It's too late to go to the tourist spots! A guide to the next area of Seoul, Korea, as discovered by our editorial staff on foot

Seoul's trendy spots change every year. Our editorial staff walked and walked around, asking locals about the next area to explore.

This article is a special release from BRUTUS' "Nobody Knows What's Happening in Korea Now!" (published April 15, 2025). For more details, click here.

photo: Yu Inohara / text: Minori Okajima / coordination: Sarina Tamamura

Gunja and Achasan Area

Achasan Mountain, which can be hiked on a day trip, is a great spot for overlooking the Han River. The Achasan Station and Gunja Station area at the foot of the mountain was once a residential area, but is now quietly becoming a hot topic as a gathering place for young people who are tired of the supremacy of trends.

Yongmioritan

The signature dish, duck soup, is made with rich soy milk and perilla broth and is absolutely delicious. The meat is tender, the skin is soft, and the crunchy texture of the minari (water dropwort) added at the end is irresistible. One duck (61,000W) is the perfect size for 3-4 people.

RADIANT

Inside RADIANT and soy latte

The soy latte (5,000W) made with La Marzocco's espresso machine "LINEA CLASSIC" has a refreshing taste. The popular Tupperware-sized tiramisu and banana pudding are both lightly sweet and go well with coffee.

Seungjanae Tteokbokki/순자네 떡볶이

순자네 떡볶이

Because it's a local area with few tourists, you can enjoy authentic street food. Among the many oden stalls lined up near Exit 8 of Gunja Station, this shop run by a cheerful owner is a 30-year-old establishment from Jeju. You can find familiar Korean dishes such as Sundae (2,000W) and Hot Dog (2,000W). The oden (1,000W per stick) is served in a paper cup, and the fish stock-infused soup is delicious.

THE PAPER LAB

<Mihara Special Paper>

Mihara Specialty Paper has a paper culture experience space in the basement of their headquarters. Paper from all over the world is on display and for sale, and you can print your own data on the spot. Printing photos taken on your trip will also make for a great memory.

Jeonwon Manulpossum

This restaurant is famous for its "garlic bossam," which is softly boiled pork dipped in a rich garlic sauce and wrapped in perilla leaves and Chinese cabbage. They also have a wide selection of seasonings to change up the flavor, such as salted shrimp, kimchi, ssamjang, and salt, so you'll never get bored of the dish.

BABAASI

BABAASI

This hidden cafe is run by an owner who was inspired by records by his father. The compact café seats about 10 people and is equipped with a sound system featuring Tannoy speakers and McIntosh amplifiers. Guests can enjoy a drink while immersed in the sound of records.

PARLINBERIS

The cafe's specialty is rose coffee, which the owner claims recreates the "unforgettable taste" he had while traveling in Europe. The mildly sweet latte (5,500W) with rose syrup is recommended even for those who don't like coffee. It pairs perfectly with the croissants baked in-house.

Original Haraboji Pure Tofu

Wonjo Haraboji Soondubu

Amidst the rising steam, firm tofu made with water from Mount Acha appears. It's so popular with locals that it sells out by the evening, so we recommend visiting in the morning or afternoon. They also offer over 30 types of makgeolli to pair with your tofu. It's a rare selection for a privately owned store. They also sell soft tofu.

Acha Santong Galbitang

Acha Santong Galbitang

Many customers visit to soothe the fatigue of mountain climbing with a meal. Their popular dishes are Kalbi Tang, made with beef ribs simmered over a long period of time, and Kalbi Jjim, made with only the ribs of veal. They also offer a wide variety of all-you-can-eat side dishes, such as multigrain soup and popped rice crackers.

Nishiseisui area

Located about a 10-minute walk from the center of Seongsu, the Ttukseom area of Seoul Forest Park, located to the west, offers many places where you can spend a peaceful time surrounded by greenery. Enjoy a stroll around the cafes and select shops.

Seoinsu Seoul

The signature dish is grilled offal, made by slowly stir-frying fresh large and small intestines, hearts, and vegetables on a hot plate.

A.DECADE

Adecade

A select shop with a lineup of minimalist clothing and accessories. Check out the unique original denim "UDON DENIM" custom-made in Takamatsu, Japan.

PLAD

Enjoy the spectacular view of Seoul Forest from the top floor with a drink in hand. Enjoy a latte (7,500W) with apple cinnamon as a dessert.

About the Chapter

어바웃더챕터/About the Chapter

An underground space where you can relax while reading books selected by the art-loving owner. Opening in January 2025.

Songsukjalasundaeguk

This is a famous restaurant that serves Yukhoe Bibimbap (14,000W), a local favorite. The meat melts in the heat of the rice, making it a delicious dish.

Myosa Seoul

This cafe is located in a room in a building and is famous for its taiyaki (fish cakes) shaped like the Korean amulet "Myeongtae" (3,000W) and ramune-flavored drinks (6,500W).

Vinyl.

Vinyl.

A cafe with turntables and seats for two where you can enjoy records. From classic records to the latest K-POP, the walls are lined with them.

Okukan Minami area

Located behind Hannam-dong, this area is home to the Leeum Museum of Art and the famous bookstore Post Poetics. Many up-and-coming shops and restaurants that have opened in the past few years are within walking distance.

LEMAIRE HANNAM

This street-front store was renovated from a house in a Korean style. One of the joys of visiting the store is being able to see traditional furniture and miscellaneous goods.

AMOMENTO HANNAM STORE

This new flagship store carries the largest selection of A Moment original items in Seoul.

ORFEO

오르페오 ORFEO

This theater is limited to 30 seats and is equipped with high-end speakers, allowing you to enjoy masterpieces with the finest acoustics.

OLD GOOD THINGS by oror

Old Good Things by Ororu store interior and glasses

We carefully select glasses from around the world, including American Optical and glasses made in Jura, France.

% Arabica Magazine B Hannam

Magazine B, a documentary magazine about brands and companies, and the cafe % Arabica have come together. Past issues can be viewed in the store.

CCCS HANNAM

This complex houses the apparel brand CCCS store, an exhibition gallery that hosts occasional exhibitions, and a spacious cafe.

Dong-Ah Cold Noodles

Dong-Ah Cold Noodles Appearance and Cold Noodles

The popular dish is the Mizuhiyen (8,000W), which features chewy thin noodles in a refreshingly spicy soup. With an eye-catching red, blue, and yellow exterior, this long-established restaurant has been in business for over 40 years.

Soso Makchang

Soso Makchang Grilled Offal

Grilled intestines wrapped around green onions. Served with a special sauce made from ssamjang and soybean flour.

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