Seoul

Here is a breakdown of the 25 “gu” mentioned in the previous section. Within most districts there are residential and business/entertainment/shopping areas mixed together by the neighbourhood, so generally, most expats get the best of both worlds.

Dobong-gu

This district is in North Seoul, and it is considered a more peaceful and quiet area compared to the buzz of downtown. Hiking enthusiasts flock toward Dobong on the weekends to conquer the mountains in the surrounding area and revel in the natural scenery. Although it’s mainly a residential area, expats do not usually choose to live in this area unless they are teaching in a local school or kindergarten. It is easily accessed by subway lines one, four and seven.

International Schools: no

Supermarkets: Emart, Chang-dong Station. There are other, smaller supermarkets close to apartment blocks.

Restaurants: An assortment of the ubiquitous kimbab and Korean BBQ restaurants, as well as pizza parlours.

Cinemas: no

Sports Facilities: There are regular neighbourhood gyms and small parks in which you can exercise.

Dongdaemun-gu

Although the district shares its name with the famous market area in Seoul, Dongdaemun Market is actually in Jongno-gu. Dongdaemun-gu covers a large chunk of east/central Seoul, with its busiest spot located at Cheongyangni Station. It has two outdoor markets: Dongseo and Gyeongdong. Subway lines one, two and five run through this district and is easily accessed by bus. It is not extremely popular as a living option for expats, but it is a fun area to visit and shop.

International Schools: no

Supermarkets: Homeplus, Yongdu-dong, Lottemart (2010 opening), Cheongyangni Station.

Restaurants: There are many Korean and Western style restaurants throughout the district.

Cinemas: no

Sports Facilities: Regular neighbourhood gyms and community centres throughout the district.

Dongjak-gu

Located just South of the Han River, this district has pretty riverside parks and plenty of residential options. It is close to the shopping and business areas of Gangnam and Seocho, and while it is not on the top of most expat’s lists for places to live, it certainly has its charms. The Noryangjin Fish Market is possibly the most famous area in Dongjak-gu. As a place to live, however, the average expat generally finds this area rather boring. Subway lines one, two, four and seven run through this district.

International Schools: no

Supermarkets: Small, independently owned supermarkets. The larger chains are found in the neighbouring districts.

Restaurants: Mostly Korean style. There is an eating area in the fish market which is popular with locals.

Cinemas: no

Sports facilities: Boromae Park in Sindaebang-dong contains several basketball, tennis, badminton and volleyball courts as well as rock climbing facilities, a jogging track and even a Buddhist Temple! Dongjak-gu is dotted with the usual neighbourhood gyms and has a nice riverside walking path along the Han.

Eunpyeong-gu

This district lies to the Northeast of Seoul and is accessed by subway lines three and six. Although there are many apartment blocks in this area, expats generally do not choose to live here. Like Dobong-gu, from Eunpyeong-gu you can enter Bukhansan National Park – therefore, hikers flock to this district on weekends. Also, Bulgwang Stream is a great place to take walks and relax, away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. This area is much poorer than most districts in Seoul and amenities are limited.

International Schools: no

Supermarkets: Emart in Eungam-dong, smaller independent shops along the residential areas.

Restaurants: Mostly Korean style. Go to Gamjatang Street for the famous spicy potato and meat stew.

Cinemas: no

Sports facilities: Regular neighbourhood gyms as well as designated exercise areas/jogging path along Bulgwang Stream.

Gangbuk-gu

Only serviced by subway line four, this district is another area on the outskirts of the main city. Located just West of Dobong-gu, Gangbuk-gu is another out of the way, quiet area with limited amenities. Again, it is not generally popular with expats as a living option. Most expats that live in this area are ESL teachers.

International Schools: no

Suermarkets: Lottemart in Mia-dong, other small independent supermarkets scattered around the district.

Restaurants: Mostly Korean style.

Cinemas: no

Sports facilities: Neighbourhood gyms.

Gangdong-gu

This district is located to the far East of the city, just South of the Han River. It’s dotted with several pretty parks and is home to Ilza mountain. It is a residential area, but expats do not usually choose to live here because it is so far away from downtown areas. Amenities for foreigners are limited.

International schools: no

Supermarkets: Emart in Myeongil-dong and Cheonho-dong, smaller supermarkets scattered around each neighbourhood.

Restaurants: Mostly Korean style with a small number of Western chains.

Cinemas: no

Sports facilities: Neighbourhood gyms as well as sports areas/exercise areas in any neighbourhood park. Jogging area along the Han River.

