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STRAYING FAR FROM EXPECTED TOURIST CLASSICS AND GUIDEBOOK SIGHTS, WE LOOK TO TWO BUSTLING NEIGHBOURHOODS IN SEOUL TO UNCOVER THE HIDDEN GEMS THEY OFFER

- FARISIA THANG

HANNAM-DONG

Itaewon’s nightlife reputation may have convinced you that the neighbourhood isn’t worth a visit unless you plan on spending time in dance clubs, but stroll just a few blocks down and you’ll get to a more modern and indie counterpart with Hannam-dong. Residential and peaceful without a lack of things to do, sophisticated and trendy without being overrated — this neighbourhood is a balance of contrasts. There’s a reason why many K-pop artists and stars have made this neighbourhood their home. And if you walk around long enough, you’ll see cars with blue licence plates driving past — a tell-tale sign of the presence of Seoul’s diplomatic families. Unlike the more overpacked corners of the city, Hannam-dong is free of street-side stands offering the usual 1,000 won socks and hair claw clips and fast-food chain restaurants. Instead, you can expect well-curated boutiques with upand-coming labels, Instagrammable galleries, nondescript bars and unassuming cafés hidden in back alleys.

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