Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Those in the market for a more local experience might want to look in the Bukchon
district, a cluster of beautifully preserved
hanok,
or traditional Korean homes, north of
City Hall between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces. Once the preferred ad-
dress for Korean nobility, this is a quaint area of winding alleys and low snug houses, most
topped with old-style flared tile roofs and set in gated courtyards. The area has undergone
something of a renaissance of late, with many cafés, restaurants, and galleries springing up
to serve a growing community of artistic and literary types. While a few of the old houses
show their age, many have been restored and given modern touches like air-conditioning
and underground parking. Some are occasionally available for rent or sale, with those that
have undergone minimal refurbishment similar in size and price to two-bedroom apartments
in the area.
Overlooking Seoul's old downtown from the lower slopes of the Bukhan mountain range,
Seongbuk district is a prosperous area known for its somewhat bucolic feel, with winding
streets lined by large, stately homes, many of them embassies and diplomatic residences.
In addition to its abundance of stand-alone houses, the chief attractions of the area are its
relative tranquility, views, and swift access to hiking and recreational activities. The main
downside is the lack of transport options compared to other neighborhoods—though close
to the city center in terms of distance, subway stations are few and far between, and the
area's steep roads can make walking or taking one of its tiny “village buses” a daunting
prospect in icy winter conditions.
Most expatriates cluster in the Seongbuk-dong area, which has wide range of homes
available in everything from modified Korean to English country manor to sleek, modernist
styles. What most do have in common is a hefty price tag—rents start at around 3 million
won per month for homes of around 200 square meters, with a two- to three-month deposit,
and the more opulent houses can go for ten times that.
Yongsan (Dragon Mountain) district, which stretches from Namsan to the northern shores
of the Han River, has been at the heart of Seoul's international community since the United
States set up its main base here during the Korean War. Yongsan Garrison is perpetually
due to be relocated, but given the district's heavy concentration of embassies, international
schools, and expat-friendly stops and eateries, most of the foreign residents will no doubt
remain. Arguably Yongsan's star attraction is Itaewon, an east-west artery a short distance
