Living in Seoul as a Korean-American feels like straddling two worlds —
I blend in visually, but still experience the city with a hint of outsider curiosity.
Over time, I’ve found corners of the city that locals overlook and tourists rarely discover.
Here are the hidden places in Seoul that feel like mine.
What makes Seoul’s hidden spots feel more special than the big attractions?
While places like Gyeongbokgung and Myeongdong are worth visiting,
the quiet cafés, rooftop views, and forgotten alleys are where Seoul truly comes alive.
These spots reveal the soul of the city — slower, softer, and more intimate.
Seochon: Where Time Slows Down Behind Gyeongbokgung
Just west of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seochon is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Seoul.
Winding alleys, old hanoks, and hidden art shops make it feel like a secret village inside the city.
My go-to? A quiet tea house called "Suyeonsanbang" tucked between two gallery walls.
It’s where I go when I want to disappear — in the best way.
Eungbongsan: The Hill No One Talks About
Most people chase Seoul’s big mountains like Bukhansan or Namsan.
But Eungbongsan offers one of the best panoramic views of Seoul — without the crowds.
In spring, the hill explodes with forsythia flowers.
At sunset, it’s a golden overlook of bridges, trains, and the Han River.
I discovered it by accident on a solo walk — and it’s now my secret recharge zone.
Huam-dong: A Creative Hill Above Itaewon
Huam-dong sits quietly between Itaewon and Seoul Station.
It’s a hill full of unexpected treasures: design studios, vintage shops, and some of the most peaceful coffee shops in the city.
My favorite spot? A rooftop café where you can hear the trains below but feel totally detached from city chaos.
It’s Seoul’s quiet rebel zone.
Dongmyo Flea Market: Seoul’s Time Capsule
This market is the opposite of trendy — and that’s why I love it.
You’ll find cassette tapes, old military jackets, decades-old ramen bowls, and ahjussis bargaining over used radios.
Dongmyo feels like an open-air memory bank — gritty, noisy, and incredibly real.
It reminds me of army surplus stores from my childhood, but in Korean technicolor.
Seoul Book Repository: Hidden Library in a Tunnel
An old subway tunnel converted into a massive secondhand bookstore? Yes, please.
Seoul Book Repository, near Jamsillaru Station, is quiet, a little dusty, and completely magical.
It’s where I found bilingual poetry books, forgotten travel journals, and a sense of calm I didn’t know I needed.
It’s not on any major “must-see” list — which makes it even better.
| Hidden Spot | Why I Love It | Local Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Seochon | Quiet hanok alleys & tea houses | Slow & traditional |
| Eungbongsan | Underrated mountain view | Peaceful & floral |
| Huam-dong | Rooftop cafés & indie art | Creative & low-key |
| Dongmyo Market | Vintage overload | Raw & nostalgic |
| Book Repository | Underground book haven | Quiet & literary |
