Seoul/East

High-rise buildings in Seongdong

The districts of Dongdaemun (동대문), Jungnang (중랑), Gwangjin (광진) and Seongdong (성동) are in the east of the city of Seoul. East Seoul is a vibrant and diverse region with a unique blend of traditional Korean culture and modern urban life. This area of the city is known for its rich historical heritage, stunning architecture, and a wide range of attractions and activities. East Seoul is home to several prominent districts, including Dongdaemun-gu, Gwangjin-gu, and Seongdong-gu, each offering its own distinctive character and experiences. Dongdaemun-gu is renowned for its historic Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Market, a hub for fashion and design enthusiasts. Gwangjin-gu boasts beautiful parks, such as the Ttukseom Resort, which provides a serene escape from the bustling city. Seongdong-gu, on the other hand, offers a glimpse into traditional Korean life with its narrow alleyways, historic homes, and local markets.

Understand

• Hanyang University (한양대학교), Wangsibri-ro 222, Seongdong-gu (Hanyang University station, metro line no.2.), ☏ +82 2-2220-0114. Hanyang University is one of the famous universities in Korea. Also you can enjoy delicious foods and a lively atmosphere. And the Seoul Forest is near here, so you can visit there so easily. (updated Oct 2019)

East Seoul is one of the important neighborhoods in the South Korean capital, Seoul, and has seen many historical events and changes.

Below is information about some of the key historical events and people in eastern Seoul

1. Joseon era: The eastern part of Seoul was a rural area during the Joseon Dynasty, where Hanseong (now Seongbuk-gu, Seoul) was located. Agriculture and ethnic activities were central to the area, and it played an important role during the Joseon Dynasty.
2. Modern: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, eastern Seoul was influenced by the urbanization and industrialization of Seoul. Industrial facilities and residential areas formed in the area, and it was an important transportation node east of Seoul.
3. Today: Today, eastern Seoul has developed into an educational and residential neighborhood. Various universities, schools, housing, and cultural facilities are located in eastern Seoul, playing an important role in the development of the city.

Climate

East Seoul experiences a typical climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and dry,

with temperatures in January ranging from -5°C to 2°C. Summers are warm and humid, with July and August being the hottest months with temperatures reaching up to 30°C.

July receives the most precipitation, with 414.4 millimeters of rainfall. Snow is not common in eastern Seoul.

Seoul/East
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D       17     2 −6       28     5 −3       37     11 2       73     18 8       104     24 14       130     29 19       414     30 22       348     26 23       142     20 18       52     12 11       51     4 4       23     4 −3 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation+Snow totals in mm
Imperial conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D       0.7     36 22       1.1     41 26       1.5     52 35       2.9     64 46       4.1     74 56       5.1     84 66       16     86 72       14     79 73       5.6     68 64       2.1     53 51       2     40 38       0.9     39 26 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation+Snow totals in inches

Get in

By plane

There is no airport, but you can take an airport bus directly from the airport. You'll also need to make a transfer, but it's easy to get to from Hongdae, Gongdeok, and Mapo, so you shouldn't have too much trouble getting to the airport.

By train

Several lines of the city's massive subway and commuter rail systems go to the eastern parts of the city including 1, 2, 5, 7 and the Gyeongui–Jungang and Gyeongchun lines.

• Konguk University station (건대입구역), Achasan-ro 243, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, ☏ +82 2 6110-2121. Konguk University Station is a transfer station between line no.2 and no.7. Also you can go to the Konguk University as well, you can enjoy the beautiful lake (Ilgam-ho.) at there. (updated Oct 2019) Public transportation is very good. First of all, Line 2, Line 5, and Line 7 pass through the district, and you can transfer at Gunsan Station (2,7) and Gunja Station (5,7). Gangbyeon Station Bus Transfer Center also serves as a transfer point for Gyeonggi-do residents coming from Guri, Namyangju, Hanam, and Gwangju, so it is very crowded during rush hour. Bus transportation to outlying areas is also very convenient thanks to the presence of Dong Seoul Terminal, and the large number of passengers who use it means that many people travel to and from Gwangjin-gu throughout the day. Seoul Express Bus Terminal is also easily accessible via Line 7.

By car

This is one of the most accessible neighborhoods in Seoul.

Gwangjin-gu is one of the few neighborhoods in Seoul that has very little traffic congestion.

By bus

There are lots of buses from the centre to Dongdaemun, Jungnang, Gwangjin, and Seongdong.

Buses from other cities arrive at the Dongseoul Bus Terminal (Gangbyeonyeok-ro 50, Gwangin-gu, call 1688-5979).

