Seoul’s Hannam-dong district is a hipster hang-out packed with cool cafes, bohemian boutiques and an array of artistic attractions. Just a 10-minute walk from Itaewon, Hannam-dong feels like Itaewon’s more polished sibling. Hannam-dong is one of the best Seoul neighborhoods for a day of culture, coffee and retail therapy. It’s often called one of the “celebrity neighborhoods” of the city, with luxe homes (UN Village, Nine One Hannam), boutique shops, sleek cafés, and curated restaurants
How to get to Hannam-dong
Subway to Hangangjin station and then took exit 2, walking downhill to Hannam-dong to start at Passion5 or Leeum museum.
Naver maps: https://naver.me/GYC9y68f
Things to Do in Hannam-dong
Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art (리움미술관)
A must-visit for art lovers, Leeum balances cutting-edge modern works with traditional Korean pieces. The museum itself is an architectural gem, designed by internationally renowned architects like Mario Botta and Jean Nouvel. Expect sleek galleries, rotating exhibitions, and a permanent collection that spans centuries. It’s one of Seoul’s most impressive art spaces.
Address: 서울 용산구 이태원로55길 60-16
Naver map: https://naver.me/G8s9Eb2Q
Hyundai Card Music Library & Vinyl (현대카드 뮤직 라이브러리)
This is more than just a library — it’s a playground for music lovers. Think curated vinyl records, stylish listening rooms, and rooftop views over the city. Even if you don’t hold a Hyundai Card, the design alone is worth stopping by. It’s a cool spot to immerse yourself in Seoul’s creative vibe.
Address: 서울 용산구 이태원로 246
Naver map: https://naver.me/xnh0iwHE
Gourmet 494 Hannam (고메494 한남)
Part luxury food hall, part lifestyle complex. Here you’ll find high-end grocery items, boutique cafés, patisseries, and restaurants under one sleek roof. It’s a go-to spot for Seoul’s chic crowd — and a great way to sample everything from artisanal ice cream to Michelin-level bites in one stop.
Address: 서울 용산구 한남대로 91
Naver map: https://naver.me/5N1mZ8Gi
Explore Hannam’s Boutique Galleries & Shops
Hannam is sprinkled with small, avant-garde art galleries (like Pace Gallery or Thaddaeus Ropac) and design boutiques that rival those in Paris or Tokyo. Half the fun is just wandering: you’ll stumble across concept stores, minimalist fashion brands, and hidden gems down quiet alleys.
Here are my favorite places to shop:
01 @margesherwood_official
02 @anoetic_kr
03 @hince_official
04 @marithe_kr
05 @maisonmarais_official
06 @rockfish_official @rockfish_hannam
07 @blueelephant.co
08 @mondayeditionseoul
09 @mardi_mercredi_official
Hannam-dong Side Streets & Alleys
One of the simplest joys of Hannam is just wandering. The side streets are calm compared to Itaewon, lined with photogenic houses, hidden cafés, and unexpected shops. Every corner feels designed for discovery — perfect if you love “slow exploring” neighborhoods on foot
Favorite Restaurants
Nanpo Hannam (난포 한남): Clean Korean Flavors
Nanpo Hannam is one of those places that makes Korean food feel fresh, playful, and surprisingly light. The vibe is stylish but not pretentious — think beautifully plated dishes with 80s Korean music playing in the background. It’s the kind of spot where you can actually taste how much thought goes into every bite.
What to order: The Lotus Rice Rolls with Doenjang (12,000 KRW) are almost too cute to eat — delicate lotus leaves wrapped around rice with a deep, nutty soybean paste that balances it perfectly. For something crispy, get the Shrimp Potato Pancake topped with cheese (19,000 KRW). And if you’re an umami lover, don’t miss the Abalone Sesame Oil Noodles (16,000 KRW). They’re chewy, rich, and unforgettable.
