Seoul/Yongsan

Yongsan (용산) is in Seoul's geographic center, sandwiched between Seoul's two major cultural and economic centers, Gangnam and Jongno/Jung. The main area of interest here for travelers is Itaewon and the most international and foreigner-friendly neighborhood in Seoul, and one of the only places where you can find authentic Mexican, (Turkish), Middle Eastern, and Indian food on the entire peninsula. It has Korea's largest mosque, markets hawking souvenirs and affordable t-shirts, Turkish ice cream parlors, and a nightlife scene dominated by foreigners. This may be partly due to the presence of the nearby US military base, which is also in Yongsan. Other attractions include the National Museum of Korea and the War Memorial Museum, and the Yongsan Electronics Market, a huge building selling gadgets at a steep discount.

For the time being, Yongsan is relatively quiet compared to its northern and southern neighbors, with many one and two storey houses covering rolling hills and the southern side of Namsan. However, things may soon change; the U.S. military base is moving to a different location, and talks are underway to develop a natural park around the area.

Travel to Seoul/Yongsan

Itaewon Station is on Line 6 (Brown). All exits empty out onto the main drag. The subway does stop running early, so if you are hitting the bars, plan on finding another way home or staying out all night.

At Yongsan-gu and there is a Yongsan Station GPS 37.527575,126.961295}}. Unlike Seoul Station which handles Gyeongbu-line trains(trains to Busan, Daegu, etc), Yongsan Station handles Honam and Jeolla line(trains to Jeonju, Mokpo, Gwangju, Yeosu).

What to See

Namsan Park 3, Namsangongwon-gil,Yongsan-gu 37.5534, 126.9815 - In the center of Seoul and considered a symbol of Seoul. Namsan Park is an ecology-island surrounded by urban neighborhoods. In spite of being an urban ecology-island, wild animals live in the park. The mountain filled with pine trees can be seen from almost every corner of the big city and the residents of the areas surrounding the hills enjoy the fresh mountain air.

The National Museum of Korea - 137, Seobinggo-ro 37.5241, 126.9803 Metro Line 4 and Jungang Line, Ichon station ☎ +82 2-2077-9000 | Opening Hours: Closed Mondays; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm; Wednesday and Saturday: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm; Sundays and holidays: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm| National Museum of Korea Houses the best of the best collection of artifacts and relics from across Korea throughout different periods and dynasty. Also has some West Asian pieces from the Japanese Governor-General of Korea. Important exhibitions are Pensive Bodhisattva(bronze-Buddha statue from early 7th century), Goryeo Celadon Openwork Burner, Ten-Story Pagoda from Gyeongcheonsa Temple, and Gold Crown from Silla.

National War Memorial - 전쟁기념관 | 29, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, 특별시 용산구 이태원로 29 (용산동1가) 37.5360, 126.9771 Lines 4 and 6, Samgakji station Opening Hours: Closed Mondays A museum about Korean military history and Korean War. Ancient, Middle Ages, and modern Korean weapons are on display. Also several fighter, bomber, and trainer aircraft which were used during Korean War are on display.
North Seoul Tower - Namsan Tower | 37.551216, 126.988276 Metro Line 3 or 4, Chungmuro station or line 3 Dongguk University and then ride Bus no. 02, 03, or 05. Opening Hours: 10:00-23:00 ₩9,000 Adults, ₩5,000 Children (Observatory only) North Seoul Tower Wongwt North 首爾塔 (17102827166) Once the tallest tower in Asia, it has the best panoramic view in all of Seoul. Many local residents and visitors have visited the tower to catch a glimpse of the city’s landscape while enjoying the nature of Namsan Mountain and a host of other attractive facilities. Owing to the tower's unique structure and the observatory section boasts spectacular views of the changing foliage throughout all seasons. The tower can be visited on foot, by taxi or, on the south side, by cable car. The cable vehicle is available from 10:00-22:30 and is reached by a 10 minutes uphill walk from Myeongdong station, from exit 2 or 3. Centrally located, it can be seen from nearly anywhere in Seoul and is a helpful reference for visitors on foot. There's also a Teddy Bear Museum at the tower which has lively illustrations of Korean culture. The fences around the tower are adorned with many thousands of padlocks, where couples pledge their love to each other and throw away the key.
National Hangul Museum - Korean Language Museum | 139, Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, 04383 37.52114, 126.98084 Metro Line 4 and Jungang Line, Ichon Station, next to the National Museum ☎ +82-2-2124-6200 | Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00 - Saturdays and Culture Day 10:00-21:00 Free - With a big permanent exhibition hall divided in three: The Creation of Hangeul, Before the Invention of Hangeul, The principle behind the creation of Hangeul; and a small one for the special temporary topics (relating to Hangeul and other linguistic characters of the world), this place is a must see to understand why the Koreans are so proud about their language.

