When most people visit Seoul, they usually head straight to Myeongdong, Hongdae, or the palaces—and don’t get me wrong, those are great! I love a good shopping spree as much as the next person. But if you really want to see the soul of the city, you’ve got to dig a little deeper.
There are some underrated spots that locals try to keep to themselves, and they’re honestly some of my favorite places in all of Seoul. So if you’re looking to escape the crowds and experience the city like someone who actually lives here, here are five hidden gems that deserve way more attention.
1. Eungbongsan – The Local’s Secret Cherry Blossom Spot
Okay, so while all the tourists are packing into Yeouido Park for cherry blossoms, locals head to Eungbongsan. And trust me, it’s a total game-changer. It’s a small mountain right near the Han River, but during the spring, it is just covered in flowers—not just cherry blossoms, but these bright yellow forsythia flowers that make the whole mountain glow. It is pure magic.
There’s a really easy walking trail that takes you up to a little observatory at the top. It’s not a tough hike at all, more like a pleasant stroll. And the view from there? Just… chef’s kiss. You get this amazing panoramic view of the Han River and its bridges. But the real local secret is going at night. Seeing the city lights and the cars streaming across the bridges from up there is honestly one of the most romantic and peaceful views in Seoul.
Whether you go in spring for the flowers or on a clear night for the city lights, it’s a quiet, scenic escape that feels a world away from the busy streets below.
- 📍 Eungbong Station (Jungang Line), Exit 1. From there, it’s just a quick walk to the trail entrance.
2. Seochon Village – Where Old-School Meets Super Chill
Seochon is tucked right beside the massive Gyeongbokgung Palace, but somehow, it feels like time slowed way, way down here. It’s one of Seoul’s oldest neighborhoods, but it hasn’t been overrun by tourists like its more famous neighbor, Bukchon. This is where people actually live.
You’ll find yourself wandering down these quiet little alleyways, walking past traditional hanok houses, tiny art galleries you can just pop into, and indie cafés that smell like heaven. Unlike Bukchon, which can feel a bit polished and perfect, Seochon is simple, a little bit raw, and just so calm. And that’s exactly what makes it so special.
My favorite thing to do here is just to get lost on purpose. You have to check out the Tongin Market while you’re there—they have this awesome “lunchbox” system where you buy old-timey coins and fill up a tray with different street foods. If you’re someone who enjoys slow walks, warm coffee, and discovering things by accident, Seochon will feel like a dream.
- 📍 Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), Exit 2. Just start walking and let the alleys pull you in.
3. Cheongun Literature Library – Quiet, Peaceful, and So Beautiful
Alright, this one’s for the book lovers and deep thinkers, or really, anyone who just needs a moment of peace. The Cheongun Literature Library sits on a hill in a quiet neighborhood called Buam-dong, and it has a view that’s seriously hard to beat.
It’s built in a modern hanok style, so it feels both traditional and new at the same time. The best part is the massive glass windows that look right out onto Bugaksan Mountain. It’s just… nature, right there in front of you. Inside, it’s completely silent and peaceful. You’ll see locals reading, writing in their journals, or just staring out the window, taking a break from the busy city. Even if you don’t plan on reading, it’s worth visiting just for the calm energy and that incredible view. It feels like a sanctuary.
- 📍 Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), then take bus 7212 or a short cab ride. It’s a little bit of a journey, but that’s what keeps it a hidden gem!
4. Ikseon-dong – Hanok Vibes With a Super Modern Twist
If you’ve never wandered into Ikseon-dong, trust me on this one—go. Seriously. It’s like stepping into a vintage movie set, but with a cool, modern twist. The whole area is a maze of old hanok alleys, but instead of just houses, they’re filled with the quirkiest cafés, coolest boutique shops, and amazing restaurants hidden behind flower walls.
Locals absolutely love coming here for brunch on a weekday, for date nights, or even just for a solo afternoon of café-hopping. It’s small enough that you can explore the whole area pretty quickly, but every single alley has something new to discover—a retro arcade, a shop that sells amazing scented candles, a bar that looks like a greenhouse. It’s got such a unique vibe and will leave a huge impression.
- 📍 Jongno 3-ga Station (Lines 1, 3, 5), Exit 4. Be prepared to get lost in the best way possible.
5. Oil Tank Culture Park – Seoul’s Coolest Transformation Story
Yes, you read that right—it was literally an oil depot before. It was built back in the ‘70s to hold the city’s oil reserves and was a top-secret facility for decades. But now? It’s been transformed into one of the most creative and interesting spaces in the entire city.
They took these six massive, old metal oil tanks and, instead of tearing them down, turned them into a modern cultural park. Each tank has its own vibe now. One is a cool, hollowed-out concert space, another has a beautiful plant-filled greenhouse inside, and another is a cozy community center with books. The whole place has this awesome industrial-meets-nature feel. It’s calm and peaceful during the week, and then on the weekends, it gets buzzing with local families, couples on dates, and people just chilling out or snapping cool photos.
- 📍 World Cup Stadium Station (Line 6), Exit 2. It’s right behind the stadium and totally worth the trip.
Final Thoughts
Seoul has so many layers—and these hidden spots show a quieter, more thoughtful side of the city. If you’ve already done the touristy checklist, take the time to explore places like Seochon or Ikseon-dong. They’re the kinds of places that really stick in your memory.
So tell me, Wavies—which of these hidden gems would you visit first? Or do you already have a favorite Seoul secret? Let’s chat in the comments!
