Hannam-dong, Seoul (2026): Shopping, Cafés and Galleries Next to Itaewon

Hannam-dong (한남동) is Itaewon’s quieter, more grown-up neighbour: a hillside of Korean designer flagships, galleries, bakeries and brunch spots, with the Leeum Museum of Art at its centre. It’s where Seoul’s fashion and art crowd shops and eats, and it’s an easy walk from Itaewon’s busier strip. Here’s how to spend an afternoon there.

Last checked: October 2026. Shops open and close often in Hannam-dong; check Naver Map before you go. 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.

What can you shop for in Hannam-dong?

• Korean designer flagships: Hannam-dong is where many of Korea’s creative fashion labels open their showroom-style stores. Expect minimal interiors and contemporary womenswear and menswear at designer prices.
• International fashion houses such as Comme des Garçons also have stores here.
• Concept stores and lifestyle shops sell homeware, books, scent and stationery, often with a café inside.
• Tax refund: many boutiques offer it on bigger purchases; bring your passport (tax refund guide).

Is the Leeum Museum of Art worth visiting?

• Yes, if you like art or architecture. Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, combines Korean traditional art (celadon, Buddhist paintings) with major contemporary exhibitions, in buildings by Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel and Rem Koolhaas.
• Open Tuesday–Sunday, about 10:00–18:00; closed Mondays and major holidays.
• Book online before you go; slots open up to 14 days ahead and visitors without a ticket may be turned away. Full access is around 20,000 KRW (~$15); some sections may be free with a reservation, so check the official site.
• Its art shop is a destination itself for design books and objects.

Where to eat and drink in Hannam-dong

• Bakeries and dessert cafés: Passion 5, near Leeum, is a long-standing favourite for cakes and pastries.
• Brunch: several converted houses on the hillside serve Western-style brunch; weekends need a wait.
• Vegan fine dining: Hannam-dong has some of Seoul’s plant-based tasting menus (around 70,000 KRW and up).
• Book cafés: Book Park in Blue Square, by Hangangjin Station, is a café with tens of thousands of books.
• For more casual food, walk 10 minutes to Itaewon’s restaurants.

How do you walk Hannam-dong?

1. Start at Hangangjin Station (Line 6), Exit 1, and walk uphill into the boutique streets.
2. Book a Leeum slot for the early afternoon.
3. Coffee and cake near the museum.
4. Walk west along Itaewon-ro to Itaewon for dinner and the evening.

Accessibility: Hannam-dong is hilly with narrow pavements in places; the main Itaewon-ro is flat.

Map — Hannam-dong: Google Maps · Naver Map (Naver Map is still the most reliable app for walking, bus and subway directions in Korea)

FAQ

Is Hannam-dong worth visiting?
Yes, for design-led shopping, Leeum and good cafés. It’s calmer than Itaewon and Seongsu.

How do I get to Hannam-dong?
Hangangjin Station (Line 6); it’s also a 10–15 minute walk east from Itaewon Station.

Is Leeum open on Mondays?
No, it’s closed on Mondays. Book tickets online in advance.

Sources: Michelin Guide – Seoul fashion districts: Hannam · Trazy – Hannam-dong guide · MileAsia – Leeum Museum of Art 2026 · Seoul Tourism – Itaewon and Hannam (Oct 2026)
Photos: Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0 · takato marui / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0