world.

I left One More Bag with a cat, croissant and apple magnet, and a golden bookmark that fits on the edge of a page for a friend.

Address: South Korea, Seoul, Jongno District, Pirundae-ro, 6-1 2/F

4. Browse through pretty treasures at Ofr Seoul

0fr is a legendary independent Parisian bookstore and gallery that has served as a cultural hub since opening in 1996. Don’t miss out on their location in Seoul!

Like its sister Paris shop, 0fr Seoul has a wide range of art publications, magazines and books, from photography collections by German photographer Juergen Teller, to the botanical magazine, The Plant.

Departing from the Parisian location is Seoul’s wide selection of retro and vintage inspired colorful home decor and style selections. Think colorful cutlery, twisted candles, leather clogs and 0fr-branded drawstring bags.

Address: 11-14 Jahamun-ro 12-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

5. Kickstart your journaling habit at allwrite (올라이트 서촌점)

allwrite has a beautifully melancholy assortment of journals that come in all kinds of sizes.

It’s clear from the journal page composition that their creators are avid journalers, too.

Other knick knacks include postcards and washi tape.

Address: 102 Chebu-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

6. Shop retro jewelry at Jongnosa (종로사)

Only three people can enter this hole-in-the-wall jewelry shop.

Perhaps you’ll leave with a memorable, one-of-a-kind vintage souvenir.

Address: 37 Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

7. Switch it up with the cutest socks at SOCKSTAZ (삭스타즈 서촌점)

Fall/Winter and office attire can get boring fast.

Why not switch things up with the cutest (and most functional) socks?

This two-storey store is also just fun to browse, with items from curated artists and even interesting little books.

Address: 25-3 Tongui-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

8. Check out colorful, simple & oversized basics at IULAI (이울라이 쇼룸)

I used to be an all-neutral kinda gal, but my style is now changing.

IULAI keeps things simple, but plays around by adding a touch of color & with intentional, well-designed cuts.

Address: South Korea, Seoul, Jongno District, Jahamun-ro 10-gil, 36 1/F

9. Marvel at the hanok THEILMA Flagship Store (더일마 서울 플래그십 스토어)

I’ve never seen a showroom like thiiiiis!

The clothing was cool, with unique and mismatched cuts. But it was out of my budget.

Nonetheless, I just marveled at the hanok-inspired archiecture and the art gallery-esque interior decor.

Address: 1st floor, 27 Jahamun-ro 8-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

10. Browse funky houseware at Comptoir de Mirabelle (꽁뜨와 드 미라벨)

Check out the funky and stylish houseware at Comptoir de Mirabelle.

Yes, transporting glass might not be super feasible across borders, but we definitely spent a good amount of time browsing!

Address: South Korea, Seoul, Jongno District, Jahamun-ro 10-gil, 11 3/F

11. Colorado-esque Clothing & Lifestyle Items at MSK Antenna Shop (므스크 안테나 숍)

There’s tons of crunchy items at MSK Antenna Shop.

My cousins and I actually went to two locations within walking distance in Seochon!

I got a tissue box cover with bunnies, ponies and cats on it (for my homie!). My cousin got a colorful fleece scarf.

Address: South Korea, Seoul, Jongno District, Jahamun-ro 12-gil, 11-1 1/F

Best Cafes & Restaurants in Seochon

12. Relish the vibes at Hanok Cafe Onground Gallery 

Onground Gallery is a huge hanok style cafe. Upon entering, you’ll be graced with art pieces in a modern looking space, but step further in and you’ll face a semi-deconstructed hanok cafe.

I loved the exposed wooden beams forming the ceiling and the rough concrete walls giving way to show the skeleton underneath.

The cafe is much larger than it seems. Past the hanok section is a chic and modern cafe that feels like a stylish architecture’s personal hideout. This section of Onground Gallery is candle-lit and moody. There’s actually glass flooring that lets you peek down onto the basement of the cafe, where live music performances are held.

The vin chaud was properly prepared and very delicious, and a deal at only 10,000 won (~7.50 USD).

13. Smack your lips at Jaiso’s fruit wrapped in chewy ricecake (자이소)

Love the satisfying chewiness of boba?

Then you’ll love inhaling mouthfuls of tasty fruit wrapped in chewy glutinous rice cake.

The strawberry looked delicious, but we got orange — and 10/10 would recommend!

14. Inhale the egg tarts at Tongin Sweet (통인스윗)

Yuuuuum. Tongin Sweet has amazing egg tarts with a thin but heavily butter crust that collapses pleasantly in your mouth along with the extremely eggy center. It was my first time trying an egg tart that tasted so satisfyingly eggy, like the nutty scent that you can get from a fried egg (except that the center of the tart was very silky, of course!).

There are two locations, the original location and a cafe location with more seating. I’m always a proponent of going to the original location, which is the one I tried. Do note though, that the original location basically doesn’t have much seating and is definitely more of a grab-and-go spot. You’ll be surrounded by photos of famous visitors and TV episodes that covered Tongin Sweet.

