Seoul's Jongno 3-ga rises to world's coolest neighborhood

Seoul's Jongno 3-ga has transformed from a "cool" neighborhood to the world's "coolest," securing the top spot on Time Out's list of the best areas to explore globally in 2026. Just five years prior, the historic downtown district ranked third on the same list. Time Out lauded Jongno 3-ga for blending traditional Seoul with a modern vibe, thanks to late-night food stalls called pocha, independent businesses, and the charming hanok houses.

The neighborhood's appeal has only grown since its last appearance, with Time Out highlighting the surge of late-evening outdoor dining, indie shops, and eateries.

The neighborhood's allure now knows no age boundaries. Younger folks are increasingly drawn to Jongno 3-ga, enticed by its wallet-friendly food options and laid-back, open-air ambience. The area serves as a social crossroads, where people of various ages, backgrounds, and generations come together. Time Out described Jongno 3-ga as a place where people from all walks of life have long mingled.

Adjacent to Ikseon-dong, cafes and boutique shops have taken root within century-old hanok, while Seosulla-gil offers a different facet of the neighborhood, featuring craft workshops, jewelry studios, and bars. This ranking has put Jongno 3-ga firmly in the spotlight.