All Around Mapo-gu!

Mapo-gu is one of Seoul's 25 administrative districts.

Quick *brief* crash course on how Seoul is divided

1. If a region ends in -si (시) → city 

   → Seoul is an *exception* named a special city (특별시) due to its large size.

2. If a region ends in -gu (구) → a district
3. If a region ends in -dong (동) → a neighborhood

A city will be divided into districts, and those districts will be divided into neighborhoods.

When first exploring Seoul, it is a good way to orient yourself, as every neighborhood has a distinctive vibe and energy!

Mapo-gu borders the Han River and offers an amazing mix of restaurants, cafes, markets, and nature. But I want to highlight two neighborhoods that lie within Mapo-gu's borders.

1. Yeonnam-dong (연남동)
2. Mangwon-dong (망원동)

Across these two neighborhoods, I will show you my #1 cafe, solo restaurant, and market!

Now it's time to show you around!

Introducing Yeonnam-dong

Wanting to wander around some picturesque streets on an afternoon after class, then head on over to Yeonnam-dong. A 25-minute walk from the front gates of Yonsei makes it an easy escape from the busy and crowded area of Sinchon.

Cafes, Cafes, and more cafes are what you will find here. But, I come here for the Katsu.

Iiyoiyeonnam (이이요이 연남)
12th and 1st, Yeonnam-ro, floor, Mapo-gu, Seoul

The BEST Katsu in the city of Seoul.

Located right off the Gyengui Line Forest Park, another favorite. This restaurant is made for solo diners. Ordering from a kiosk, and within 10 minutes, you will have the most incredible meal in front of you. Whenever I am stuck on where to go for dinner, I walk back to 12th and 1st, Yeonnam-ro, floor, Mapo-gu, Seoul, and know I will NOT regret my decision.

Writing this post right now makes me want to go to dinner there tonight…

Anyways enjoy! Make sure to stop by next time you're in the area! Or plan your whole day around it, either work for me! Just make sure to get the 등십카츠.

Moving on to prepare you for the reveal of my favorite cafe, my second favorite cafe is located on the street from Iiyoiyeonnam. Convenient!

SOGAK (소각)
Seoul, Mapo-gu, Donggyo-dong, 205-5 1층 101호

The Black Sesame Creama Latte is SO good. A great place to study or go chat with friends!

Now… the whole point of this post.

My favorite cafe.

We will now move on over to Mangwon-dong.

Welcome to Mangwon-dong

Located about 30 minutes south of Yeonnam-dong. Yeonnam is full of small and intimate restaurants and cafes. Enjoy walking through this area, then down to the Han River for even better views. 

Witwins (위트윈스)
57-179 Mangwon-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Stumbled upon it in my first week in Seoul, and thank goodness I did. I have been non-stop thinking about the Cappuccino I had there ever since. 

Tucked away on the residential streets of Mangwon-dong, it is the perfect place to study, read, enjoy a hot drink, or people-watch.

Located not too far from the Mangwon Market makes for a perfect afternoon.

Hint: just mentioned my favorite market… Mangwon Market

Mangwon Market (망원시장)
27 Poeun-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Here you can find anything and everything. If you need groceries for the week or a street food fix of Tteokbokki, Eomuk, Mandu, or anything else in between, stroll on down to Mangwon Market.

Another highlight of this market is the number of locals. Located away from Seoul's center, the number of tourists here is minimal, creating a truly special experience and fair prices.  

To recap!

If you are visiting Seoul, you already have four places to visit. 

1. Iiyoiyeonnam
2. SOGAK
3. Witwins
4. Mangwon Market

I hope you enjoy your time at any of these places! But more importantly, spend some time exploring Mapo-gu and find your own favorites!

All the best,
Abby S.