Hey fellow teens! Visiting Seoul and wondering where the cool kids go? Forget boring tourist traps! Seoul is a playground for young energy, bursting with spots perfect for shopping, eating insane street food, experiencing K-culture, and just chilling with friends. As a teen myself (or at least, totally in tune with your vibe!), I’ve got the inside scoop on the BEST places to hit up. Let’s dive in!
1. Hongdae (Hongik University Street) – Where Creativity Explodes!
- Location: Near Hongik University Station (Subway Line 2, Gyeongui-Jungang Line, Airport Railroad).
- Why You’ll Love It: This is the HEART of Seoul’s youth scene. Imagine streets buzzing with indie bands performing live, dancers showing off their moves, and artists selling unique handmade crafts (perfect for Insta-worthy souvenirs!).
- Must-Do: Shop for trendy, affordable clothes at stores like Stylenanda or Chuu. Hunt for vintage gems in hidden boutiques. Fuel up on giant rainbow cotton candy or hotteok (sweet stuffed pancakes). Hit up themed cafes (animal cafes, retro arcade cafes!).
- Teen Tip: Go on a Saturday afternoon for the biggest street performances. Avoid very late nights if you’re under 18 – some clubs are 19+.
2. Myeongdong – Shopping & Snacking Heaven!
- Location: Myeongdong Station (Subway Line 4).
- Why You’ll Love It: It’s like a giant, open-air mall dedicated to K-beauty, fashion, and FOOD. Bright lights, loud music, and crowds of excited shoppers – pure adrenaline!
- Must-Do: Stock up on K-beauty samples (skincare, makeup) – shops like Olive Young and Innisfree are everywhere. Master the art of eating while walking: try tornado potatoes, grilled cheese lobster, dakgangjeong (crispy sweet chili chicken), and bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastry with red bean).
- Teen Tip: Bring cash (Korean Won) for street food stalls. Go hungry and wear comfy shoes!
3. COEX Mall & Starfield Library – Futuristic Fun!
- Location: Samseong Station (Subway Line 2) – Inside the COEX complex.
- Why You’ll Love It: Escape the weather in one of Asia’s biggest underground malls. The Starfield Library is jaw-dropping – a massive public library with towering bookshelves right in the mall’s center (ultimate study spot or photo op!).
- Must-Do: Marvel at the library (free!). Shop global brands, watch the latest movies at Megabox Cinema, visit the COEX Aquarium, or find quirky shops. Grab bubble tea or Korean snacks.
- Teen Tip: It’s huge and can get crowded, so pick a meeting spot with friends. Perfect for hot summer days or cold winters!
4. Lotte World Adventure – Theme Park Thrills (Indoors & Out!)
- Location: Jamsil Station (Subway Lines 2 & 8).
- Why You’ll Love It: Ever wanted to ride a rollercoaster INSIDE? Lotte World has a giant indoor theme park (perfect year-round!) plus an outdoor section (“Magic Island”) on a lake. Think epic rides, parades, and a super vibrant atmosphere.
- Must-Do: Scream your head off on Gyro Drop (freefall tower) or Gyro Swing. Meet characters, watch the parade. Try theme park snacks like giant churros or squid skewers.
- Teen Tip: Buy tickets online in advance (like Klook or KKday) for discounts. Download the Lotte World app for ride wait times and show schedules. Go on a weekday for shorter lines.
5. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) – Cool & Culture!
- Location: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Subway Lines 2, 4, 5).
- Why You’ll Love It: This spaceship-like building, designed by Zaha Hadid, is Seoul’s design hub. It’s futuristic, photogenic, and surrounded by awesome markets.
- Must-Do: Explore the free exhibitions inside the DDP (often super modern and artsy). Shop ’til you drop at Doota Mall (trendy fashion) or the late-night wholesale markets (open until 5 AM!). Grab Korean-Chinese jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles) nearby. See the DDP lit up at night – it’s magical!
- Teen Tip: The wholesale markets (like APM, U:US) are chaotic but fun late at night (after 10 PM). Haggle gently if buying multiple items!
6. Gwangjang Market – Food Adventure Time!
- Location: Jongno 5-ga Station (Subway Line 1) or Euljiro 4-ga Station (Subway Lines 2, 5).
- Why You’ll Love It: Dive into REAL Korean street food culture! It’s loud, bustling, and full of delicious, cheap eats. Featured in K-dramas like “Itaewon Class” and Netflix’s “Street Food.”
- Must-Do: Be brave and try mayak gimbap (“drug” kimbap – mini seaweed rolls), bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes – crispy!), sannakji (live octopus – only if you dare!), and soondae (blood sausage). Watch ajummas (aunties) expertly cook right in front of you.
- Teen Tip: Go with friends to share different dishes! Pointing at what others are eating is a totally fine way to order. Bring wet wipes – it’s messy fun!
Bonus Tip: T-Money Card is Your BFF!
Get a T-Money card (sold at convenience stores like CU or GS25 and subway stations). Load it with cash – it works on subways, buses, taxis, and even in some shops! Saves you buying single tickets every time.
Ready to Explore?
Seoul is a non-stop adventure for teens. Whether you’re dancing in Hongdae, stuffing your face in Myeongdong, screaming on rides at Lotte World, or hunting for vintage treasures in Dongdaemun, you’ll find your tribe and make epic memories. So grab your friends, charge your phone (and your portable charger!), put on your comfiest shoes, and dive into the Seoul teen scene. You won’t regret it!
Got a favorite spot I missed? Share it in the comments below! 👇 #SeoulTeen #KoreaTravel