The egg tarts each cost 3,500 won (~2.63 USD). Try it. It’ll make you smile!

15. Savor the Scones at Scoff Bakery (서촌스코프)

Try the huge, buttery scones at the British bakery, Scoff! While Scoff Bakery is best known for its scones, the other baked goods are also very delicious, like the pecan pie.

Compared to other scones I’ve tried, the scones at Scoff are much larger. And while they are British-inspired, they have got the Korean touch, because I noticed that the outside shell is more crispy and the base is a tinge saltier.

There’s a fair amount of seating on the 1/F of the two-story location in this Seochon cafe. Definitely stop by for an afternoon pick-me-up or grab those goods and enjoy them later!

16. Munch away at Tongin Traditional Market (통인시장)

Get a taste of traditional Korean food at Tongin Traditional Market. This food market is perhaps most famous for its oily spicy rice cake by Wonjo Jung Grandma’s Oily Ttokbokki (which opened in 1956!).

Tongin Market is not too huge. Soon after you walk in, you’ll see a spicy rice cake shop with tons of photos from TV coverage and celebrity visits – it’s your turn to try now! Even John Kerry (ex-US Secretary of State), stopped here to grab a bite.

I would recommend you get both the plain rice cake and the spicy one too. The rice cake are pan-fried in front of you on large woks with plenty of oil. The ttokbokki is sooooo crispy on the outside, and the spicy flavor just keeps you coming back for more.

Each ttokbokki portion costs 4,000 won (~3 USD).

17. Relax at the Rustic Hanok Cafe Punglyu (풍류)

The past meets the present in a delicious way at the hanok cafe, Punglyu. This hanok cafe, hidden away in the winding neighborhood streets of Seochon, is a fantastic place for a romantic date or a cozy stakeout with friends.

The exposed wooden beams propping up the ceiling, combined with the messily concrete-covered brick walls, evoke a familiar yet rustic vibe.

In warmer weather, sit outdoors atop the grey pebbles that form the landscaping.

If you’re looking for more date ideas, check out my guide to the 5 most lovely date ideas in Seoul!

18. Wine with Beautiful Mountain Views at Kangaroo (캥거루)

Experience the stunning mountain and city views at Kangaroo, which is a wine bar that also has delicious Italian food.

Kangaroo is nestled in a quiet street on the third-floor of a building. Enter and rejoice in the pretty views of Bugaksan from the panoramic windows, which are visible from the whole venue.

The views are most wonderful and visible during the daylight hours, so I would recommend you try to come soon after they open at 3pm.

Kangaroo has a wide selection of wines, as well as beers. Instead of ordering, look through the refrigerated display yourself and order at the counter! There are also a ton of cute sweets and savory snacks to keep you satisfied, from Tim Tams to Lays potato chips.

If you’re ready for dinner, Kangaroo also serves yummy Italian and Western food, including pasta, soups and salads. I would highly recommend their sumptuous meat pie!

Best Things To Do in Seochon (Conclusion)

Here are the Best Things to do in Seochon, Korea!

Seochon is by far one of my favorite neighborhoods to peruse and I am confident that these spots will make you love Seochon just as much as I do!

1. Step back in time at the Seochon Hanok Village (서촌마을)
2. Funky contemporary art experience at BOAN1942 (통의동 보안여관)
3. Find Cute Stationary & Trinkets at One More Bag (원모어백)
4. Browse through pretty treasures at Ofr Seoul
5. Kickstart your journaling habit at allwrite (올라이트 서촌점)
6. Shop retro jewelry at Jongnosa (종로사)
7. Switch it up with the cutest socks at SOCKSTAZ (삭스타즈 서촌점)
8. Check out colorful, simple & oversized basics at IULAI (이울라이 쇼룸)
9. Marvel at the hanok THEILMA Flagship Store (더일마 서울 플래그십 스토어)
10. Browse funky houseware at Comptoir de Mirabelle (꽁뜨와 드 미라벨)
11. Colorado-esque Clothing & Lifestyle Items at MSK Antenna Shop (므스크 안테나 숍)
12. Relish the vibes at Hanok Cafe Onground Gallery
13. Smack your lips at Jaiso’s fruit wrapped in chewy ricecake (자이소)
14. Inhale the egg tarts at Tongin Sweet (통인스윗)
15. Savor the Scones at Scoff Bakery (서촌스코프)
16. Munch away at Tongin Traditional Market (통인시장)
17. Relax at the Rustic Hanok Cafe Punglyu (풍류)
18. Wine with Beautiful Mountain Views at Kangaroo (캥거루)

Thanks for reading my guide on the Best Things to do in Seochon!
Looking for more interesting places to go in Seoul? Here are the 5 Best Seoul Neighborhoods that you need to visit!

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