Hi! today is Local Places Not Found in Guidebooks
When people think of traveling to Korea, they often imagine the classic spots—Gyeongbokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower, Myeongdong, Jeju Island.
These are beautiful and meaningful, of course. But there’s so much more to discover—places that locals love, but don’t usually appear in travel guides.
In this post, let’s explore some hidden gems in Seoul and regional cities. These are places full of local vibes, where creativity, tradition, and daily life meet.
If you want to experience the real Korea, beyond the tourist path, this guide is for you!
📍 Seongsu-dong & Euljiro — The Local Side of Seoul’s Trendy Culture
Seongsu-dong: Where Cafés and Craft Shops Bloom in Old Factories
Once an old industrial area, Seongsu-dong is now one of Seoul’s hottest neighborhoods.
What used to be shoe factories and printing shops has been transformed into trendy cafés, handmade workshops, and design stores hidden in alleyways.
🏡 Highlights:
Daelim Changgo Gallery – A renovated warehouse turned into an art space
Café Onion – A café mixing traditional hanok and concrete minimalism
Seongsu Yeonbang – A cultural complex with local brands and exhibitions
📸 Tip: On weekends, there are often vintage markets. It’s a great chance to see what’s trending among young Koreans!
Euljiro: Retro Industry Meets Hipster Culture
Euljiro used to be all about hardware shops and printing houses. But today, it's reborn with hidden cafés, cocktail bars, and art galleries—all tucked between the old buildings.
🍸 Highlights:
Millimeter Milligram Café – A modern café in an old office building
Euljiro Alley Pojangmacha – Korean street bars with a 1960s vibe
Gallery Purple – A small but active space for pop-up exhibitions
💡 Local tip: Visit on weekday evenings to see how artists and office workers casually mix after work.
🎨 Artistic Alleys Outside of Seoul — Jeonju, Gunsan, and Tongyeong
Jeonju Mural Alleys: Street Art Meets Tradition
Jeonju is famous for its Hanok Village, but the real gem might be its hidden mural alleys.
Behind Jeondong Cathedral and near Nambu Market, you’ll find entire streets painted with colorful, quirky art created by locals and artists.
🎨 Suggested Route:
Jeonju Film Street → Pungnam Gate → Youth Mall at Nambu Market
Jeondong Cathedral → Mural Alley → Traditional tea house
📷 Pro tip: Wear a hanbok (Korean traditional clothing) and take photos by the murals for a unique blend of old and new.
Gunsan: Time Travel Through Modern History
Gunsan was once a booming port city under Japanese occupation.
Today, you can walk through its modern history district, filled with old buildings from the 1930s.
🧱 Must-visit spots:
Hirotsu House – A preserved Japanese colonial home
Lee Sung Dang Bakery – Korea’s oldest bakery
Jinpo Marine Park – Great view of the sea and naval history exhibits
Dongpirang Village (Tongyeong): Where the Sea Meets Street Art
Perched on a hillside above the sea, Dongpirang Mural Village in Tongyeong is full of charm.
As you wander past the murals, you’ll catch glimpses of the sparkling ocean—especially magical during sunset.
🌳 Peaceful Local Escapes — Seoul Forest, Bukjeong Village, Anmok Beach
Seoul Forest: Nature + Culture in the City
Seoul Forest is not just a park—it’s a mix of nature, cafés, shops, and art spaces.
You can walk among trees, feed deer, relax at plant-themed cafés, or browse design stores.
🌿 Highlights:
Photo booths → Forest trails → Plant cafés
In spring (cherry blossoms) or autumn (golden leaves), it's breathtaking.
Bukjeong Village: Traditional Seoul Without the Tourists
Located near the old fortress wall, Bukjeong Village is a quiet area with hanok (traditional houses) and panoramic views of the city.
It’s peaceful, rarely crowded, and perfect for slow exploration.
📸 Best photo: Stone wall paths + hanok rooftops + a distant N Seoul Tower
Anmok Beach (Gangneung): Coffee by the Sea
While Gyeongpo Beach and Jumunjin are more famous, Anmok Beach offers a calm, relaxed atmosphere.
There’s a street lined with cafés facing the ocean—perfect for watching the sunrise or sunset with a warm drink.
☕ Local route:
Coffee shop with a sea view → Beach walk → Seafood dinner (try mulhoe, cold spicy raw fish soup)
✍ Final Thoughts: Experience Korea Off the Beaten Path
Traveling isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how you experience it.
Famous tourist spots are great, but stepping into local streets, back alleys, and quiet towns gives you a much richer picture of Korea.
Next time, close the guidebook and take a turn into an unfamiliar alley—you may discover a side of Korea that’s even more beautiful than you imagined.