But if you’re looking for something quieter, more cinematic, and deeply local, spending a slow day in Yongsan District might be one of the most rewarding ways to explore the city.
Located in the heart of Seoul, Yongsan District blends historic neighborhoods, cinematic streets, independent bookstores, and hillside villages. With a comfortable pair of walking shoes, you can uncover some of Seoul’s most charming hidden corners in just one day.
Here’s how to enjoy a slow travel experience in Yongsan.
Start Your Walk Along Hangang-daero
Begin your slow walk along Hangang-daero, one of the main roads connecting central Seoul to the southern districts near the Han River.
At first glance, Hangang-daero feels like any other busy Seoul boulevard: cars passing by, office towers rising above subway entrances, and locals moving quickly between work and home.
But step into the smaller streets nearby, and the atmosphere quickly changes.
Hidden between apartment buildings and older houses is a small railway crossing that gained popularity after appearing in the acclaimed K-drama My Mister.
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| Hangang-daero |
Baekbin Railroad Crossing: A Quiet K-Drama Location
For fans of Korean dramas, this railway crossing is instantly recognisable. Scenes from My Mister captured the emotional atmosphere of everyday life in Seoul—making this simple crossing feel unexpectedly cinematic.
Unlike major tourist filming locations, the area remains quiet and authentic. Trains pass occasionally, locals walk home from work, and the city moves at its usual rhythm.
It’s an excellent spot for street photography in Seoul, especially if you enjoy capturing urban scenes that feel both ordinary and poetic.
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| Baekbin Railroad Crossing |
Discover a Hidden Gem: Itaewon Foreign Bookstore
Continue your walk or take a bus toward Itaewon, where you’ll find one of the city’s most beloved independent bookstores: Itaewon Foreign Bookstore. This small bookstore has been serving Seoul’s international community for decades.
Inside, the shelves are packed with English-language books—novels, travel guides, biographies, and classic literature. The space feels nostalgic, almost frozen in time, with stacks of books reaching toward the ceiling.
For travelers exploring Seoul slowly, it’s the perfect place to pause for a moment. Browse a few titles, flip through a travel book, and enjoy a quiet break before heading deeper into the hills of Yongsan.
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| Itaewon Foreign Bookstore |
Climbing Into Haebangchon Village
The next part of the walk leads uphill toward Haebangchon, a hillside village often referred to simply as HBC. Haebangchon literally means “Liberation Village.”
The neighborhood was formed after Korea’s liberation in 1945, when refugees and displaced families settled on the slopes of Namsan Mountain. Over time, the community developed its own unique character.
Today, Haebangchon is known for its mix of cultures, creative businesses, and independent cafés.
But getting there requires some effort.
The streets begin to slope upward, and the climb becomes steeper as you approach the hilltop neighborhoods. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
The reward, however, is worth every step.
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| Haebangchon Village |
Haebangchon Sinheung Market: A Local Market with Character
At the top of the hill sits Haebangchon Sinheung Market. Unlike Seoul’s large and crowded traditional markets, Sinheung Market feels small, intimate, and full of personality.
Originally a local market serving the neighbourhood, the space has slowly evolved into a creative hub where old shops coexist with modern cafés and eateries.
Inside the narrow corridors of the market, you may discover:
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Korean comfort food restaurants
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Craft cafés
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Vintage-style shops
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Small independent bars
Because the market is relatively hidden, it still feels like a local secret in Seoul. For photographers, the combination of aging storefronts, soft lighting, and narrow passages creates a wonderfully atmospheric scene.
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| Haebangchon Sinheung Market |
Hidden Staircases and Secret Restaurants
One of the most charming aspects of the Haebangchon area is the network of narrow staircases that connect different levels of the neighborhood.
These stairways wind between houses, cafés, and restaurants, often revealing unexpected viewpoints of the city below.
Follow one staircase and you might find:
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A rooftop café with views of Namsan
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A tiny restaurant tucked into a residential alley
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A quiet photography spot overlooking the rooftops of Yongsan
Exploring these staircases feels like uncovering layers of the city that many visitors never see.
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| Hidden Staircases |
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| Secret Restaurants |
The Descent: A Surprisingly Difficult Walk
After spending time exploring the hilltop neighborhood, it’s time to make your way back down.
And surprisingly, the descent can be just as challenging as the climb.
The slopes are steep, and the staircases can be narrow, so it’s best to walk slowly and carefully—especially after sunset.
But walking downhill also offers one final reward: the changing perspective of the city as the skyline gradually reappears.
From the hillside, you can see the contrast between modern Seoul and its older neighbourhoods.
Why Yongsan Is One of Seoul’s Most Interesting Districts
What makes Yongsan District unique is its diversity. The district connects several different layers of Seoul:
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Historic hillside neighborhoods
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International communities in Itaewon
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Modern redevelopment projects
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Quiet parks and cultural spaces
Nearby attractions include Yongsan Family Park, a peaceful green space built on a former military base, and N Seoul Tower, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
Yet despite these major attractions, many of Yongsan’s best experiences come from simply wandering its streets.
Travel Tips for Exploring Yongsan
Wear comfortable shoes
The hills around Haebangchon can be steep.
Visit in the early morning or late afternoon
Golden hour light makes the neighborhood perfect for photography.
Take your time
The charm of Yongsan lies in slow exploration rather than rushing between attractions.
Bring a camera
Between staircases, markets, and alleyways, the district offers countless photo opportunities.
Final Thoughts: Slow Travel in Seoul
In a city known for its energy and speed, a slow day in Yongsan offers a refreshing change of pace.
Instead of rushing through famous landmarks, you wander through bookstores, climb the quiet hills, discover local markets, and explore hidden staircases.
Sometimes, the best way to experience Seoul is simply to walk — and let the city surprise you.
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