Things to Do

I'Park Mall e-Sports Stadium - 37.528867, 126.963991 Right at the Metro Line (dark blue) Yongsan stn - For a fascinating look into one of Korea's oddest subcultures, visit the top floor of the I'Park Mall's neighboring Yongsan Electronics Market, where you'll find an e-Stadium. Here, professional video game players duke it out real-time on a enormous screen. Video games in Korea have been elevated into a sport, and there are professional leagues, mostly devoted to Starcraft, with matches that are, in fact, broadcasted on national television. Top players can earn hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in tournament winnings and sponsorships. A fascinating glimpse of Korea's new super-wired digital culture, and definitely one of the more interesting experiences to be had in Seoul.
Tickets to e-Sports in Seoul can often be purchased on the TicketLink website's e-Sports section (in English). Warning: payment must be done using a Windows computer using Internet Explorer and often sell out nearly immediately after going on sale.
The Spa Grand Hyatt Seoul | Grand Hyatt Seoul Hotel, 747-7 Hannam 2-Dong, Yongsan-Ku 37.539439, 126.997092 ☎ +82 2 797 1234 - The spa features a variety of massage treatments including a Korean massage, aromatherapy, and aroma stone treatment.

Great Korean Beer Festival 37.5295, 126.9648 - There is Great Korean Beer Festival at the Younsan station: I-Park Mall . At the festival you can buy many handmade soft drinks and many soft drinks which made by many Korean and foreign brewery. People can enjoy special soft drinks with finger Snacks.

Great Korean Beer Festival at Yongsan station - Great Korean Beer Festival at Younsan station Great Korean Beer Festival at Yongsan station 2 - Great Korean Beer Festival at Younsan station

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Seoul/Yongsan

Yongsan Electronics Market 125, Cheongpa-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 37.533842, 126.965210 Metro Line dark blue, Yongsan Station - Yongsan Station is in IMall which is another huge shopping mall with two storeys full of electronics. Without negotiating you can obtain cheaper prices than amazon.com. Yongsan is one option in Seoul if you are looking for electronics goods. Made up of over 20 buildings housing 5,000 stores, you can find appliances, stereos, computers and peripherals, office equipment, telephones, lighting equipment, electronic games and software, and videos and CDs. A lot of the products are bought in Japan and resold in Korea by dealers. (Decades ago, before Korea had its own electronic manufacturing and the market began selling used goods the vendors would acquire from foreign servicemen.) The market has a reputation for fleecing foreigners, particularly due to its proximity to the Yongsan U.S. Army Base. Be wary as Koreans try to avoid Yongsan for their electronics needs and rely instead on Internet shopping as sellers in Yongsan are not averse to ripping you off if you don't seem to know a lot about electronics. If you go, it's best to bring a Korean guide so you can ensure you're getting a good deal. The problem is no or very poor English. Only Korean warranty. Cash preferred. Before you buy anything, pretend to have decided not to buy it and start to leave: the best prices only come out then. At IMall they add 5% as tax when you pay by Visa. At Yongsan Electroland it depends on the seller. Up to 10% is feasible.
What the Book? - 176-2 Itaewon 1-dong, Yongsan-gu 37.534456, 126.990709 Itaewon Station exit 1, about 100 meters forward, on the right, on the 2nd floor ☎ +82 2-797-2342 - Probably the best place for English-language books, new or used, in Korea. Also has a good selection of magazines. Will order books for you.