By taxi

From the centre of Seoul to eastern Seoul can cost ₩8,000 to ₩15,000 (2018). Prices late at night can be cheaper as there are fewer cars on the road.

By foot

Gwangjin-gu has the Jungrangcheon and Han River.

See

• 1 Bonghwasan (Jungnang). A 160-m-high mountain from where there are good views over the city. The mountain together with the surrounding park is popular place for short hikes. Also worth seeing is the Sasingak Shrine at the southern side of the mountain. (updated Jun 2015)
• 2 Seoul Forest (Seongdong), ☏ +82 02 460 2905. Seoul's own Central Park, at the northern bank of Han. It's composed of five smaller parks, the culture & art park, the natural ecology forest, the natural hands-on experience learning garden, the ecological wetland garden and the Han river waterfront park as well as an outdoor stage and a big playground. (updated Jun 2015)
• 3 Geonguk University Museum, 93, Hwayang-dong (Gwangjin). A museum with Korean historical artifacts. The main attraction here is the Donggukjeongun, a set of six books from the 15th century describing how Chinese characters should be pronounced. These were the first such teaching books in Korea. Free. (updated Jun 2015)
• 4 King Sejong Memorial Hall, 56, Hoegi-ro (Dongdaemun). Memorial hall dedicated to the culturally most important king in Korean history. (updated Jun 2015)
• 5 Ilgam-ho (일감호), Neungdong-ro 120, Gwangjin-gu (Konguk University Station, Metro line no.2 and no.7.), ☏ +82 2-450-3114. M-F 05:00-08:00, Sa Su 05:00-17:00.. You can enjoy this beautiful lake, Ilgam-ho M-F only 05:00-08:00, because of the students' security. But you can visit here at 05:00-17:00 every weekends. (updated Oct 2019)
• 6 Seoul Pungmul Market (서울풍물시장), Cheonho-daero 4 gil 21, Dongdaemun-gu (Sinseoldong station, Metro Line no.2). 10:00-19:00. Closed every 2nd, 4th Tuesday. Seoul Pungmul Market is a traditional market which originated from Hwanghakdong market famous for flea market. You can buy and enjoy the traditional and also modern items at here. (updated Oct 2019)
• 7 Water Museum (수도박물관), 27 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, ☏ +82 2 3146 5921. Tu-Su 09:00-18:00, closed on Monday. There is an exhibition where you can see the growth and development of water supply-related culture and technology. There are also various facilities to experience. Free. (updated Dec 2022)
• 8 Seoul Imagination Country (서울상상나라), 216, Neung dong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, ☏ +82 2 6450 9500. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00, closed on Monday. It is a space where you can experience various experience facilities through children's play. All ₩4000. (updated Dec 2022)
• 9 Cheonggyecheon Museum (청계천 박물관), 530 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Seongdong-gu, ☏ +82 2 2286 3410. Tu-Su 09:00-18:00, closed on Monday. You can see the history and culture of Cheonggyecheon Stream. You can also see how Cheonggyecheon affected human life through the exhibition. Free. (updated Dec 2022)
• 10 Kyung Hee University (경희대학교), 26-6, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, ☏ +82 02-961-0114. A private research university with campuses in Seoul and Suwon. Founded in 1949, it is widely regarded as one of the best universities in South Korea. Kyung Hee University offers comprehensive education from kindergarten through graduate school. (updated Dec 2023)

• 

  시립대학교 정문

  11 University of Seoul (서울시립대학교), 163, Seoulsiripdae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, ☏ +82 02-6490-6114. A municipal public university that is famous in South Korea for a very large number of alumni working as national or municipal government officials. UOS is specialized in urban science and has top-tier programs environmental engineering, taxation, transportation engineering, urban planning and design, landscape architecture, and urban administration. (updated Dec 2023)

• 

  Hanyang University

  12 Hanyang University (한양대학교), 220, Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, ☏ +82 02-2220-0114. A private research university in Seoul and Ansan (ERICA campus). The university was founded in 1939 as an engineering school, and was the country's first college to offer engineering and architecture programs. (updated Dec 2023)

Do

• 1 Children's Grand Park (어린이대공원) (Children's Grand Park Metro station is close by), ☏ +82 2-450-9311. 05:00-22:00. Neung-dong, Gwangjin-gu. The park was opened in 1973. The park has a zoo, amusement facilities and restaurants. To get there, simply take the subway to Children's Grand Park on line 7. Avoid the weekends as it can get very crowded. (updated May 2015)
• 2 Ttukseom Hangang Park (뚝섬 유원지), Jayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, ☏ +82 2-3780-0521. 24 hours a day. You can take a walk and have a picnic. (updated Dec 2022)
• 3 Lotte Cinema (롯데시네마 건대입구점), 262, Achasan-ro, Gwangjin-gu (in the Lotte Department Store building), ☏ +82 2-1544-8855. The movie theater is easily accessible. There is also a food court next to the movie theater. (updated Dec 2023)

