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Until the early 2000s, it was widely believed that one had to travel to France to truly enjoy authentic French bread.
However, as French bakeries began to open in Seorae Village, it became possible to experience a small part of everyday French life right here in Seoul.
Freshly baked baguettes and croissants clearly show why this neighborhood is often called “a little France in the heart of Seoul.” |
Seorae Village, a Little France in Seoul: A Hidden Neighborhood Every Foreign Traveler Should Visit
Discover Seorae Village, a charming neighborhood in the heart of Seoul where French culture meets Korean daily life. Explore authentic cuisine, quiet streets, cultural diversity, and relaxing walks in Seoul’s most European-style district.
Introduction: Why Seorae Village Deserves Your Attention Today
Hello, dear readers.
Today, I would like to introduce a very special neighborhood in Seoul, South Korea — Seorae Village.
Some of you may already be familiar with this area, but for those who are not, I would like to take a closer and more thoughtful look at what makes Seorae Village truly unique.
Let us begin.
Seoul is globally known as a fast-paced and dynamic city.
Skyscrapers dominate the skyline, neon lights shine late into the night, and trend-setting districts attract millions of visitors every year.
However, Seoul also has another side — one that is calm, refined, and quietly charming.
Seorae Village represents this lesser-known face of the city.
Rather than being simply “a neighborhood where many foreigners live,” Seorae Village is a place where French daily life and Korean culture naturally blend together.
Unlike crowded tourist hotspots, Seorae Village is peaceful and elegant. Simply walking through its streets allows visitors to fully absorb its atmosphere.
This article is written not just to recommend a “photo-friendly place,” but to sincerely introduce Seorae Village to foreign readers who wish to experience daily life, culture, and quiet relaxation in Seoul.
1. Where Is Seorae Village? – A Hidden French Corner in Seoul
Seorae Village is located in Seocho-gu, Seoul, covering areas such as Banpo-dong and Bangbae-dong.
Administratively, it belongs to the greater Gangnam area and has long been considered one of Seoul’s most prestigious residential districts.
What truly makes this neighborhood special is one key fact:
Nearly 40% of the French residents living in Korea are concentrated in this area.
French expatriates working for multinational companies, diplomats, and educators settled here over many years, gradually forming a close-knit community.
As a result, Seorae Village came to be known as “Little France in Seoul.”
Personally, my interest in Seorae Village began because it felt like a place where one could experience France — without leaving Korea.
In the early 2000s, it was common to see French professionals walking the streets and authentic French bakeries operating in the neighborhood.
Even today, Seorae Village features café-lined streets and plenty of spaces where residents and visitors can relax.
2. The History of Seorae Village: A Natural, Not Artificial, Community
2-1. From a Small Rural Village to an International Neighborhood
Originally, Seorae Village was a quiet rural settlement known as Seoritgae Village.
It was neither a commercial hub nor a tourist destination.
The transformation began in the mid-1980s.
2-2. The Relocation of the Lycée Français de Séoul
Around 1985, the Lycée Français de Séoul (French School of Seoul) moved from Hannam-dong to an area near today’s Seorae Village.
Following this relocation, French families began settling in the surrounding neighborhoods.
During the 1990s, additional factors accelerated this trend:
Korea’s high-speed rail projects
The entry of major French corporations such as TGV-related firms, Renault, and Carrefour
The arrival of French engineers and specialists
As a result, Seorae Village developed organically into an international residential area — not by government planning, but through everyday life.
3. Everyday French Scenes You Can Experience on the Streets
Walking through Seorae Village, visitors will quickly notice scenes that feel distinctly different from other parts of Seoul:
Bus stops with French language signage
French parents walking their children to school
People enjoying coffee or wine at outdoor terraces
Small bakeries displaying baguettes and croissants
What makes Seorae Village truly special is that these are not tourist performances, but genuine moments from residents’ daily lives.
4. A Culinary Haven: Quiet but High-Quality Dining
Seorae Village was once known as “the best place in Seoul for authentic French cuisine.”
Today, it continues to offer a refined dining scene, including French, Italian, Japanese restaurants, and high-end cafés.
4-1. A Culture of Calm and Refined Dining
Restaurants in Seorae Village typically value:
These are places meant for slow, meaningful meals, not quick dining.
For foreign travelers, dining in Seorae Village is an excellent way to experience how subtle and sophisticated Seoul’s food culture can be.
5. Why Seorae Village Is Truly Special: Quality of Life Over Glamour
5-1. Why Celebrities and Professionals Choose Seorae Village
Many business leaders, artists, film directors, and actors have chosen to live in Seorae Village over the years.
The reasons are simple:
Strong security
No excessive crowds
Respect for privacy
These advantages also benefit foreign visitors.
In a city as large as Seoul, finding a neighborhood that is safe, quiet, and pleasant for walking is a rare and valuable experience.
6. Nature and Leisure Walks: Montmartre Hill and Seoripul Park
At the heart of Seorae Village lies a gentle slope known as “Montmartre Hill.”
True to its name, cafés and restaurants line the hill, subtly evoking a European atmosphere.
A short walk leads to Seoripul Park, one of the most peaceful green spaces in central Seoul.
With abundant trees and quiet paths, it is ideal for morning walks or evening strolls.
7. A Real Advantage for Foreign Residents: Seorae Global Village Center
Seorae Village is home to the Seorae Global Village Center, a community hub dedicated to supporting foreign residents.
The center offers:
This system demonstrates that Seorae Village is not merely a foreign enclave, but a neighborhood that actively practices international coexistence.
8. Is Transportation Inconvenient? Why That Is Actually a Strength
Seorae Village is slightly removed from major subway stations, which may seem inconvenient at first.
However, this distance brings unexpected advantages:
The area is still easily accessible by public transportation, taxis, or on foot — all of which are safe and reliable.
Conclusion: Seorae Village Is Not a Tourist Spot, but an Experience
Seorae Village is not as flashy as Myeong-dong, nor as youthful as Hongdae.
But that is precisely its value.
It is a place where you can:
Step away from Seoul’s fast rhythm
Experience the natural harmony of French and Korean daily life
Enjoy calm, elegant moments at your own pace
If this is your first visit to Seoul, I recommend exploring the famous attractions first — and then spending a quiet day walking through Seorae Village.
In that moment, Seoul will no longer feel like an unfamiliar megacity,
but a living, breathing cultural space.
Thank you very much for reading until the end.
I look forward to welcoming you again soon with more thoughtful content.
