# Seoul's Alleyways Win Over Foreign Visitors With Hanok Cafes and Outdoor Dining

- URL: https://hallyu-brief.vercel.app/en/news/seoul-alleys-hanok-cafes-foreign-visitors-2026-23c86d
- Published: 2026-10-17T23:12:46.771Z
- Publisher: Hallyu Brief

> Seoul's narrow alleys, from Jongno 3-ga to Ikseon-dong and Haebangchon, are attracting foreign travelers with hanok cafes, stone-wall lanes, and outdoor dining.

## Key points

1. Times Out ranked Jongno 3-ga No. 1 among the world's coolest neighborhoods for 2026.
2. Foreign customers at an Ikseon-dong cafe rose about 20% this year, the owner said.
3. Visitors describe the alleys as quieter and less crowded than central Seoul.

## Why are Seoul's alleys drawing foreign visitors?

Seoul's narrow alleys are attracting foreign travelers who want something beyond the high-rise city center. Old stone walls, hanok buildings, small independent shops, and evening outdoor dining are drawing visitors from Sweden, the Netherlands, France, Russia, and beyond, according to Yonhap News.

## Why did Times Out choose Jongno 3-ga?

The UK travel publication Time Out named Jongno 3-ga the world's coolest neighborhood for 2026. It cited the century-old hanok buildings, long-running local restaurants, late-night outdoor eating, and independent shops and cafés.

## What are visitors saying about the alleys?

A Swedish visitor who came after hearing about the ranking said the long stretch of traditional stone walls was beautiful. A Dutch visitor said the small shops and calm mood felt far removed from Seoul's crowded districts.

## Where else are foreign visitors going?

| Area | Draw |
|---|---|
| Ikseon-dong | Hanok cafes and outdoor dining |
| Seorasunga-gil | Quiet lanes and small shops |
| Haebangchon Sinheung Market | Exotic streetscape, Asian and Western tourists |
| Myeong-dong | Brand stores and cosmetics |

Ikseon-dong's cafe owner said foreign customers rose about 20% this year. A Haebangchon clothing shop worker reported a clear increase since last year.

## For international fans

These alleys are a good way to see everyday Seoul beyond the main shopping districts. Many visitors combine a hanok cafe stop with an evening meal at an outdoor table, a pattern many foreign travelers say they enjoy.

## FAQ

### Which Seoul alleys are popular with foreign visitors?

Ikseon-dong, Seorasunga-gil, Haebangchon, and Myeong-dong are drawing foreign visitors according to the article. Each offers a different mood, from hanok cafes to brand stores.

### Why did Times Out rank Jongno 3-ga first?

Times Out cited century-old hanok buildings, old restaurants, late-night outdoor dining, and independent shops and cafés as its appeal.

## Sources

- [Yonhap News](https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20261017030700004)

_Written and translated with AI from official announcements and Korean media reports. If something is wrong, please let us know._