Buy

• 

  Dongdaemun Market

  1 Dongdaemun. An enormous fashion shopping district with 24 large department store-like buildings such as Doota, Migliore, and APM, each with 2-17 stories of trendy shops and stalls grouped together so customers can shop efficiently and save time. This market is of equal historical significance to Namdaemun market, with the obvious difference being Dongdaemun's modernity. Historically, Dongdaemun was a nightmarket, open from 01:00 to 13:00 the following day; now it opens midday, but still remains active well into the early morning, with many shops finally closing around 08:00. Some stores are open for 24 hours. Come on Friday or Saturday night to see Dongdaemun at its most hectic, with huge crowds of thousands flooding the streets hunting for their next bargain. The energy is almost palpable. 
• 2 Techno Mart (Gangbyeon), 546-4 Guui 3(sam)-dong, Gwangjin-gu (next to Gangbyeon St). There are two Techno Marts in Seoul: the original at Gangbyeon station, and the new store at Sindorim station. Both complexes house over 2,000 stores across eight floors that sell a variety of high-tech products. From electrical appliances to computers, you will find everything you need. The first floor has cosmetics, accessories, and stationeries. The second and third floors comprise Korean-made electrical goods, while the fourth and fifth floors sell foreign-made electrical appliances. The sixth floor sells cell phones and their accessories. Computers are sold on the seventh, and on the eighth music and DVDs. Aside from all the high-tech gadgetry, there are over a dozen restaurants on the 9th floor, and a cineplex and arcade on the 10th. 
• 3 Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) (DDP), 281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, ☏ +82 2-2153-0000. 10:00-20:00 everday. DDP is famous for holding various exhibitions and festivals and for holding Seoul Art Week and Seoul Fashion Week every year. Dongdaemun is a region of Seoul called the 'Mecca of Fashion' and is well known for its cool architecture constructure. At night, the lights turn on and you can see the beautiful architecture. (updated Sep 2023)
• 4 Lotte Department Store (롯데백화점 건대스타시티점), 92, Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, ☏ +82 2-1577-0001. 10:30-22:00. A department store in the KU area. It is very accessible and crowded. (updated Dec 2023)

Eat

• Konkuk University Taste Street at 50-9 Hwayang-dong, is crowded with students from nearby universities, Konkuk University and Sejong University, as well as young people in their late teens and early 20s. It's a younger crowd than Myeongdong and Itaewon.
• Seongsu Cafe Street at Seongsu-dong 2-ga, Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, was created by a group of young people in a converted industrial complex. The street is filled with delicious coffee and sweets, as well as hip fashion shops and restaurants.
• Gunja-flavored streets is a street of flavors located in Gunja Station. It is especially famous for the spears and dae-chang that Hwasa of Korean girl group Mamaw ate.
• Riverside street food stalls is a street lined with food stalls at a riverside station. It's a great place to grab a bite to eat and a drink.
• 1 Pizza Hill (피자힐) (close to the Walker Hill hotel in Gwangjin-gu), ☏ +82 2-450-4699. An excellent pizzeria. As its name implies, the restaurant has a lovely view of Seoul on top of a hill and prices higher than the hill it sits on. Worth a visit if you hit it big at the nearby casino. 
• 2 Shinto Buli Tteokbokki (신토불이 떡볶이 본점), 42, Jayang-ro 43-gil, Gwangjin-gu, ☏ +82 2-457-2475. 11:00-19:00. Tteokbokki, a Korean dish, is delicious here. It's spicy, so be careful. (updated Oct 2023)
• 3 Ewha dumplings (이화만두), 278-1, Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, ☏ +82 2-455-3486. 11:00-19:00(break time: 14:00 ~ 17:00). This is the most famous dumpling restaurant in Gwangjin-gu. It sells out early almost every day, so it's best to get there when it opens. ₩6,000. (updated Oct 2023)
• 4 YIYIYO (이이요), 6, Neungdong-ro 32-gil, Gwangjin-gu, ☏ +82 2-3437-2225. 12:00-22:00 (break: 14:10-17:00). A restaurant that serves sashimi, sushi, and rice bowls. There's always a wait, so I recommend getting there early to get on the waiting list and snapping photos at the selfie shop next door. (updated Oct 2023)
• 5 Seobukmyeonok (서북면옥), 80-47 Guui-dong, Gwangjin-gu, ☏ +82 2-457-8319. 11:00-19:30 (last order at 19:00). It specializes in Pyongyang noodles, a North Korean-style cold noodle. (updated Oct 2023)
• 6 Mibundang (미분당 광진점), 12-42 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, ☏ +82 070-5103-9794. 11:00-21:00 (break: 15:00-17:00, last order at 20:30). A place that sells rice noodles. It feels like a mix between Korea and Japan. (updated Oct 2023)