Masjids in Seoul

Seoul is home to a growing Muslim community, with several mosques and Islamic centers catering to the spiritual needs of Muslims living in or visiting the city. Here are some of the notable masjids in Seoul:

1. Seoul Central Mosque

Rating: 4.8 (4,120 reviews)
Location: 39 Usadan-ro 10-gil, Itaewon
Opened: 1976

The Seoul Central Mosque is the oldest and most prominent mosque in South Korea, situated in Itaewon. It serves as a central hub for the Muslim community in Seoul, offering daily prayers, Friday sermons, and Islamic education. The mosque’s location in Itaewon makes it easily accessible and near many Halal restaurants. The modern architecture and significance of this mosque make it a key landmark for Muslims in the region.

2. Masjid Al-Falah, Seoul

Rating: 4.8 (43 reviews)
Location: 186-356 Singil-dong

Masjid Al-Falah is located in Singil-dong and is open 24 hours. It provides a peaceful place for Muslims to perform their prayers and is well-known for its quiet, spiritual ambiance. The masjid is smaller compared to Seoul Central Mosque but remains important to the local Muslim community.

3. Sinchon Masjid and Islamic Center

Rating: 4.6 (17 reviews)
Location: 20 Sinchon-ro 24an-gil

Located in the vibrant Sinchon area, this mosque is a convenient prayer space for Muslims, particularly those near the universities. It serves both as a masjid and an Islamic center, offering a variety of activities and services for Muslims in the area. It is also open 24 hours.

4. Masjid Noor Sejong University

Rating: 4.8 (23 reviews)
Location: 11 Dongil-ro 56-gil

This mosque is located near Sejong University and provides a space for Muslim students and staff to perform their prayers. It's also a quiet and serene place for local Muslims. The mosque operates 24 hours, catering to the needs of the community.

5. Sejong University Mosque

Rating: 4.9 (29 reviews)
Location: Gunja-dong, 111-1 103B

Another prayer space near Sejong University, this mosque is well-loved by the local community and provides prayer services throughout the day. It closes at 9:20 PM but offers a peaceful and welcoming environment for Muslims.

6. Yongsan Mosque

Location: 22-9 Hangangno 3(sam)-ga

Located in Yongsan, this mosque does not have many reviews but is an important prayer space for Muslims living or working in the Yongsan district. It offers daily prayers and Friday congregational prayers.

7. Masjid Al-Ikhlas Uijeongbu

Rating: 4.6 (55 reviews)
Location: 19 Simin-ro 132beon-gil, Uijeongbu

Located in Uijeongbu, north of Seoul, Masjid Al-Ikhlas serves the Muslim community in the area and is open 24 hours. It is a well-maintained mosque, providing a peaceful atmosphere for prayer and reflection.

Halal Restaurants in Seoul/Yongsan

Seoul is home to a growing number of Halal restaurants. Whether you're a local or a visitor looking for Halal-certified food, Seoul has various options to satisfy your cravings. Here’s a guide to some of the best Halal dining spots across the city:

1. Inamjang (Myeong-dong Branch)

Rating: 4.2/5 (431 reviews)
Price: ₩10,000–20,000
Cuisine: Korean
Location: 39 Myeongdong 9-gil
Hours: Open until 10 PM

Inamjang offers traditional Korean food in a cozy atmosphere. Located in the bustling Myeongdong area, it’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals looking to enjoy authentic Korean cuisine.

