Top 5 Trendy Streets in Seoul You Must Explore in 2025
Seoul is a city that never stops evolving, constantly setting new trends. Among its many attractions, the city is home to numerous hotspots loved by the MZ generation (Millennials and Gen Z), scattered throughout its neighborhoods. These locations offer a unique mix of culture, artistic inspiration, mouthwatering food, retro and modern aesthetics, and picture-perfect spots.
This guide introduces five rising hot streets in Seoul, perfect for a one-day trip, where you can immerse yourself in both traditional and contemporary vibes.
This guide introduces five rising hot streets in Seoul, perfect for a one-day trip, where you can immerse yourself in both traditional and contemporary vibes.
1. Seosulla-gil: A Hidden Gem Blending Tradition and Modernity
-Location: Jongno-gu, Seoul
(source: Seoul Tourism Org.)
Seosulla-gil, located in Jongno, is an emerging hotspot among the MZ generation. Recently featured on the popular Korean variety show I Live Alone, this charming street has gained even more attention. The area offers a harmonious blend of traditional Korean architecture and modern cultural spots, featuring stylish cafés and unique boutiques.
What Makes Seosulla-gil Special?
The street’s name comes from the Joseon Dynasty, when it was patrolled by guards known as "Sunra-gun." Today, the area maintains its historic charm while seamlessly incorporating contemporary design elements. Old hanok (traditional houses) have been transformed into modern cafés, shops, and art galleries, creating a picturesque and serene atmosphere.
Things to Do in Seosulla-gil
- Art & Culture: Explore independent art galleries showcasing works by local artists.
- Cozy Cafés: Enjoy a cup of coffee at vintage-inspired cafés with Instagram-worthy interiors.
- Unique Dining: Try fusion Korean cuisine, including a modern take on traditional rice cakes or visit the famous taco restaurant "Taco Loco", which was featured on I Live Alone.
2. Seongsu-dong: The Creative Hub of Seoul
-Location: Seongdong-gu, SeoulOnce an industrial district, Seongsu-dong has transformed into Seoul’s most creative neighborhood, filled with hip cafés, art galleries, concept stores, and pop-up exhibitions. Often referred to as the "Brooklyn of Seoul," this area is where trendsetters and young creatives gather.
What Makes Seongsu-dong Special?
- Renovated Warehouses & Factory Spaces: Old factories and warehouses have been transformed into stylish cafés and concept stores, creating a unique urban vibe.
- A Pop-Up Store Paradise: Many major brands launch limited-time pop-up shops here, making it a go-to spot for exclusive shopping experiences.
- Shop at exclusive pop-up stores featuring emerging fashion and lifestyle brands.
- Visit Seoul Forest, a relaxing park perfect for a picnic or bike ride.
- Explore the Handmade Shoe Street, where you can witness traditional shoemaking craftsmanship.
3. Ikseon-dong: A Hanok Village with a Modern Twist
-Location: Jongno-gu, SeoulIkseon-dong is one of Seoul’s oldest hanok (traditional house) villages, dating back to the Japanese colonial era. Unlike the tourist-heavy Bukchon Hanok Village, Ikseon-dong has retained a cozy, hidden-gem charm.
What Makes Ikseon-dong Special?
- Perfect Blend of Old & New: Hanok buildings have been beautifully restored and transformed into chic cafés, unique restaurants, and boutique stores.
- A Photographer’s Paradise: The narrow alleys and historic ambiance make Ikseon-dong one of the most Instagrammable places in Seoul.
- Try hanok-style cafés & restaurants offering modern twists on Korean cuisine.
- Experience traditional Korean crafts like paper art and pottery-making.
4. Songridan-gil: Jamsil’s Hidden Gem
-Location: Songpa-gu, SeoulLocated near Lotte World Tower, Songridan-gil has quickly risen as a top trendy destination for young Seoulites. Though once a quiet neighborhood, it has become a cultural hotspot filled with stylish cafés, specialty stores, and vibrant nightlife.
What Makes Songridan-gil Special?
- Instagrammable Cafés & Unique Restaurants: The area is packed with aesthetically pleasing cafés and innovative eateries, making it a foodie’s paradise.
- Easy Access to Tourist Attractions: Being close to Lotte World Tower and Seokchon Lake, visitors can enjoy both urban excitement and scenic walks.
- Go on a café-hopping tour, discovering the latest coffee trends.
- Visit lifestyle concept stores featuring local designers.
- Take a scenic walk around Seokchon Lake for a relaxing break.
5. Sindang-dong: A New Era for the Tteokbokki Capital
-Location: Jung-gu, SeoulTraditionally known as the “tteokbokki capital”, Sindang-dong has undergone a modern transformation, making it one of Seoul’s trendiest destinations. While it remains famous for its iconic spicy rice cakes, the area has now evolved into a cultural hub, blending food, art, and retro aesthetics.
What Makes Sindang-dong Special?
- From Street Food to Trendy Cafés: While the area is still known for its famous tteokbokki alley, new fusion restaurants and trendy cafés have opened, attracting young food lovers.
- A Cultural Renaissance: Many art galleries and independent bookstores have popped up, turning Sindang into a place where you can enjoy both food and culture.
- Taste different styles of tteokbokki – from the classic spicy version to fusion variations.
- Explore independent bookstores with cozy reading spaces.
- Visit art galleries showcasing contemporary Korean artists.
The Best One-Day Trip Streets in Seoul Each of these five trendy Seoul streets shares a common theme: they beautifully blend tradition with modernity, offering a unique experience for every type of traveler. Whether you're a culture lover, foodie, photographer, or trendsetter, these hotspots provide a perfect one-day trip experience in Seoul.
So, which Seoul hotspot will you explore first?