Drink

• 1 Harinezumi, 16-36 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, ☏ +82 2-466-3433. 19:00-04:00. A Korean-style izakaya serving sake. (updated Dec 2023)
• 2 Jazzy Lounge, 111-25, Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, ☏ +82 507-1421-1998. 18:00-01:00. A bar where you can enjoy cocktails with live entertainment. (updated Dec 2023)
• 3 Slowtown Brewery(느린마을 양조장), 2F, 7-12, Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, ☏ +82 507-1315-6365. 17:00-23:30. It's a Korean-style bar that serves makgeolli, a Korean liquor, as well as sueyuk and seafood pajeon. (updated Dec 2023)

Sleep

• 1 Grand Walkerhill Seoul (former Sheraton), 177 Wakerhill-ro, Gwangjin-gu, ☏ +82 2-455-5000, reservations@walkerhill.com. Luxury hotel famous for its casino, swimming pool and seasonal dance parties. Populated with a lively crowd of regular expats. 
• 2 Vista Walkerhill Seoul (formerly W Seoul), 177 Walkerhill-ro Gwangjin-Gu, ☏ +82 2-455-5000, reservations@walkerhill.com. Trendy boutique hotel in Seoul. Has a good Sunday brunch buffet with two seatings at 11:00 and 13:30. At least ₩140,000/person. 
• 3 Hotel Cullinan Wangsimni (호텔 컬리넌 왕십리), 47 Muhak-ro 2-gil, Seongdong-gu, ☏ +82 02 2298 0070. Check-in: 18:00, check-out: 12:00. (updated Dec 2023)
• 4 The Classic 500 Pentaz, The Classic 500, 90 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, ☏ +82 02-2218-5000. A landmark in Gwangjin-gu, this residential-style hotel offers the highest level of service. (updated Dec 2023)
• 5 Hotel The Designers Cheongnyangni (호텔 더 디자이너스 청량리), 226, Wangsan-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Dongdaemun-Gu, ☏ +82 0507-1485-3318. Check-in: 15:00-00:00, check-out: 12:00. Hotel The Designers Cheongnyangni is conveniently located 656 feet from Exit 4 of Cheongnyangni Subway Station (Line 1 and Gyeongui-Jungang Line). This modern hotel houses an in-house restaurant and 80 stylish guest rooms. Free WiFi is available in all areas. Each of the 80 rooms is fitted with a TV with cable channels, a fridge and an electric kettle. Private bathroom has a bath, a shower and a toilet with electronic bidet. Extras include bottled water and a hairdryer. The hotel serves daily complimentary breakfast buffet at the in-house restaurant. The hotel also provides 24-hour front desk services. From the hotel, the lively Dongdaemun shopping district is a 10-minute subway ride west on Line 1. Gyeongdong Market is 0.6 mi west and Hongreung Arboretum is 0.9 mi north of the hotel. Incheon International Airport is an hour’s drive away. (updated Dec 2023)
• 6 Golden City Hotel Dongdaemun (골든 시티 호텔 동대문), 377, Cheonho-daero, Dongdaemun- Gu, Dongdaemun-Gu (5 minutes’ walk from Janghanpyeong Subway Station (Line 5)). Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Golden City Hotel Dongdaemun offers modern guestrooms with free WiFi and on-site parking. Dongdaemun shopping area is a 25-minute drive, while Myeongdong is a 30-minute drive from the hotel. Each room here is equipped a TV, a fridge and a work desk. The private bathroom features a walk-in shower and a hairdryer Guests can purchase simple necessities at the 24-hour convenience store on the ground floor. Semi-buffet breakfast is served daily at the restaurant on the basement floor. (updated Dec 2023)
• 7 The Recenz Dongdaemun Hotel (더리센츠동대문호텔), 383, Cheonho-daero, Dongdaemun-gu, Dongdaemun-Gu (4-minute walk from Janghanpyeong Subway Station (Line 5)), ☏ +82 02-3390-7000. Check-in: 15:00-00:00, check-out: 12:00. Featuring views of the city, each room is carpeted and fitted with a TV, safety deposit box, desk and fridge. Private bathroom includes free toiletries, slippers and a hairdryer. The hotel features a restaurant, conference rooms and a business center. There is also a 24-hour front desk that offers luggage storage, valet parking and currency exchange services. (updated Dec 2023)
• 8 Saturn Hotel (동대문 새턴호텔), Seongdong-Gu, ☏ +82 0507-1465-3404. Check-in: 18:00-00:00, check-out: Available 24 hours. All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, a coffee machine, a shower, free toiletries and a closet. The hotel has some rooms with city views, and all rooms have an electric tea pot. All rooms feature a private bathroom, a hairdryer and bed linen.
