SEOUL Searching
ELLE Singapore|January 2023
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
SEOUL Searching

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.

STAY

This story is from the January 2023 edition of ELLE Singapore.

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This story is from the January 2023 edition of ELLE Singapore.

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