Seochon Is the Perfect Blend of New and Old Seoul
A less-travelled area with plenty to see, do, eat, and drink.
Most tourists find the village of Seochon either on their way to, or after visiting, the old Gyeongbokgung Palace (a former royal palace from the 14th century). They might also go straight to traditional Hanok village, one of several dotted around Seoul showing the country’s old architecture.
Although this area was redeveloped in the 1990s into a core government complex for the city of Seoul, there’s actually much more happening within walking distance. A recent visit highlighted a subtle vibrancy that doesn’t appear immediately but quickly arrives with just a little bit of curiosity.
The streets of Seochon wind and move, hugging the contours of the adjacent mountains. These geographic imperfections create pockets and corners that reveal small shops and storefronts with little predictability. Seoul’s development into a modern metropolis can be traced partially back to these streets as a variety of independent restaurants, cafés, and boutiques have moved in.
In fact, this area is arguably one of the city’s most engaging food and drink destinations. Seochon is a microcosm of what you can find across the city, starting with no shortage of bakeries. You’ll likely smell the bread coming from Bakery Tori before you see it, but you’ll know you’re at the right place when you see the stacks of loaves in the window. It’s tucked away on a side street heading toward the mountainside near several other small restaurants.
The area is also the beating heart of Seoul’s specialty coffee scene. There’s an emphasis here on single-origin and beautiful coffees sourced with the highest-quality production and brewing in mind. Ouvert Coffee Bar is a wonderful little corner shop, as is Namusairo Coffee just a short walk south. Namusairo is at the edge of a triangular Hanok complex that has no shortage of other eateries and cafés to discover.
There’s also the aptly named Seochon Cafe Street nearby, which leans more toward bakeries and pastry shops rather than true coffee stands. Quick pretrip research will highlight Tosokchon Samgyetang, a long-running traditional chicken soup shop that’s a landmark for both tourists and locals. However, the most food options in the shortest stretch are on Jahamun-ro 1-gil, a neat, walkable alley with a noodle shop or Korean lunch store at every turn. On a street like this with endless options, it’s best to simply walk and see what looks good.
Seoul is also known for its lively markets, and there is the Tongin Traditional Market in the middle of Seochon Village, but with so many other choices for eating and drinking, you’re better off heading to one of the small establishments you’ll find by discovery.
Like the rest of Seoul, shops and restaurants in Seochon don’t typically open until 10:30 or 11 a.m. Many places are also closed Monday, Tuesday, and/or Wednesday, so it’s best to plan a visit for later in the week or the weekend. But don’t let timing block you from exploring this charming neighbourhood. It’s the ideal place to eat and drink your way through the past, present, and future of Seoul.
