You must visit Daehakro, a thriving center for live theater and performing arts, if you want to experience a real piece of Seoul‘s creative soul. With more than 150 theaters lining the streets, this vibrant area hosts everything from popular musicals to avant-garde plays.
To get to Daehakro, take Seoul Subway Line 4 to Hyehwa Station and come out of Exit 3. After roughly 50 meters of straight walking, turn left at Seoul Jongno Pharmacy and continue for an additional 117 meters. After that, you’ll be in the center of Daehakro’s theater area, where there are lots of lights, quaint cafes, and the excitement of anticipation leading up to the show. Here are some spots you must check out if you’re in the area.
Contents
Must-See Attractions
Restaurants
Cafes
Must-See Attractions
1. Hyehwa Marronnier Park
Address: 104 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
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Marronnier Park is a small but culturally significant park that sits on the former site of Seoul National University’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and School of Law. Established in 1982, it is named after the horse chestnut (marronnier) trees that dot the grounds and functions as a central gathering spot for students, artists, and visitors drawn to the area’s vibrant theater and arts scene. There’s a children’s playground, pond, and outdoor stage where you can often see free performances by aspiring musicians, dancers, comedians, and other artists.
2. Nanta Experience
Address: 38-6 Daehak-ro 11-gil, Jongno District, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
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The Nanta class offers a hands-on opportunity to dive into Korea’s world-famous percussion performance, Nanta. If you’re interested in Korean culture, rhythm, and group performance, then this is the experience to try. The session begins with a brief introduction and warm-up, followed by a 40-minute session of learning Korean traditional percussion rhythms under the guidance of a Nanta experience. You’ll learn the structure and basic techniques of Korean percussion, then get to perform as a group. Finally, you’ll get to play the drums to a K-pop song, complete with simple choreography!
Join the Nanta (Traditional Korean Percussion) Experience here!
You can also book your tickets to watch a Nanta performance here.
3. Hunky Show Musical
Address: 15 Daehak-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Basement 2 (Dongsoong-dong) (Kakao Maps)
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A vibrant, all-male musical comedy, The Hunky Show Musical is renowned for its audacious humor, upbeat performances, and interactive elements. The story revolves around Makgeolli, a legendary bartender who hopes to build the Lolo Bar and bring back the thrill of his past. It is especially well-liked by female audiences. A diverse group of new bartenders, each with their own unique charm, joins him as he gets ready for the great opening. This is the concert to see if you’re searching for an entertaining, girls’ night out that involves a lot of interaction! Although the show is in Korean, viewers from other countries can still enjoy it because it has subtitles in English, Chinese, and Japanese.
Click here to purchase your ticket!
4. The Second Chance Convenience Store Musical
Address: Hyungwon Building, 132 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
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The Second Chance Convenience Store is a heartwarming and thought-provoking musical that is loved by both locals and international visitors, thanks to its relatable story and emotional performances. The musical is about Dok-go, a homeless man suffering from memory loss, who unexpectedly finds himself working the night shift at a small convenience store after a chance encounter with the owner. As he settles into his new role, he forms connections with a variety of customers and co-workers, who each have their own burdens, dreams, and regrets. The show’s themes of hope, redemption, and community will deeply resonate with many audiences.
Click here to purchase your ticket!
You can also watch this musical drama in Jeju Island!
5. Sungkyunkwan University Myeongryun Campus
Address: Sungkyunkwan University, 25-2, Sungkyunkwan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
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Sungkyunkwan University is one of Korea’s oldest and most prestigious educational institutions, founded in 1398 as a royal Confucian academy during the Joseon Dynasty. The Seoul campus is located in Jongno, with the area being historically known as Myeongnyun-dong. It is for Humanities and Social Sciences, while the Natural Sciences Campus is located in Suwon in Gyeonggi-do. It ranks 5th in South Korea, 426th globally, and is recognized for its outstanding research output and academic reputation.
6. Naksan Park & Seoul Fortress Wall Trail
Address: 41 Naksan-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
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Famous for its expansive city views, peaceful strolling paths, and the old Seoul Fortress Wall that passes through it, Naksan Park is a picturesque urban park situated atop Naksan Mountain, which is around 125 meters high. Because of its hump-like shape, it is commonly referred to as “Camel Mountain” and is one of Seoul’s four guardian mountains. To conserve its green areas and historical elements, the park was established as a park in 2002. Joseon-era intellectuals and aristocrats loved the park for its natural beauty and views. Sports courts, pavilions, exhibition halls, and several plazas for leisure and city viewing are all available.
