The trendiest neighbourhood in Seoul 2024 - Haebangchon Sinheung Market (Yongsan-gu)

The trendiest neighborhood in Seoul 2024

The best neighborhood in a city is a subjective topic that largely depends on the kind of area or experience visitors are looking for. 

However, neighborhoods popular among foreign tourists often differ from those favored by locals. In a rapidly changing and dynamic country like South Korea, "trendy neighborhood" frequently shifts. 

If you ask young Koreans about the "hot places" that come to mind, you will often hear Sinheung Market mentioned. You might also hear Diagon Alley in Haebangchon. 

Image Source from @seoulcity 

Hebangchon Sinheung Market 

📍95-9, Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

1). Exit 2 of Noksapyeong Station (line no.6)

2). Walk straight for about 5 mins from Exit 2 

3). Take Bus no.02 from Hanshin Apt stop ("한신 아파트")

4). Get off at Haebangchon ogeori (Haebangchon five-way intersection; "해방촌 오거리") after 5 stops (It will take about 10 mins by bus) 

Haebangchon ("해방촌) is located in Yongsan-gu ("용산구"), Seoul. As the name suggests "Haebang" means liberation and its neighborhood was formed after Korea's liberation in 1945 (people returning from overseas, especially from Japan and refugees from North Korea settled in this area). 

Sinheung Market ("sinheung" means emerging) is located in the Haebangchon area. It combines a traditional marketplace with modern elements, gaining attention and popularity for its various cultural events and trendy shops. 

In particular, the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) has renovated this neighborhood to attract artists and entrepreneurs creating a unique atmosphere. 

The narrow, and winding alleyways have gained fame for resembling Diagon Alley from Harry Potter.

Don't miss

Rooftop cafes with NS Tower view

Haebangchon is also known as the neighborhood at the foot of Namsan (South Mountain). You can enjoy a cup of coffee, chill out, and take photos with a view of Namsan Tower at the rooftop cafes. 

- 빌라커피바 ('Villa Coffee Bar'; 101-9, Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul) 

- 눕카페 ('Noop'; 20, Sinheung-ro 26-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul) 

- 쉘터해방 ('Shelter Haebang'; 49, Sinheung-ro 11-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul) 

- 오잇 ('Oeat'; 95, Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul) 

108 Heaven stairways 

📍1-1342, Yongsan-dong 2 ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Huam-dong 108 stairways are about 10 min walk from Sinheung Market. Yonsan District installed a slope elevator for the convenience of residents and visitors. 

As the number of casualties increased due to Japan's wars, Japan built Shrines in key areas of the Korean peninsula. These 108 steps were constructed to serve as an entrance to the Japanese shrine, with construction starting in 1940 and completed in 1943 towards the end of the Japanese occupation, using Korean property and labor.