Where Nature Meets Creativity in the Heart of the City
Seoul is full of well-known sights — palaces, shopping
districts, and bustling street markets — but if you want to experience the city
like a local, take a half-day to explore Seoul Forest and the
neighboring Seongsu-dong. This part of the city offers a fresh mix of
calm nature and youthful creativity, perfect for travelers seeking a more
relaxed yet trendy side of Seoul.
Why Visit Seoul Forest & Seongsu-dong?
Seoul Forest (서울숲) is one of the largest parks in the city and often compared to New York’s
Central Park or Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park. Just next to it lies Seongsu-dong (성수동) — a former industrial neighborhood that has become Seoul’s go-to
destination for art, coffee, and design.
Here’s why this area is getting more and more
attention from visitors:
- A calm
and spacious park in the middle of the city
- Trendy
cafés and boutique shops in repurposed factories
- Cultural
spots, art galleries, and creative spaces
- A
unique contrast between day and night vibes
- Easy
access from central Seoul via subway
Main Attractions
Seoul Forest Park (서울숲)
This vast green space includes walking paths, a deer
park, picnic lawns, and seasonal flower gardens. Art installations and a
butterfly conservatory add even more charm. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxing
morning or afternoon.
Seongsu Café Street
This neighborhood is packed with stylish cafés — some
hidden inside renovated warehouses, others styled like minimalist art
galleries. Whether you're after a creamy latte, vegan brunch, or just a quiet
space to relax, you'll find it here.
Daelim Changgo Gallery
A warehouse-turned-cultural hub offering both a café
and an art exhibition space. The industrial charm of the building remains,
making it a favorite Instagram spot.
Under Stand Avenue
A cultural space built from shipping containers,
featuring youth start-ups, creative studios, and pop-up shops. You can browse
handmade goods, join a small workshop, or catch a local performance.
What About the Evening?
As the sun sets, Seongsu-dong transforms. The
quiet, artsy café scene gives way to a lively nightlife vibe. The area fills
with young Koreans looking to enjoy craft beer pubs, rooftop bars, and
casual wine spots. If you're in the mood to unwind with a drink after a
long day, this is one of the coolest places in Seoul to do it.
Nearby Neighborhoods Worth Exploring
If you have a full day to spend in this part of town,
consider adding these two stops — both reachable within 20 minutes by subway
from Seoul Forest:
Seokchon Lake
Famous for its cherry blossoms in spring and peaceful
lake views year-round, Seokchon Lake is a great spot for a lakeside stroll.
It’s also home to Lotte World Tower, Korea’s tallest building, with an
observatory and shopping complex.
COEX Mall
One of Asia’s largest underground shopping malls, COEX
offers fashion, food, entertainment, and even a giant library. Don’t miss the Starfield
Library, an open public space with stunning book displays — perfect for
photos.
Itinerary Tip
Suggested Plan:
- Morning:
Stroll through Seoul Forest, visit Under Stand Avenue
- Midday:
Café-hop in Seongsu-dong and grab lunch at a local eatery
- Afternoon:
Take the subway to Seokchon Lake or COEX Mall
- Evening:
Return to Seongsu-dong for drinks at a rooftop pub or cozy wine bar
Subway Info:
- Seoul
Forest: Bundang Line (Seoul Forest Station)
- Seongsu-dong:
Line 2 (Ttukseom Station or Seongsu Station)
- Seokchon
Lake: Line 2 (Jamsil Station)
- COEX
Mall: Line 2 (Samseong Station)
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a Seoul itinerary that blends
nature, art, and local life, Seoul Forest and Seongsu-dong are perfect
additions to your trip. Add in a scenic lake walk or a modern shopping spree,
and you'll experience a side of the city that’s creative, calm, and full of
surprises.
It’s not just a detour — it’s a destination.
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