📌Related Tours:
- Seoul Night Group Tour: Gwangjang Market + Changgyeonggung Palace + Cheonggyecheon Stream + Naksan Park
- Changgyeonggung Palace (+ Naksan Park/ Gwangjang Market) Night Walking Tour
- Gyeongbokgung Palace (+ Bukchon Hanok Village/ Naksan Park/ Gwangjang Market) Walking Tour
- Seoul City & Foodie Walking Tour (Day/ Night)
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The Seoul Fortress Wall Trail runs through the park and is one of the most accessible and scenic trails of the larger Seoul City Wall trail. It is well-marked and features gentle slopes, making it accessible for most visitors. The Park offers stunning views both day and night, and is a peaceful escape from the bustling city.
Restaurants
1. Hyehwa Kalguksu
Address: 13 Changgyeonggung-ro 35-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
| Opening Hours: Daily 11:00-21:00 (Breaktime 15:00-16:00) (Last Order 20:30)
| Recommended Menu: Noodle Soup (₩12,000), Mung Bean Pancakes (₩15,000), Fried Fish (₩20,000)
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Hyehwa Kalguksu is a renowned restaurant, famous for its handmade knife-cut noodles (Kalguksu) and loved by locals for nearly three decades. The noodles are finely sliced and served in a rich, beef-based broth simmered for 24 hours. Pair them with the kimchi and house-made seasonings for the perfect meal. There are also side dishes like crispy and tender fried fish and mung bean pancakes.
2. Kyokoko
Address: 1F, 38-23 Daehak-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
| Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30-22:00 (Breaktime 15:00-17:00) (Last Order 21:30), Sat 11:00-23:00 (Last Order 22:30), Sun 11:00-21:00 (Last Order 20:30)
| Recommended Menu: Fuwa Fuwa Rice (₩9,000), Shiotori Ramen (₩14,000), Myeongran Mazesoba (₩14,000), Abura Soba (₩14,000)
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Kyokoko is a popular restaurant known for its diverse menu that blends Korean and Japanese cuisine, making it a great choice for those who are looking to enjoy a fusion dining experience. They serve a variety of dishes that creatively combine elements of Korean and Japanese food, offering options that cater to a wide range of tastes. Signature dishes to try include the Abura Soba, which is a one-of-a-kind ramen made with house-made Ra-yu sauce, the Fuwa Fuwa Rice, which has fried rice hidden beneath fluffy scrambled eggs, and topped with a special sauce, and the Shiotori Ramen, which is served in a chicken-broth simmered for 12 hours, topped with whole charcoal-grilled chicken thigh.
3. Pizzeria O
Address: 2F-3F, 86 Dongsoong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
| Opening Hours: Daily 11:30-22:00 (Last Order 21:00)
| Recommended Menu: Margherita Pizza (₩19,900), O Pizza (₩21,500), Stella (₩29,900)
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If you love pizza and pasta, you have to check out Pizzeria O, a beloved Italian restaurant that’s known for serving delicious wood-fired pizza and hearty pasta dishes. The Pizzas have a crispy yet chewy crust, generous toppings, and a delicious taste. The Margherita and Stella (a star-shaped pizza) are the best-selling pizzas. The pasta dishes are also highly rated, with generous portions and various options like carbonara and puttanesca (tomato pasta with anchovies, olives, capers, garlic, and chili).
4. Kasando
Address: 1F, Kasando Daehakro branch, 55 Dongsoong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
| Opening Hours: Daily 11:00-21:00 (Last Order 20:00)
| Recommended Menu: Tonkatsu Kimchi Nabe (₩15,000), Kasando Miso Katsu Set (₩15,000), Kasando (₩9,900)
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Kasando is a Japanese fusion restaurant that combines katsu (cutlet), kare (curry), and sando (sandwich), reflecting its signature offerings. With a modern, beige-toned interior and a mix of counter and table seating, they serve a variety of menus like juicy pork loin and tenderloin cutlets, maze soba (Japanese- style noodle dish topped with minced meat sauce and raw egg yolk), Japanese egg sandwiches with sweet rolled omelet, curry rice and udon.