Address: 서울 용산구 이태원로49길 18 B1, 1F
Naver map: https://naver.me/5qDjSAna
Gongi (공기): Contemporary Korean Dining
Gongi is where I’d take someone if I wanted to impress them with Korean food that’s modern but still soulful. The space is quiet, private, and a little upscale — perfect for dates or family dinners. It feels elevated without being over the top, and every dish is beautifully balanced.
What to order: The Beef Cube Steak (38,000 KRW) is melt-in-your-mouth perfection with just a touch of wasabi for sharpness. The Fried Eggplant & Shrimp (26,000 KRW) comes glazed in a sweet-spicy gochujang that makes it impossible to stop eating. If you want variety, the Set Menu (68,000–120,000 KRW) is the best way to try a little of everything.
Address: 서울 용산구 이태원로45길 4 1,2층
Naver map: https://naver.me/xBwJyXyO
Soseoul Hannam (소설한남): Michelin-Star Fine Dining
Soseoul is a Michelin-starred restaurant that turns Korean flavors into fine dining masterpieces. It’s not just about food here — it’s about storytelling. Each dish feels like a little chapter of a novel, blending traditional ingredients with modern techniques. Service is next-level too, making it one of the most memorable meals you’ll have in Seoul.
What to order: If you’re going to splurge, do it right. The 8-course Lunch (140,000 KRW) is a great deal, while the 9-course Dinner (220,000 KRW) pulls out all the stops. Expect aged kimchi, delicate seafood, and flavors you’ll still be thinking about weeks later.
Address: 서울 용산구 한남대로20길 21-18
Naver map: https://naver.me/5LHskuAi
Nari’s House (나리의 집): Pork Belly BBQ
Nari’s House is legendary — this is the birthplace of nengssam (frozen pork belly). Freezing the meat makes it extra chewy and less fatty, which means you can eat more (and trust me, you’ll want to). The whole place is wonderfully old-school: propane burners on the tables, foil everywhere, and the smell of sizzling pork in the air.
What to order: The Pork Belly (15,000 KRW) is the star. Pair it with their Cheonggukjang Stew (7,000 KRW), which is pungent, hearty, and comes loaded with tofu. Don’t forget to grill the shin kimchi (sour, extra-fermented kimchi) right next to your meat — it’s a total game-changer.
📍 245 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul
Address: 서울 용산구 이태원로 245
Naver map: https://naver.me/xZVbsTAE
Hannam-dong Hanbang Chicken (한남동한방통닭): Oak-Roasted Rotisserie
This place has been perfecting their oak-roasted chicken for over 20 years, and you can literally smell it from down the street. The chicken is stuffed with sticky rice, jujube, and ginkgo nuts, then roasted until juicy and tender. It’s one of my favorite alternatives to fried chicken — lighter but just as indulgent.
What to order: The Herbal Roast Chicken. No extras needed — just order a chicken, crack open a beer, and enjoy some of the best chimaek (chicken + beer) in Seoul.
Address: 서울 용산구 대사관로34길 12 1, 2층
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Soseoul Hannam (소설한남) for Contemporary Korean Dining
Not just another restaurant — it’s an experience. Soseoul crafts elevated Korean dishes with seasonal ingredients, presented in a refined but approachable way. Dining here feels like part art exhibition, part cultural deep-dive. A must if you want to taste Korea’s new-wave cuisine.
Address: 서울 용산구 한남대로20길 21-18
Naver map: https://naver.me/5LHskuAi
Hannam Bugeotguk (한남 북엇국): Comfort Soup for the Soul
This family-run spot is all about healing food. It’s humble, old-school, and packed with regulars — the kind of place you go after a late night out or when you just need something soothing. The handwritten menus and signed celebrity photos on the wall give it a cozy, nostalgic charm.
What to order: The Dried Pollack Soup (9,000 KRW) is light yet comforting, and the Pollack Soup with Boiled Pork Set (13,000 KRW) is an unbeatable deal with endless soup refills.