Gangnam-gu

As one of the hottest and trendiest places in Seoul, Gangnam has just about anything an expat could want in a neighbourhood. Great shopping, excellent restaurants, and lots of amenities make Gangnam-gu one of the most popular areas for foreigners in Seoul. Many expats in business live in Gangnam, as do many teachers who work for private schools. While the residential areas are quiet and laid back, the downtown glamour that is Gangnam-gu at night has a strong pull. Located to the South of the Han River, Gangnam-gu is serviced by lines two, three, seven and the Bundang (yellow) line.

International Schools: Japanese School in Gaepo-dong, Seoul Academy International School in Daechi-dong.

Supermarkets: Emart in Suseo-dong and Yeoksam-dong, many smaller supermarkets throughout the district.

Restaurants: Galore! You can satisfy any craving in Gangnam. Full of cafes, ice cream shops, fast food chains and upscale restaurants with both Korean and International food choices (there’s even a “mock”” New York Fries near exit seven in Gangnam Station – heaven!). You won’t go hungry.

Cinemas: Megabox in Samseong-dong (COEX Mall), Cinecity in Sinsa-dong, Cineplus in Sinsa-dong and City Cinema in Yeoksam-dong. Shows both Korean and Western films.

Sports facilities: In the park area along the Han River you will find plenty of soccer fields, rugby fields and badminton/tennis/volleyball courts. There are a few swimming pools as well as the possibility of water sports in the summer. Most apartment blocks have park/exercise facilities on site, and there are many other parks and gyms in the area from one star facilities to five.

Gangseo-gu

Located about as far West in Seoul as you can go, this district is just South of the Han River and is home to Gimpo International Airport. Because of the close proximity to Gimpo and the frequent low flying airplanes, this area is not a favourite living area for expats. Also, there are fewer high rise blocks than in other areas, housing instead (mainly) lower income families in villas. Subway lines two and five run through the district

International Schools: no

Supermarkets: Homeplus in Deungchon-dong and Emart in Gwahae-dong as well as smaller supermarkets throughout the distirict.

Restaurants: mainly Korean style, but plentiful.

Cinemas: no

Sports facilities: Several large sports centres including Magok Indoor Badminton courts, Magok Leports Centre (equipped with swimming pool, gym, health centre and other facilities), Gonghang-dong Culture and Sports Centre (which includes a swimming pool), and Gangseo-gu Olympic Sports Centre (swimming pool, health club, gym and more).

Geumcheon-gu

This district can be found on subway lines one and seven. It is in the Southwest of Seoul, on the border with the neighbouring city of Anyang. This area is not especially popular with expats, but it is a business district so there are a few expats in the area. One can expect a decent amount of amenities, but keep in mind that Geumcheon is a bit far from the downtown areas and is among the one of the smaller districts of Seoul.

International Schools: no

Supermarkets: Homeplus in Doksan-dong, as well as various small supermarkets.

Restaurants: Mostly Korean in style with some Western chains.

Cinemas: no

Sports facilities: Geumcheon-gu Culture and Sports Centre (swimming pool, gym, health club and small theatre), as well as smaller neighbourhood gyms.

Guro-gu

Another district located in the Southwest of the city, Guro-gu is an interesting area in Seoul, but not overly popular with expats. As a centre for information technology, Guro is home to a large industrial complex. The district is well off and economically stable, and a large portion of Guro-gu is restricted for development as a result of a greenbelt law. Unless brought to Guro-gu for employment purposes, the average expat does not wish to live in this area as it is so far from downtown areas. You can reach it by subway lines one, two and seven – Guro is also a major hub in the Seoul subway system.

International Schools: no

Supermarkets: Emart in Guro 5-dong as well as smaller supermarkets throughout.

Restaurants: Mainly Korean with some Western chains.

Cinemas: no

Sports facilities: Guro-gu Sports Centre (with swimming pool, gym, health club and judo mats) as well as Oryu Rugby Stadium.

Gwanak-gu

Located in the Southern part of Seoul, Gwanak-gu is both beautiful and well populated. It’s beautiful because of Mount Gwanak, which looms over the district giving it a “green” feel and it’s well populated by students who go to Seoul National University and other middle/upper class locals. While there’s plenty to do in this university “town” (the busiest areas being centred around the university), most expats who choose to live here are either studying, or teaching, at the university. It feels far from the downtown area, but it really isn’t. While it may not be the average expat’s number one choice, it’s still a great area with lots to do. Subway lines two and four run through Gwanak-gu.

