Seoul's Jongno 3-ga Named World's Coolest Neighborhood... "Can't Miss Beer with Kimchi and Seafood Pancakes at Street Stalls"

Selected by UK Travel Outlet 'Timeout'
From Third Place in 2021 to First This Year
"A Blend of Old and New"

British travel and culture media outlet "Timeout" has selected Jongno 3-ga in Seoul as the world's coolest neighborhood.

British media Timeout selected Jongno 3-ga as the world's coolest neighborhood. Screenshot from Timeout website

On September 16 (local time), CNN reported that Timeout ranked Jongno 3-ga first in its list of the "World's Coolest Neighborhoods."

Jongno 3-ga climbed two spots this year, after ranking third in the same survey in 2021. Timeout annually selects notable neighborhoods based on recommendations from writers and editors working across the globe.

Grace Beard, travel editor at Timeout, explained, "Neighborhoods that were previously selected sometimes develop into even more exciting places." She added, "Jongno 3-ga, which was selected third in 2021, rose to number one this year with the establishment of a vibrant street stall (pojangmacha) culture that lasts late into the night and the increase in new shops."

The allure of Jongno 3-ga lies in its blend of old scenery and new culture. Anna Bara, a tourist from Portugal who visited the area, told CNN, "It is a place where culture and food blend together, allowing you to taste a variety of dishes," adding, "The mix of the old and new is truly wonderful."

In particular, Timeout highlighted the traditional hanok houses of Ikseon-dong and the street-stall-lined roads of Jongno 3-ga. While hanok in Ikseon-dong have long drawn tourists, recently, a culture has taken root where young people crowd into street stalls late at night to enjoy cold beer and kimchi or seafood pancakes. For those feeling adventurous, they suggested trying live octopus (Sannakji).

Soonragi Road, nearby, was also mentioned. Timeout described the alley along the stone wall of Jongmyo as a place with quiet wine bars and craft studios, showcasing a unique atmosphere where tradition and modernity harmonize.

The view of Ikseon-dong. The photo is not directly related to the content of the article. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

Following Jongno 3-ga, the Loucien district in Rabat, Morocco came in second. This coastal area near the Moroccan capital features luxury hotels such as the Four Seasons, but still boasts a wealth of independent shops and local culture.

The Neos Kosmos district of Athens, Greece, with its artistic atmosphere, ranked third. Los Angeles Chinatown in the United States and Govanhill in Glasgow, Scotland took fourth and fifth place respectively.

Editor Beard also noted that many of this year's selected neighborhoods are located in city centers. She said, "Urban centers are regaining their vibrancy," and added, "New creative spaces, bars, and excellent restaurants, along with various other venues, are emerging."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.