We are delighted to welcome you to Seoul for the PC Meeting Asia Split, held at the historic Yonsei University campus. While we look forward to a productive PC meeting, we also hope you take time to immerse yourselves in Seoul’s diverse charms.

Weather & what to bring

Late June is a transition between spring and summer and may overlap with the start of the rainy season (jangma). Expect warm, humid weather with occasional rain; temperatures are typically 20–30°C (68–86°F).

The two faces of Seoul

Gangbuk (north of the river) is the historic old city — cultural sites, museums, and Yonsei University nestled near vibrant Sinchon.

Gangnam (south of the river) is the newer district with shopping and performing arts venues. Each area has its own distinct flavor; we hope you explore beyond the campus.

Themed itineraries

For exploring Seoul through popular Netflix hits:

Neighborhood guide

Sinchon & Hongdae

Home of Yonsei’s main campus (where the meeting takes place) and many universities — a classic college-town feel. See also Lodging & Dining for nearby hotels and food.

What to eat

  • Bingsu shaved ice — Homilbat
  • Chimaek (chicken & beer) between Sinchon station and campus
  • Kimchi stew; grilled fish — Gosame
  • Ramen — Hakuten, Nishimu Ramen
  • Korean Chinese — Zhonghuafuchun Gold
  • Shabu shabu (pescatarian broth) — Dungcheon
  • Vegetarian: soba, buckwheat noodles

What to drink

  • Breweries: Alecrew Brewing, Artmonster
  • Cobbler (hanok cocktail bar), Catalyst (izakaya/vinyl)
  • Coffee: Underdog Coffee, Cafe Moonbear

What to do

  • Vintage shopping, the red road, photobooths — Don’t Look Up, Photoism, Photogray
  • Hapjeong & Mangwon: Deep Blue Lake, Anthracite Coffee, Bean Brothers, Jebidabang, Rolling Hall

Where to stay

  • Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae
  • Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae by IHG
  • RYSE, Autograph Collection

Jongno & Insadong

The historic heart of Seoul — traditional culture meets quiet modern aesthetics.

What to eat

  • Gwangjang Market street food — fresh gwabeagi donuts, kimbap, Turkish fish wraps
  • ANAM (Korean small plates), Yuldong Noodle Soup, Sajikro (oak-grilled beef ribs)
  • Vegetarian/vegan: temple food — Balwoo Gongyang; Vegan Kimbap; kalguksu — Samcheong Dongsu Jaebi

What to drink

  • Makgeolli with jeon and banchan; Sool Gallery; traditional tea houses
  • Coffee: Kotton Seoul, Terra Rosa

What to do

  • Palaces: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung (book garden tickets ahead), Deoksugung
  • Bukchon & Seochon hanok villages — hanbok rental (Daehan Hanbok for tall/plus sizes)
  • MMCA, Kukje Gallery, Insadong street, Craft Museum, outdoor sculpture park

Where to stay

  • Westin Josun Seoul Hotel
  • Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun Myeongdong
  • Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong
  • ibis Ambassador Seoul Insadong

Euljiro & Myeongdong

Hidden bars, street food, and endless night vibes.

What to eat

  • Pocha spots — Sammijeong
  • Chicken BBQ — Dalmaji Plaza BBQ (sign up at kiosk, explore while you wait)
  • Beef noodles — Niuroumianguan
  • Woo Lae Oak (est. 1946) — bulgogi, galbi, naengmyeon

What to drink

  • Breweries: Art Monster, Magpie, Euljiro Brewing, Shakesbeer
  • Natural wine: rice wine 7.8 Makgeolli; rooftop bar above Art Monster
  • Coffee: Coffee 9

What to do

  • Cheonggyecheon stream walk (Euljiro subway stops on Line 2)
  • Myeongdong night streets, noraebang (karaoke)

Where to stay

  • Hotel Gracery Seoul
  • Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Myeongdong
  • Stanford Hotel Myeongdong

Hannam & Itaewon

Seoul’s most international neighborhood — food, nightlife, and city views.

What to eat

  • Mosu (Michelin 3-star), mokmyeoksanbang (bibimbap on Namsan trail)
  • International: Mutin (French), Manao (Thai), Cleo/Petra (Middle Eastern), Jupaca Birria (Mexican)
  • One of the best areas for vegetarian and vegan options

What to drink

  • Wine bars, rooftop cocktails with Namsan Tower views, live music venues

What to do

  • Namsan Tower gondola or hike; Dullegil loop (2–3 hours); Botanic Gardens (1.6 km)
  • National Museum (pottery/celadon); Leeum Museum for indoor A/C activities

Seongsu & Apgujeong

Trendy neighborhoods for coffee, fashion, and design.

What to eat

  • &meal, Friends&yard; bakeries — Beton, Jayeondo Salt Bread, Standard Bread Dosan, Flour Artisan Bakery Sinsa
  • Vegetarian/vegan: Mitbord

What to drink

  • Seoul Brewery (coffee & craft beer); McCoy’s, Conflict Store, Lowkey Coffee
  • Wine & cocktails: dxyz, Bar Out of Time, Seongsu Oksang

What to do

  • Converted warehouse galleries, Hyundai department store, flagship stores (Dior, Tamburins, Matin Kim, Gentle Monster)
  • Olive Young N Seongsu, Rodeo; Seoul Forest

Gangnam

Both a neighborhood and the entire southern bank of the Han River.

What to eat

  • Sinsa: FOSARO, Far Niente, Samwon Garden (Korean BBQ institution)
  • Chimaek picnic on the Han River — Jamsil River Park floating chicken buildings
  • Culinary Class Wars restaurants (White Spoon, Black Spoon) — see themed guides above

What to drink

  • Art Monster, natural wine bars

What to do

  • Gwanaksan hiking (3–10 km trails near Seoul National University); jjimjilbang — Spa Lei (female only)
  • Baseball games, Lotte World, COEX, Seoul Arts Center

Outside the city

Day trips

  • DMZ tours — half or full day; most companies pick up at your hotel
  • Everland — zoo, amusement, and water park; reachable by train or bus
  • Incheon — Chinatown, fish markets, Cimer luxury jjimjilbang (near the airport)

Biking in Seoul

Ddareungi (따릉이) is Seoul’s public bike-share system. Rent and return bikes via the app at designated docking stations.

Where to bike

Rules of the road

Transit & T-money info →