International Schools: no

Supermarkets: Lottemart in Bongcheon-dong, other smaller supermarkets scattered throughout.

Restaurants: Plenty of Korean and Western style restaurants throughout the district.

Cinemas: no

Sports facilities: Hiking enthusiasts can climb Mount Gwanak, while others can work out at neighbouhood gyms.

Gwangjin-gu

Located in Eastern Seoul just North of the Han River, Gwangjin-gu is home to Konkuk University and Sejong University which gives the district a great “university town” vibe. Subway lines two, five and seven run through Gwangjin-gu, keeping it well connected to the rest of Seoul. The district is also home to Children’s Grand Park – a place for families to go for walks, to the zoo or even to the amusement park. Although there isn’t a large expat community here, it is a great place for families and singles alike, with bars and restaurants galore alongside more family friendly areas.

International Schools: Korea Kent Foreign School in Guui-dong.

Supermarkets: Emart in Jayang-dong, Lottemart in Guui-dong, other smaller supermarkets throughout.

Restaurants: Plenty of Korean and Western restaurants, particularly around the Emart area.

Cinemas: CGV at Star City Mall in Jayang-dong.

Sports facilities: Achasan Distributing Resevoir Park (includes basketball court, swimming pool, tennis/badminton courts and soccer field), Gwangjin-gu Sports Centre (swimming pool, health club and gym).

Jongno-gu

This trendy business area is home to many embassies and dignitaries, as well as the home of Korea’s president, The Blue House. Jongno-gu is trendy and lively. On any given day, you can walk down the street and find something interesting going on. The shopping is both high end and affordable, with traditional shopping areas like Insadong, where one can buy famous Korean ceramics and sip interesting teas. At night, you can take a stroll by Cheonggyecheon, a beautifully restored stream close to the city hall that is gorgeously lit up in the evening and on weekends. You’re walking distance from some of Korea’s most beautifully kept historical buildings and palaces. Yes, it is difficult to pinpoint exactly where Seoul’s “downtown” is, but Jongno-gu is definitely at the heart of Seoul. The area is serviced by subway lines one, two, three, four and five and is a popular living choice for many expats.

International Schools: KONIS English Montessori School (kindergarten/elementary), Lycee International Xavier.

Supermarkets: Lottemart, Seoul Station and many other, smaller supermarkets.

Restaurants: Many upscale and chain restaurants, as well as Korean favourites. Spread out over the entire district.

Cinemas: Seoul Cinema in Gwansu-dong, Cinecube in Shinmun-ro 1-ga and Dongseung Cinematheque in Dongseung-dong.

Sports facilities: Neighbourhood gyms and plenty of parks.

Jung-gu

A contender for the hippest district in Seoul, centrally located Jung-gu is home to shopper’s paradise Myeongdong as well as Seoul’s most recognizable structure – Namsan Tower (perched on top of Namsan Mountain). Also worth mentioning is Namdaemun Market – a vast sea of knock off purses and jeans – and Deoksugung Palace which gives you a sense of serenity among the chaos that is modern day Jung-gu. This area is quite popular among Seoul’s expat population and is serviced by subway lines one, two, three, four, five and six.

International Schools: Namasan International School, Xavier International School

Supermarkets: Lottemart at Seoul Station, Sinsegae in Chungmu-ro and Emart in Hwanghak-dong. Regular supermarkets are scattered throughout the district.

Restaurants: Whatever you’re craving, you will probably find what you want in Jung-gu. From Krispy Kreme to Pizza Hut, this district has it all… and it has lots of great Korean restaurants, too!

Cinemas: Cinema Jeongdong in Jeongdong.

Sports facilities: Neighbourhood gyms are everywhere and there are some really pretty parks in the area.

Jungnang-gu

This area is located to the far East just North of the Han River. While it isn’t the most popular place for foreigners to live, you’ll find all the amenities you’ll need (as you will in every other area in Seoul). This area is serviced by the Jungnang subway line as well as subway lines number six and seven.

International Schools: no

Supermarkets: Emart in Mangu-dong, Homeplus in Sinnae-dong, plus numerous smaller grocery stores.

Restaurants: There are plenty of Korean restaurants in the areas as well as some American chains.

Cinemas: no

Sports facilities: Neighbourhood gyms are found throughout the area as well as several parks with exercise areas.

Mapo-gu

Another trendy area in Seoul, Mapo-gu is largely a business district with a fairly large expat population, although still not as large as Yongsan-gu or Gangnam-gu. Mapo-gu lies to the West of the city just North of the Han River. Expats enjoy living in Mapo as there are lots of amenities serving the foreign population as well as the best night scenes in Korea. Home to Hongik University, which is arguable the artsiest university in South Korea, the district of Hongdae is the spot in Seoul where you’ll find counter culture in full force. Subway lines number one, five and six service this area.