Address: 서울 용산구 독서당로 65-7
Naver map: https://naver.me/G4WomI5f
Bourgogne Hannam (부르고뉴 한남): French Wine Cave
Bourgogne is where you go when you want to feel like you’ve escaped Seoul and landed in a rustic French wine cellar. The atmosphere is dim, romantic, and lined with stone walls and oak barrels. With over 600 wines in their collection, this is a serious spot for wine lovers.
What to order: Don’t stress about the wine list — there isn’t one. Just tell the sommelier what you like, and they’ll pick something perfect for you. Pair it with the Duxelles Cream Pasta with Pine Mushroom (28,000 KRW) for the ultimate cozy indulgence.
Address: 서울 용산구 독서당로 81-1 2층
Naver map: https://naver.me/xprAu9C4
Thirsty Thursday (써스티써스데이): Whiskey Bar
This whiskey bar feels laid-back and welcoming, the kind of place where the bartenders actually remember your name. It’s small, cozy, and perfect for a chill night out with good drinks and better food.
What to order: If you’re curious about whiskey, try their Whiskey Omakase (50,000 KRW for 2–3 pours) where the bartender will guide you. The Sesame Oil Sea Urchin Noodles (25,000 KRW) are rich and flavorful, while the Homemade Tiramisu (13,000 KRW) is the perfect sweet finish.
Address: 서울 용산구 이태원로54길 62-4
Naver map: https://naver.me/5ZJxXc1r
Hannam Ggochi (한남동꼬치): Beer & Skewers
Hannam Ggochi is casual, local, and just plain fun. You sit at tables with your own little charcoal grill, order a set of skewers, and sip on cold beer as you cook. It’s lively, it’s affordable, and it feels like you’re part of the neighborhood.
What to order: Go for the Jukdanghan Skewer Set (19,900 KRW) — it’s “just enough” to share — with a cold Draft Beer (8,000 KRW). Simple, satisfying, and a great night out.
JL Dessert Bar (제이엘 디저트바): Dessert Omakase
If you’re a dessert person, JL Dessert Bar is like Disneyland. Chef Justin Lee creates desserts that are plated like art and taste just as impressive. It’s one of those places where every bite surprises you — sweet, savory, tangy, and all beautifully balanced.
What to order: The 5-course Dessert Omakase (65,000 KRW) is the way to go if you want the full experience. For à la carte, the Foie Gras with Pear and Lemon Verbena Ice Cream (22,000 KRW) is a wild but delicious combo.
Tartine Bakery Hannam (타르틴베이커리 한남점): Legendary Pies
Tartine is an import from San Francisco, and honestly, it’s one of the few bakery chains that’s just as good in Seoul as it is back home. The space is airy and stylish, with high ceilings and big tables that make it a great hangout spot. But really, you’re here for the pies.
What to order: The Banana Cream Tart (12,000 KRW) is everything — gooey caramel, perfectly ripe bananas, and flaky crust. Pair it with a coffee and take your time people-watching.
Address: 서울 용산구 한남대로18길 22
Naver map: https://naver.me/xtgpLtgo
Hannam Café Hopping
This neighborhood is stacked with beautiful cafés that are destinations in themselves. I recommend going to Peer Coffee Bar (피어커피 바)
Peer is a hidden gem on a quiet hill, with minimalist design and big windows that let in natural light. It’s the kind of place where you come to slow down, sip a coffee, and maybe catch a glimpse of Namsan Tower from afar. Everything here feels intentional, from the beans to the way they present your drink with tasting notes.
What to order: The Espresso Tasting Course (12,000 KRW) is perfect for coffee lovers, and it comes with a Butter Bar on the side. For something simple, I love the Con Panna (5,000 KRW).
Address: 서울 용산구 한남대로10길 36 1층
Naver maps: https://naver.me/IItGDN0o
