Hannam-dong in Seoul is notorious for being the most expensive area in the country, and rightly so, with gated communities such as "The Hill" where it's been rumored that BTS has properties. Dojeon team member, Lewis, recently visited this exclusive area and this is what he found!
Hannam screams everything to do with luxury! From houses, and cars, to even coffee shops and restaurants. So when I visited, of course, I expected to pay a premium for things, as well as being able to see a vast amount of wealthy people. Also, BTS has been rumored to have a residence in the Hills.
In the UK, some wealthy people like to show off their fortune, whether that be through the clothes that they are wearing, or the car that they are driving, though it does not happen that often. Perhaps it is the British being polite and not too fussed about designer items. In Hannam this was quite the opposite. I figured that in the past, since Korea used to be a poor country not so long ago if people have wealth now they show it off, and why not? There were many well dressed people, and so many expensive cars around the area.
The area of Hannam itself is an area within Yongsan, so it is close to Itaewon. Being right across the river from the Gangnam area of Seoul and its proximity to locations in northern Seoul makes the neighborhood centrally located in Seoul. Many celebrities and executives live in three well-known residential areas in the neighborhood.
The main purpose of my visiting this area was to walk around to check out some exclusive residences, and take in the area itself. Although I lived in Seoul for over 2 years, it is not an area that I have been to that often, apart from when I first arrived back in 2020.
I did find many amazing coffee shops and restaurants in the area, and I have to say that they were reasonably priced for the area. I did stop at one restaurant during lunch time and I had a really good meal with my friend. The area is very similar to other areas of Seoul that I have visited in the past, and since this area is close to Itaewon, it is very hilly, so I would recommend wearing some comfortable shoes when you visit the area!
I definitely, recommend visiting this area when you are in Seoul, especially if you want to experience the glitz and glamour, similar to what you can imagine to be able to experience in LA.
You can check out my reel, which features my full-day trip to Hannam-dong on our Instagram account!
Let us know in the comments below if you have ever been to Hannam, and don't forget to tag us in your photos!