Unique & trendy
Yongnidan-gil
용리단길
Around-the-world dining, one Yongsan alley
A backstreet strip between Samgakji and Sinyongsan that turned into one of Seoul's buzziest food alleys after Amorepacific and HYBE moved their headquarters here. Old multiplex houses and shops were reworked into cafés and restaurants, so you get decades-old eateries sitting right next to trendy new spots. Come for globe-spanning food and a neighborhood that still shows its age in the best way.
What to see & do
Two subway anchors, two moods The Samgakji end holds long-running classics while the Sinyongsan end fills with new global restaurants.
Old-meets-new streetscape Renovated houses and standing espresso bars share the block with structures that have stood for decades.
Daegutang (codfish soup) Alley A 40-year-plus cluster near Samgakji, including Won Daegutang, named a Seoul Future Heritage in 2019.
Museum detour The nearby National Museum of Korea pairs Korean art with skyline views of Namsan Seoul Tower.
Eat & do here
- Teddy Beurre House테디뵈르하우스 Croissant-focused bakery styled like a Parisian café, from plain butter croissants to ones stuffed with egg, ham, corn and cheese. Instagram
- sam sam sam쌤쌤쌤 A Bay Area-style bistro look, red-and-white awning and all; the Hello Auntie shrimp oil pasta is the one to order. Instagram
- Gege꺼거 Hong Kong-style Chinese spot in a renovated old house, serving a spread of Hong Kong dishes. Instagram
- Nakhasan Coffee낙하산커피 Coffee shop between the two stations known for seasonal drinks and the Nakhasan Latte, espresso poured over milk slushy. Instagram
- Hieutu효뜨 An authentic-feeling phở restaurant that appeared in the Korean film The Roundup. Instagram
- Tapa Copa타파코파 Spanish-style spot with pinchos, tapas and mostly-seafood mains; pet-friendly. Instagram
- Won Daegutang원대구탕 Codfish soup house on Daegutang Alley, named a Seoul Future Heritage in 2019 and a longtime favorite of nearby soldiers.
Source: Korea Tourism Organization, “Korean Streets & Alleys” (2024). Rewritten for DealSeoul; details may have changed since 2024, confirm hours and openings before you go.