International Schools: no

Supermarkets: Homever in Seongsan-dong.

Restaurants: Whatever food you’re craving, you can find it in Mapo-gu. A large selection of Western and Korean restaurants abound.

Cinemas: CGV 10 in Seongsan-dong, Grand Cinema in Nogosan.

Sports facilities: Numerous neighbourhood gyms, world cup stadium (soccer), and several parks with exercise facilities.

Nowon-gu

Being so far to the North of Seoul, one would think expats would abhor living in this area, but guess what? There is a growing expat population in Nowon-gu, particularly expats with a more leisurely attitude and those who enjoy hiking and nature with all the comforts of Seoul. Probably the least foreign populated of the “popular expat areas”, Nowon-gu has a more relaxed atmosphere than other parts of Seoul, but it’s actually the most populated area in the entire city! Subway lines number four, six and seven service the area.

International Schools: Asia Pacific International School

Supermarkets: Emart in Gangdong-gu, Homeplus in Hagye-dong, Savezone in Hagye-dong, Lottemart in Sanggye-dong.

Restaurants: A large selection of Korean and Western style restaurants are found throughout the area.

Cinemas: Lotte Cinema in Sanggye-2dong.

Sports facilities: Walking/jogging/cycling/in line skating along the Jungnang Stream, numerous parks with exercise facilities, neighbourhood gyms throughout the region.

Seocho-gu

Home to nearly the entire French community in Seoul, Seocho-gu is located just South of the Han River. With lots of amenities catering to expats and, since the French live there, plenty of places to eat cheese and sip wine, Seocho-gu is a popular and ritzy area for expats to live. Seocho-gu is very close to Gangnam, and is serviced by subway lines number two, three and seven. Seocho-gu is also noted as the largest of Seoul’s gu,

International Schools: Rainbow International School in Yangjae-dong, Lycee Francaise de Seoul in Banpo-4dong, Dulwich College School (British International School).

Supermarkets: Kim’s Club in Jamwon-dong, Emart in Yangjae-dong and Costco in Yangjae-dong,

Restaurants: All the restaurants one would normally find in Seoul (Korean, Western chains) with a nice selection of French style restaurants (mainly located in the Banpo-dong region).

Cinemas: Central Six Cinema in Banpo-dong.

Sports facilities: Neighbourhood gyms, riverside parks with biking/soccer/rugby/tennis/swimming facilities, Mt. Cheonggye Nature Park with exercise facilities and more.

Seodaemun-gu

Among expats, Seodaemun-gu is well known for being the home of Seodaemun Prison – the prison-turned-museum where the Japanese kept Korean prisoners during their occupations, and an educational tourist attraction in Seoul. The area itself is located in Seoul’s Northwest and is populated by middle income families. While it isn’t the most popular place for expats to live, it is home to several prominent universities which means expat teachers and professors are often housed in this area. It is serviced by subway lines two and five.

International Schools: Seoul Foreign School in Yeonhui-dong, SFS British International School in Yonhui-dong, Chinese Middle and High School in Yonhui-dong.

Supermarkets: Plenty of smaller supermarkets around the area with larger supermarkets found in neighbouring areas.

Restaurants: The usual array of Korean and Western style restaurants.

Cinemas: Dream Cinema at Seodaemun Station (exit 8)

Sports facilities: Neighbourhood gyms, parks with exercise facilities, Yonsei Fitness Centre in Seongsanno.

Seongbuk-gu

Tucked away and overshadowed by its larger-than-life neighbours, Seongbuk-gu is located in central Seoul to the North of the Han River. Not the most popular spot for expats to live, Seongbuk-gu is still downtown enough to be tolerated. It is serviced by subway lines four and six, and still has most of the amenities expats look for (while the rest can be found in Jung-gu, or Dongdaemun-gu, or Jongno-gu – really, this area is very close to all the hot spots).

International School: no

Supermarkets: Hyundai “Mia” Department Store in Gireum-dong.

Restaurants: The usual Korean and Western chains will be found throughout the area.

Cinemas: no

Sports facilities: Plenty of neighbourhood gyms, parks with exercise facilities along with a community centre.

Seongdong-gu

Seongdong-gu is located just North of the Han River on Seoul’s East side. It is serviced by subway lines two, three and five as well as the Bundang and Jungnang lines. It is not an extremely popular place for expats to settle, but it’s still fairly close to the downtown area – on both sides of the river.

