Global media outlet Time Out has named Seoul's Jongno 3-ga the "Coolest Neighborhood in the World 2026." The Moxy Seoul Insadong, part of the Marriott chain, has been recommended as a place to stay.
Time Out introduced a one-day itinerary for Jongno 3-ga, mentioning Moxy Seoul Insadong as a convenient lodging option. The guide noted that after enjoying dinner at a local pocha (street food stall), visitors need not worry about getting home, as the trendy Moxy Seoul Insadong is nearby.
Moxy Seoul Insadong is strategically located near key local attractions, including Jongno 3-ga Station, Ikseon-dong, and the pocha street, allowing guests to experience Seoul's vibrant culture and nightlife up close.
The hotel has showcased a blend of its free-spirited brand ethos with the local culture of Jongno and Insadong, offering diverse content beyond mere accommodation. It regularly hosts programs that allow travelers to engage with Seoul's culture through collaborations with local brands, cultural events, DJ performances, and busking.
A representative from Moxy Seoul Insadong expressed, "We are honored that Time Out, an influential guide for travelers worldwide, has recognized Jongno 3-ga as the coolest neighborhood and included Moxy Seoul Insadong in that context. We will continue to connect the unique local energy of Jongno 3-ga and Insadong with Moxy's distinctive free-spirited vibe to offer new travel experiences in Seoul for both domestic and international visitors."
The "Coolest Neighborhoods" ranking is compiled annually by Time Out based on recommendations from local editors and experts, evaluating factors such as food and drink, nightlife, culture, independent local businesses, and community living. Jongno 3-ga secured the top spot among 40 neighborhoods listed in the latest ranking released on September 16.
Time Out described Jongno 3-ga as a place where the past and present coexist, highlighting its attractions from the Hanok alley in Ikseon-dong to the pocha culture, workshops, jewelry shops on Seosunra-gil, and various bars and local spaces. The unique atmosphere, where young people, travelers, and locals mingle, and the area's ability to maintain its identity while constantly evolving were particularly noted.
The suggested itinerary begins with a fluffy miltoast for breakfast. After visiting a perfume, clothing, and eyewear shop that opens at 11 a.m., lunch is enjoyed at Solsot with its signature rice pot dish. In the afternoon, visitors can stop by nearby cafes like Seoul Coffee, select handmade jewelry on Seosunra-gil, and enjoy craft beer at Seoul Jipsi. The day concludes with dinner at a pocha featuring tteokbokki and ramen before heading to Moxy Seoul Insadong.
Fall is recommended as the best time to visit, as some streets in Jongno 3-ga are lined with ginkgo trees, making it particularly beautiful, and the cool air is perfect for outdoor dining at pochas.
Following Jongno 3-ga, the second place went to the Roseau district in Rabat, Morocco, and third place to Neos Cosmos in Athens, Greece. In Asia, Osaka's Kitakagaya (6th) and Tokyo's Koenji (8th) also made the top ten alongside Jongno 3-ga.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.