5. Oiji
Address: 33 Daehak-ro 9-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
| Opening Hours: Daily 11:30-22:00 (Breaktime 15:00-17:00) (Last Order 21:00)
| Recommended Menu: Perilla Oil Buckwheat Noodles (₩13,000), Pollak Roe Cheese Soft Tofu Stew (₩15,000), Warm Cha-dol Noodle Soup (₩12,500)
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Located in a stylish, modern hanok (Korean traditional house) setting, Oiji is known for its creative reinterpretation of Korean cuisine. They specialize in Korean fusion food, blending Korean, Japanese, and Western influences. There are lots of creative dishes like perilla oil buckwheat noodles, pollak roe cheese soft tofu stew, black sesame cream sujebi, perilla sprout bibimbap, and beef short ribs. It’s a perfect cozy and sophisticated spot, perfect for gatherings with friends and family.
Cafes
1. Concrete Palette
Address: 125 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
| Opening Hours: Sun-Thurs 10:00-22:00 (Last Order 21:30), Fri-Sat 11:00-23:00 (Last Order 22:30)
| Recommended Menu: Lavender Bloom (₩6,500), Hoji Cream (₩6,500), Milk Tea (₩6,500)
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Concrete Palette is a spacious cafe with an industrial-chic design and large windows that spans multiple floors. They serve high-quality coffee made with Maeil milk, teas, and a variety of baked goods like canelés, financiers, cakes, and seasonal treats like bingsoo (shaved ice). The tables are wide and there are plenty of outlets, so it’s great for spending a leisurely afternoon or evening, people watching, studying, or chatting with friends.
2. Britresso
Address: 101, 1F, 30-3, Dongsoong 4-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
| Opening Hours: Daily 11:00-22:00 (Last Order 21:30)
| Recommended Menu: Royal White (₩7,000), Cream Mocha (₩7,000)
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Inspired by the atmosphere of 16th-century British coffee houses, Britresso is a stylish cafe with a cozy, sophisticated interior of antique wood-toned furniture, decorative posters, and a mix of modern and classic touches, and a wide selection of coffee and teas. Make sure you try the Royal White, which has an orange aroma, smooth cream, and sweet sugar stars, and the Cream Mocha, which is a British-style hot chocolate. They also have delicious pastries like raspberry cakes, chocolate cheese cake, and lemon crumble.
3. Slow Step
Address: 1-76 Dongsung-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
| Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30-22:00, Sat-Sun 11:30:23:00
| Recommended Menu: Mango Cake (₩9,500), Fruits Cream Cake (₩8,300), Honey Grapefruit Ade (₩7,500)
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Slow Step is a dessert cafe with a cozy space and a charming terrace with views over Daekhakro. The terrace is an especially popular spot, especially for its relaxed, sunlit atmosphere. They offer a great selection of cakes, including seasonal fruit cakes, cheesecake, Mont Blanc, and strawberry cake. You’ll also find a great range of refreshing beverages alongside coffee and tea. They even have beer and wine, which makes it great for evenings too.
4. A Round
Address: 1F-2F, 263 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Maps)
| Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00-21:00 (Last Order 20:30), Sat-Sun 10:00-22:00 (Last Order 21:30)
| Recommended Menu: Black Cream Latte (₩6,500), Strawberry Sorbet Latte (₩7,500), Strawberry Oreo Tiramisu (₩9,000)
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A Round is a cafe with a minimalist black-and-white design, an elegant ambiance, and a focus on high-quality coffee beans, making it a popular spot for coffee enthusiasts and those seeking a refined cafe experience in the area. Spanning two floors, the first floor has a circular staircase and bar tables, while the second floor has large windows with views of the Hyehwa rotary and big communal tables. They offer around ten different single-origin beans for filter coffee, as well as blends.
5. Edition M
Address: 17-2 Daehak-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 1st floor (Kakao Maps)
| Opening Hours: Daily 11:00-23:00 (Last Order 21:30)
| Recommended Menu: M Signature (₩6,700), Espresso (₩5,000), Vanilla Bean Latte (₩6,200)
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With modern hanok-inspired architecture, stylish interior, and a wide selection of freshly baked goods and specialty coffee, Edition M is a trendy and spacious cafe spanning two plans. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love this spot as they have a great range of bread like salt bread, croissants, cruffins, and cakes. As for coffee, they let you choose your own coffee beans for drip or espresso drinks.
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Whether you’re in the mood for a thought-provoking play, a cozy café tucked in an alley, or a late-night stroll through bookshops and art spaces, Daehak-ro offers a perfect blend of creativity and charm. Book your trip to Seoul now on Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop!