International Schools: no

Supermarkets: Emart in Seongsu-dong.

Restaurants: The usual Korean staples, pizza shops and Western chains.

Cinemas: no

Sports facilities: Neighbourhood gyms, Seongdong-gu Sports Centre and several parks with exercise facilities.

Songpa-gu

Songpa-gu is a popular area to live in Seoul whether you’re a Korean or an expat. Home to the business and shopping district of Jamsil, the Olympic Park and with a gorgeous riverside setting, Songpa is located close to Seocho and Gangnam-gu, on the South side of the Han River. The area is serviced by subway lines two, five and eight as well as the Bundang line. Even if you don’t live here, chances are you will be spending some time in this area!

International Schools: no

Supermarkets: Lotte Department Store in Jamsil-dong, Homeplus in Jamsil-dong, GS Supermarket in Munjeong2-dong.

Restaurants: A vast selection of Korean or Western style restaurants can be found throughout the area.

Cinemas: Lotte Cinema in Shinchon-dong.

Sports facilities: Han River Park with boating/fishing/volleyball/soccer/tennis facilities and much more, Seokchon Lake Park with walking facilities, neighbourhood gyms and community centres.

Yangcheon-gu

Located in the far Southwest of Seoul, Yangcheon-gu is home to the bustling Mokdong area. Mokdong is considered one of the nicest areas in Seoul to live, and as a result, the population of Yangcheon-gu is largely made up of middle to upper class citizens. You’ll find lots of amenities here, as well as decent nightlife and good restaurants. Subway line number two services this area.

International Schools: no.

Supermarkets: Emart in Sinwol-dong, Homeplus in Mokdong.

Restaurants: A wide selection of restaurants with the greatest concentration found around the Mokdong area.

Cinemas: CGV in Mokdong.

Sports facilities: Yangcheon-gu Sports Centre as well as various parks, neighbourhood gyms and community centres throughout the area.

Yeongdeungpo-gu

As a centre for business and communications in Seoul, Yeongdeungpo-gu is a popular place for professional expats to live. The residential areas in this gu are middle to high end, for the most part, and house many government and business officials. The Yeouido district is a popular spot for expats and Koreans alike as Yeouido Park has a gorgeous, riverside setting with lots of activities and festivals going on throughout the year. This area should definitely be a consideration if you’re thinking of settling in Seoul!

International Schools: no

Supermarkets: Emart in Yeouido-dong, Yeoui Supermarket in Yeouido-dong, Homeplus in Mullae-dong and Lotte Mart in Yeongdeungpo-dong.

Restaurants: A large selection of Korean style, Western chains and high end eating establishments – found throughout the area, but largely concentrated in Yeouido-dong.

Cinemas: Lotte Cinema in Yeongdeungpo-dong.

Sports facilities: Plenty of neighbourhood gyms, but the best place to exercise is Yeouido Park (jogging, soccer, rugby, tennis, badminton, swimming, and much more).

Yongsan-gu

By far the most popular area for expats to live, Yongsan-gu is located just North of the Han River in central Seoul. Expats flock to Yongsan-gu because of the amenities catering to the foreign population and the foreign community that resides in the area. Lots of restaurant and small business owners settle here, as well as foreign diplomats – and even the American Army. Lots to do, eat and drink and nearly everyone speaks English (or any other language you can think of). Serviced by subway lines one, four and six.

International Schools: Centennial Christian School, Global Christian School, Yongsan International School, Deutsche Schule Seoul International, Franciscan Preschool & Kindergarten, Early Childhood Learning Center, Seoul Day Care Center (SDC) 14 months to under 4 years of age.

Supermarkets: Emart in Yongsan station, Well Being Food Mart in Yongsan-gu (Kyungridun-Itaewon-Dong), Foreign Food Mart in Itaewon, Hannam Market (foreign foods) Hannam-dong.

Restaurants: The best and largest selection of international, high or low end restaurants in Seoul. Also good Korean food, but the emphasis in Yongsan is on international food. The largest selection of restaurants is found in Itaewon-dong.

Cinemas: CGV Yongsan in Hangangro. (Yongsan Station)

Sports facilities: Dragon Hill Sauna (includes a state of the art gym), Yongsan-gu Sports Centre, Studio X Fitness (Kyungridun-Itaewon Dong), Hangang Riverside Park with exercise facilities, Namsan Mountain for hiking and plenty of neighbourhood gyms found throughout the area.