Seoul City has confirmed 25 representative local spots by district as part of ‘2026 서울에디션25’. They were selected through expert review and a citizen online vote (July 6–26, 2026), and a total of 33,911 people participated in the online vote. The selection criteria were localness, appeal, potential for expansion, and sustainability, with the aim of choosing places where everyday neighborhood life becomes travel, and promoting both local tourism and commercial revitalization.
Key selection points
- Truly local places chosen by citizens: Places that highlight each neighborhood’s character were included, such as 강남구 봉은사, 강동구 광나루 자전거공원, 강북구 북한산 체험형 숲속쉼터, 강서구 서울식물원, and 관악구 관악산.
- A balanced mix of alleys, viewpoints, nature and culture: From alley-type spots like 을지로 골목 and 서순라길 to natural viewpoints such as 하늘공원 and 용왕산·용마산 스카이워크, and cultural venues including small museums and historic spaces.
- Linking to local economies: The goal is not just promoting landmarks but cultivating ‘local tourism hubs’ where visitors stay longer and spend in the area.
Travel suggestions — 1-day and 2-day neighborhood trips with ‘서울에디션25’
1) Tradition and modernity combined: Jongno area route (서순라길 → Bukchon hanok area walk → Insadong craft streets)
- Morning: Stroll 서순라길’s hanok alleys and workshops, and relax at a small café.
- Lunch: Light meal at a nearby Korean restaurant or traditional tea house.
- Afternoon: Explore traditional crafts and galleries in Bukchon and Insadong.
Recommended lodging: Hanok stays or small guesthouses near Jongno/Bukchon.
2) Nature and activity: Han River and viewpoints route (광나루 자전거공원 → 하늘공원 or 용왕산 스카이워크)
- Morning: Rent a bike at 광나루 자전거공원 and enjoy riding along the Han River.
- Lunch: Picnic-style meal from a riverside café or convenience store.
- Afternoon: Enjoy views at 하늘공원’s silver grass (recommended in autumn) or the 전망 at 용왕산 스카이워크.
Recommended lodging: Hotels or family guesthouses in Seongdong, Gangdong, or Yangcheon.
3) Art and retro: Seongsu → Mullae → Euljiro course (디뮤지엄 → 문래예술창작촌 → 을지로 골목)
- Morning: Visit exhibition spaces and café streets in Seongsu-dong.
- Lunch: Explore cafés and restaurants in Mullae-dong where the industrial culture remains.
- Evening: Enjoy retro cafés and long-established eateries in the 을지로 골목.
Recommended lodging: Design hotels or business hotels near Seongsu or Euljiro.
Accommodation and transport tips
- Choosing a place to stay: Prioritize access to the ‘서울에디션25’ spots you want to visit. If you plan to focus on one place, staying near that district is convenient; if you plan to connect several districts, central areas like Jongno, Jung-gu, or Mapo are advantageous.
- Transport: Most spots are within walking distance of subway stations or bus stops. For bike parks and Han River areas, bike rentals (including shared bikes) let you combine transport and experience.
- Seasonal recommendations: Visit places known for seasonal scenery, such as 하늘공원 (silver grass) or 석촌호수 (spring cherry blossoms), in their peak seasons. Indoor museums and exhibition spaces make good alternatives on rainy days.
Connecting with local businesses — enjoy a 'stay-and-spend' trip
서울에디션25 is not simply a checklist of landmarks. The project aims to activate local tourism by connecting each neighborhood’s cafés, small shops, workshops, and traditional markets so visitors stay longer and spend locally. Checking district-provided tourist information and venue opening hours (museums, exhibitions, etc.) before visiting will make your trip more rewarding.
Final note
‘서울에디션25’ is like a guidebook that gathers hidden stories and experiences within familiar Seoul scenes. Use the list to plan your own neighborhood course, stay longer around a single place, and savor that area’s flavor and atmosphere. If you tell me which district you want to visit, I can help with a tailored route including transport and recommended accommodation types (hanok, guesthouse, hotel).