Preferred Residential Areas for Foreigners
외국인선호지역 外国人首选区域

• ◇ Hannam-dong / UN Village

  Hannam-dong is located between Namsan Mountain and the Han River. This area is one of the most prestigious residential neighborhoods, featuring highly secure luxury mansions and villas. Hannam-dong is really a mini globe as people come from all over the world. Its residents are primarily successful business executives and diplomats. The area also offers a variety of shops with international food ingredients. Notable international schools in the area include Deutsche Schule Seoul and Yongsan International School of Seoul.

  UN Village is famous for expensive real estate value, as most of the high quality villas have a fantastic view of Han River, and residents enjoy affluent cultural advantages as this area welcomes many foreign embassies, and also, fabulous restaurants and exquisite art galleries.

• ◇ Itaewon

  Itaewon-dong has been recognized as Korea's the most well-known multicultural district. The district has been packed with a wide range of comers, including souvenir sellers, shoppers, and tourists, since 1940s. The U.S. Army's Yongsan Base moved to Pyungtaek a few years ago. and the site was transformed into part of a grand park connecting Namsan and Yongsan Family Park. This area offers various housing options, including more affordable choices. Neighboring Hannam-dong and Ichon-dong, Itaewon is close to Seoul Station, Myeongdong, Namsan Mountain, and the Han River.

• ◇ Bangbae-dong

  Seorae Village is located in between Banpo-dong and Bangbaebun-dong in Seochu-gu, Seoul. There are many attractions to look around in Seorae Village. This was the former location of Ecole Francaise de Seoul, a French school for the France residents who resided here in 1985. The French School of Seoul is located in the heart of Seoul’s French community in Banpo, It has a kindergarten, elementary school and junior and high school. It is Seoul’s only government-established French-language school. Thus, Seorae Village naturally became a global village much thanks to the strong presence of French citizens in this area. This is currently one of the most popular areas among the locals and it has a nickname of ‘Little France’. Regardless of what day or what time you visit Seorae Village, it's truly a place where you can feel like you're in Europe.

• ◇ Ichon-dong

  Ichon-dong, in Yongsan-gu, lies in the southern part of Seoul along the Han River. Known as "Little Tokyo," it has become increasingly popular among people of various nationalities. The area features newly built luxury apartments and residential-office buildings. Yongsan Family Park is just across the street, and the neighborhood offers easy access to the rest of the city via subway and buses.

• ◇ Sinchon / Yeonhui-dong

  Located in northwest Seoul, Sinchon is a lively college town home to universities like Yonsei and Ewha. The area is filled with trendy shops, bars, and restaurants, attracting many young people and creating a vibrant atmosphere. Professors and international students also make up a significant portion of the population.

  Yeonhui-dong is famous for luxurious villas and houses with beautiful gardens. Innovative and creative architects have been dedicated to build many properties in this region, so that you can find dynamic, interesting, and unique design of the real estate here. As recognized as home for the high society of Korea, most properties are watched by guard for all time. It enjoys hisotrical, cultural, and educational benefits as well. Korea's proudly representative universities are located nearby,

• ◇ Pyeongchang-dong

  Pyeongchang-dong, located in the northern part of Seoul, lies at the foothills of the magnificent Bukhan Mountain, offering scenic views of the city. Some refer to this area as the "Korean Beverly Hills." The city center is just a 10-minute drive away, and the neighborhood attracts artists, writers, and politicians due to its tranquility and stunning mountain views. The area is home to luxurious houses and villas.

• ◇ Seongbuk-dong

  Seongbuk-dong is situated next to the Blue House, the presidential residence, on the hillside to the north of the city. This exclusive neighborhood offers both scenic mountain and city views. This region is famous for bourgeois residential areas, filled with luxurious villas with security management It is home to numerous executive and luxury residences, and many business leaders and diplomats live here. The area also boasts art galleries and private museums. This area also embeds many historical and cultural heritage, making this area affluent of traditional arts and culture.

• ◇ Gangnam-gu/Seocho-gu

  Gangnam-gu, a large district south of the Han River, includes upscale areas like Apgujeong-dong and Cheongdam-dong, known for their luxury international boutiques. This region, especially around the Teheran Street, is a compact mass of all the multinational companies, financial and business institutes, including, Yahoo!, Citibank, Samsung, Hynix, and Posco. This area enjoys Korea's the most affluent real estate estimation. Shopping district and fabulous dining places at Apgujeong-dong, the Coex Mall and around Gangnam Station make this region even more interesting and dynamic. Also, this region embraces various arts and culture, brought by foreign residents, and visitors from many different cultural backgrounds. This trendy district features high-rise office buildings, large apartment complexes, officetels, and detached houses.

  Seocho-gu, located south of the Han River, is a popular residential area alongside Gangnam-gu. It offers a wide range of amenities, including two Express Bus Terminals, large shopping malls, the National Library, the Supreme Court, and the Seoul Arts Center. Particularly notable is Seorae Maeul, known as "Little France," which has a large French expatriate community and a French school. Housing types here include apartment complexes and modern houses.

• ◇ Gwanghwamun

  Gwanghwamun is the heart of Seoul and a gateway to the city. It is home to several landmarks, including royal palaces, Seoul City Hall, the Sejong Cultural Center, Gwanghwamun Square, and Kyobo Bookstore. The area offers several serviced residences for foreigners, as well as a few apartment buildings. Subway lines 1, 2, 3, and 5 run through this central area.

• ◇ Yeouido

  Yeouido, an island in the western part of the Han River, is a business, financial, and political hub. The island is regarded as the center of Seoul's political, financial and broadcasting districts. It hosts the Korea Exchange Center, the National Assembly Building, and the 63 Building. Often referred to as "Manhattan of Seoul," it is also home to major broadcasting companies like KBS and MBC. With Yeouido Park and riverside parks, it is a sought-after residential area for both Koreans and foreign businessmen.

• ◇ Jamsil

  Located in the eastern part of Seoul, Jamsil is a mixed-use area that includes commercial, official, and residential zones with large apartment complexes. The area features the Olympic Arena, Olympic Park, and a swimming pool where various sports activities, including beginner scuba diving programs, take place. Jamsil Station is home to the Lotte Mall, which includes a department store, a hotel, and a theme park.

• ◇ Sangam-dong

  Sangam-dong, located in the western part of Seoul, was redeveloped in the late 1990s. It is home to the World Cup Stadium, Sky Park, broadcasting stations, and the digital content industry. Due to the redevelopment, residential options here are primarily apartment buildings. The area is also home to Dwight School and the Japanese School, with easy access to public transportation.

• ◇ Bundang

  Bundang is the wealthiest district in Greater Seoul area. Unlike many other districts which were developed naturally over many years, from the beginning, Bundang was designed and built according to a detailed plan. It is a well organized city with well laid-out streets, new apartment buildings and good local infrastructure. Korea International School is located in Baekhyun-dong with an American curriculum for foreigners and English-proficient Korean community. It also contains several parks such as Bundang Central Park, Yuldong Park and Tancheon Creek. We recommend Bundang to foreigners who prefer a suburban life.

• ◇ Songdo / Inchon