Itaewon and Hannam-dong (2026): An Afternoon Route With Map — Leeum Museum, Designer Shops and Dinner

Itaewon and its quieter neighbor Hannam-dong make one of Seoul’s most stylish afternoons: Korean art from celadon to contemporary at Leeum Museum of Art, flagship stores and cafés along Hannam’s hillside streets, then dinner from Itaewon’s global food scene. It’s a walkable loop of about four hours.

Last checked: October 2026. Facts come from our Itaewon and Hannam-dong guides; shops and hours change, so confirm on Naver Map on the day. Dollar figures use about 1,330 KRW = 1 USD (October 2026).

First time in Korea? Start here: our step-by-step guide from landing to your first day.

Where does the route go?

Numbers show the order; the dashed line links the stops in a straight line, not the exact walking path. For turn-by-turn directions, tap Open in Naver Map under each stop (why Naver Map).

How does the day look at a glance?

What will I see at each stop?

1. Hangangjin Station (한강진역)

Start at Hangangjin Station on Line 6 and walk uphill toward Leeum (about 10 minutes).

Open in Naver Map Google Maps

2. Leeum Museum of Art (리움미술관)

Leeum Museum of Art (Samsung’s museum) shows Korean ceramics, Buddhist art and paintings alongside major contemporary works, in buildings by three famous architects. It’s closed on Mondays; book a slot online, especially on weekends. In 2026 a special exhibition of women artists runs until 29 November.

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3. Hannam-dong shops and cafés (한남동)

Walk down into Hannam-dong for flagship fashion and lifestyle stores, galleries and cafés along Daesagwan-ro and its side streets. See our Hannam-dong guide.

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4. Itaewon-ro dinner (이태원 음식거리)

Walk west to Itaewon for dinner: Korean barbecue, Middle Eastern, Indian, Mexican and more. Our Itaewon restaurants and halal food guides have picks.

Open in Naver Map Google Maps

5. Itaewon Station (이태원역)

Itaewon Station (Line 6) is on the main road.

Open in Naver Map Google Maps

How can I change the route?

• Monday: Leeum is closed; spend longer in Hannam-dong or visit the National Museum of Korea (Ichon) instead.
• Night out: stay in Itaewon for bars after dinner; see our Itaewon guide.
• Add a view: walk up to Namsan from Itaewon (about 40 minutes uphill) or take a taxi.

Tips for this route

• Hannam’s streets are hilly; wear comfortable shoes.
• Popular cafés have waiting lists on weekends; go early in the afternoon.
• Check Leeum’s current exhibitions and prices on its site before booking.

Is this route accessible?

Leeum has elevators and step-free access inside. Hannam-dong and the walk from Hangangjin are steep in places; a short taxi between stops helps. Itaewon’s main road is flat, but some side alleys are steep.

FAQ

Do I need to book Leeum?
Booking a time slot online is recommended, especially on weekends; it’s closed on Mondays.

Is Hannam-dong worth visiting?
Yes, for design-led shops, galleries and cafés in a calmer setting than Itaewon.

How do I get between Itaewon and Hannam?
On foot (15–20 minutes) or one stop on Line 6.

Sources: MileAsia – Leeum Museum guide 2026 · Trvlogue – Leeum Museum review 2026 · Korea Bestie – Itaewon guide · Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors