Seoul · #3

Yeonnam

Leafy, low-rise, and brunchy: Hongdae's calmer, greener neighbor.

relaxedleafydate-friendlybrunch

Just west of Hongdae along the old Gyeongui rail line, Yeonnam swapped the train tracks for a long ribbon of park locals call Yeontral Park. The low-rise lanes around it are full of brunch spots, small restaurants, and easygoing cafes, a softer counterpart to Hongdae's noise.

What makes Yeonnam worth visiting

Yeontral Park

A linear park built on the buried Gyeongui line, ideal for a picnic or a slow stroll.

Brunch culture

One of Seoul's densest clusters of brunch and all-day cafes.

Small-plate restaurants

Compact, chef-driven kitchens tucked into residential streets.

Hwagyo heritage

Pockets of authentic Chinese food remain from the area's old Hwagyo community.

Tips for visiting Yeonnam

1.Grab takeaway and claim a spot along Yeontral Park on a sunny afternoon.
2.It is a short walk from Hongdae, so pair the two for day-then-night.
3.The best small restaurants sit a block or two off the park, away from the crowds.

Best for

brunchdatesstrollingcafe-hopping

Nearest station

Hongik Univ. (Line 2 / AREX / Gyeongui-Jungang), Exit 3