A Little Trip to Magok-dong

Magok-dong is one of the less obvious but most impressive areas of Seoul. When you arrive at Magok Station and see it in all its metropolitan glory, you can hardly imagine that the area used to resemble a vast plain just ten years ago. It’s an excellent example of the Korean Miracle.

Once you start walking, you can’t shake off the feeling of familiarity – that is because, due to its architecture, Magok strongly resembles the business districts of New York City – only it’s much emptier during the day and on weekends.

The area is calmer than the more popular hangout spots of the Korean capital, but at the same time, it’s vibrant with its abundance of cafes and restaurants. Check out the best things to do in the Magok-dong neighborhood in Seoul.

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Things to do in Magok

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Things to do in Magok

Harris Huis cafe

magok dong harri shuis — Instagram Harris Huis

A few minutes of walking from Magok St. or Balsan St. will lead you to the local hotspot café “Harris Huis,” owned by an international married couple.

The café’s exterior, with its bright-pink door and the classy-looking interior, is called by many “highly instagrammable.” The menu offers a reasonably priced assortment of original beverages, such as the “Harris Latte” and the famous signature “Cream Latte” in two colors: pink and white, as well as homemade desserts, such as “Mom’s Banana Muffin,” which comes served in the prettiest checkered package.

You can also see the couple’s dog, Peanut, peeking through its little peeping holes in the counter door when you visit “Harris Huis.” This café could be a good choice for you if you’re worried about your Korean skills or don’t speak Korean at all because you may be served in English without any difficulty.

Tip: Check “Harris Huis”’s Instagram account for the availability days because the doors may have to be closed due to selling out suddenly.

Address

Seoul, Gangseo-Gu, Magok-dongro3gil 26 103ho

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/harrishuis/?hl=en

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Once you’ve had your coffee, you may be hungry for lunch or dinner – not to worry! The area is full of various restaurants, however, due to the high rate of rent, the restaurants tend not to stay in any popular place for a very long time, so it would be safe to suggest that you leave “Harris Huis,” go right until you see a fork, and turn right twice again. You will see a street full of different places, many of which even have seats outside! You will find Japanese, Chinese, Korean, American, and Italian cuisine and more exciting eateries. Just try your luck!

Seoul Botanic Park and Seoul Botanical Garden

Later, you may continue walking and reach the joined territory of the Seoul Botanic Park and the Seoul Botanical Garden that is directly connected to the Magoknaru Station. Inside and outside, it’s a beautiful oasis in the middle of a concrete jungle.

While strolling in the outside area of the park, you may see various blooms, photo zones, playgrounds, and even wooden tables for picnics or board games with friends. There is a big pond, too! The area is delightful even in the heat of summer.

About twenty minutes from the start of your journey later, you may see the entrance to the Botanical Garden at the end of the park. It’s a massive futuristic-looking building that houses a museum and an actual garden zone, which are gorgeous displays of Korean flora.

The museum part of the building is delightful, even for those who don’t speak Korean. It’s interactive, so you can touch different wall projections and see them unfold into bigger pictures full of information. The interactive elements make this park highly popular with young children and the elderly.

There are immersion rooms where one can stand in the middle of a video being projected on all four walls that can serve as photo zones. You may often wander into them and accidentally share peaceful moments with strangers.

Tip: Before you enter the garden area, take off your coat or outer jacket. Once you go in, you will feel immersed in the atmosphere of a tropical summer. That is: it’s going to be very hot and stuffy!

The number of plants and flowers on display is awe-inspiring. Each of them is labeled so that you may be able to search more about them if you’re curious. Strolling inside, you will see little waterfalls, ponds, and seasonal decorations. You may see tiny Christmas villages in December or Valentine’s Day hearts. The Botanic Garden is a picturesque place that has been popular with people of all ages ever since it opened its doors to the public. A plant geek or not – you will certainly enjoy your visit to the Garden part of the Seoul Botanic Park.

Entrance fees

Adults (19 & older) – KRW 5,000
Youth (13 – 18) – KRW 3,000
Children (6 – 12) – KRW 2,000
Free for those under 6 and over 65
Group (more than 30 people) 30% discount

The hours of operation

March ~ October, daily 09:30 – 18:00 (last entry at 17:00). Closed every Monday.
November ~ February, daily 09:30 – 17:00 (last entry at 16:00). Closed every Monday.

Address

Seoul, Gangseo-gu, Magokdong-ro, 161

Suppose you decide to see the majestic Magok-dong. Surely you will be able to make long-lasting memories. Visit the places mentioned and you will leave with lots of beautiful pictures. I hope you give this area a chance! Enjoy your trip to Seoul!