2. Kampungku Restaurant

Rating: 4.3/5 (1,414 reviews)
Price: ₩10,000–20,000
Cuisine: Halal
Location: 16-4 Namsan-dong 2(i)-ga
Hours: Open until 9:30 PM

Kampungku specializes in Halal-certified food and is well-known for its delicious Malaysian and Indonesian dishes. Its warm and welcoming ambiance makes it an excellent choice for dining with family or friends.

3. HAJJ Korea Halal Food

Rating: 4.4/5 (357 reviews)
Price: ₩10,000–20,000
Cuisine: Halal
Location: Usadan-ro 10-gil, 39
Hours: Open until 11 PM

This restaurant, located near the famous Itaewon Mosque, offers a wide variety of Halal Korean dishes. While it doesn't offer delivery services, it provides a perfect dine-in experience for those exploring the Itaewon area.

4. EID Halal Korean Food (حلا)

Rating: 4.5/5 (956 reviews)
Price: ₩10,000–20,000
Cuisine: Halal, Korean
Location: 15 Usadan-ro 10-gil
Hours: Open until 9 PM

A staple in Itaewon, EID offers authentic Korean dishes prepared with Halal ingredients. This cozy restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to try traditional Korean food with a Halal twist.

5. Petra Restaurant

Rating: 4.6/5 (1,865 reviews)
Price: ₩20,000–30,000
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Location: 33 Noksapyeong-daero 40-gil
Hours: Open until 9 PM

If you’re in the mood for Middle Eastern cuisine, Petra Restaurant serves an array of Halal dishes including shawarma, falafel, and kebabs, all made from fresh, high-quality ingredients.

6. The Halal Guys

Rating: 4.2/5 (1,023 reviews)
Price: ₩10,000–20,000
Cuisine: American Halal
Location: 187 Itaewon-ro
Hours: Open until 4 AM

The Halal Guys brings New York's famous street food to Seoul, offering their signature beef, chicken, and gyro platters with Halal-certified ingredients. Open until the early hours of the morning, it's a great spot for late-night cravings.

7. Yang Good Korean BBQ

Rating: 4.6/5 (1,202 reviews)
Price: ₩10,000–30,000
Cuisine: Korean BBQ
Location: Nonhyeon-ro 95-gil, 15
Hours: Opens at 4 PM

Yang Good is famous for its Halal-certified lamb dishes and Korean BBQ. A favorite among meat lovers, this restaurant is perfect for a traditional Korean barbecue experience without compromising on Halal standards.

8. Halal Korean Restaurant (Home Cooked Meal Gim Soensaeng)

Rating: 4.9/5 (258 reviews)
Price: ₩10,000–20,000
Cuisine: Halal
Location: Itaewon-dong, 34-19
Hours: Closes at 2 PM, reopens at 3 PM

Known for its home-cooked meals, this quaint restaurant offers authentic Halal Korean dishes. Its intimate and traditional setting makes it a great spot for those looking to enjoy a homemade meal in the heart of Seoul.

9. Siti Sarah Korean Melayu & Egyptian Halal Food

Rating: 4.1/5 (409 reviews)
Price: ₩10,000–20,000
Cuisine: Malay, Egyptian
Location: Usadan-ro 10-gil, 7
Hours: Open until 2 AM

For a fusion of Malay and Egyptian flavors, Siti Sarah is an excellent choice. With late-night hours, it’s a perfect stop for night owls exploring Itaewon.

10. Nirvana Halal Indian Kitchen

Rating: 4.5/5 (360 reviews)
Price: ₩10,000–20,000
Cuisine: Indian
Location: 58 Insadong 8-gil, Gwanhun-dong
Hours: Closes at 2:30 PM, reopens at 5 PM

Nirvana offers a taste of India in Seoul, serving a wide variety of Halal Indian dishes from curries to naan. Located in the historic Insadong neighborhood, it’s an ideal stop after a day of sightseeing.

Muslim Friendly Hotels