  Saturn Hotel(동대문 새턴호텔) also provides a business center and guests can use the fax machine and photocopier at the accommodation. (updated Dec 2023)
• 9 Mangrove Sinseol (맹그로브 신설), 22, Wangsan-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Dongdaemun-Gu (Gwangjang Market is 1.7 miles from the accommodation, while Bangsan Market is 1.9 miles away), ☏ +82 0507-1366-2419. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Mangrove Sinseol provides accommodation with a fitness center, private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. Featuring a restaurant, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property has a shared kitchen, a business center and currency exchange for guests.
  At the hotel, rooms include a closet. At Mangrove Sinseol every room comes with bed linen and towels. (updated Dec 2023)
• 10 G Mini Hotel Dongdaemun (G 미니호텔 동대문), 7, Hajeong-ro 5-gil, Dongdaemun-gu, Dongdaemun-Gu (1-minute walk from Exit 4 of Sinseoldong Subway Station (Line 1 and 2)), ☏ +82 02-928-6500. Check-in: 16:00-00:00, check-out: 11:00 AM. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, a flat-screen cable TV and an electric kettle. Private bathroom comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries. The 24-hour front desk provides currency exchange and ticket services. Guests can request grocery delivery service or request shuttle service here at a surcharge. (updated Dec 2023)
• 11 Hostel Metro (호스텔메트로), 11-1, Wangsan-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Dongdaemun-Gu (1-minute walk from Sinseoldong Subway Station (Line 1 or 2),), ☏ +82 0507-1357-9054. Check-in: 16:00-00:00, check-out: 11:00. Fitted with air conditioning and heating, all guestrooms come with a TV and a mini-fridge. The private bathroom is equipped with a sink and a shower. At the 24-hour front desk, guests can store luggage or request for fax/photocopying services. (updated Dec 2023)
• 12 Hotel Forestar (호텔 포레스타), 51, Muhak-ro 2-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seongdong-Gu, ☏ +82 0507-1491-5901. Check-in: 14:00-23:30, check-out: 13:00. All units are equipped with air conditioning, a TV with cable channels, a fridge, an electric tea pot, a bidet, free toiletries and a desk. With a private bathroom equipped with a bath and a hairdryer, rooms at the hotel also provide guests with free Wi-Fi, while selected rooms include a city view. Guest rooms include a closet. Free private parking and a business center are available, as well as a 24-hour front desk. (updated Dec 2023)
• 13 Hotel Cullinan Wangsimni (호텔 컬리넌 왕십리), 47, Muhak-ro 2-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seongdong-Gu, ☏ +82 0222980070. Check-in: 18:00-00:00, check-out: 13:00. Featuring a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer, rooms at the hotel also feature free WiFi. The reception at Hotel Cullinan Wangsimni can provide tips on the area. (updated Dec 2023)
• Just Stay Hotel (저스트스테이호텔 왕십리역점), 12-1, Wangsimni-ro 22-gil, Seongdong-gu, ☏ +82 0507-1384-5579. Check-in: 20:00-23:30, check-out: 12:00. Hotel provides a shared lounge, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi and a bar. This 2-star motel offers a shared kitchen and a 24-hour front desk. Guests can have a drink at the snack bar. All guest rooms in the motel are equipped with an electric tea pot. At Just Stay Hotel every room has air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. (updated Dec 2023)

Hospital

The senior general hospital is Konkuk University Hospital (842 beds). Many patients use this hospital because it is attached to the KU enrollment area. Other general hospitals besides Konkuk University Hospital include Hyemin Hospital (219 beds) in front of Jayangsa Street.

In front of Junggok Station, there is a hospital under the Ministry of Health and Welfare called the National Mental Health Center (200 beds), which was renamed from the former National Seoul Hospital, which specialized in psychiatry.