Timeout UK announced 39 of the World's Coolest Neighbourhoods for 2025. /Timeout

원본보기 아이콘

The renowned British travel and culture magazine Timeout has been selecting the "World's Coolest Neighbourhoods" every year since 2018 through a rigorous review process. In the 2025 rankings, Mullae-dong in Seoul was ranked 6th.

원본보기 아이콘

As times change, Mullae-dong, once famous for its alleys filled with metal workshops, is also transforming. Commercial spaces have been established in the places where metal workshops have gradually left one by one. Although the sharp sounds of metal cutting have quieted down, the commercial spaces that preserve the original appearance seem to symbolize the coexistence of technology and commerce. Photo by Kang Jinhyung aymsdream@

원본보기 아이콘

On September 24 (local time), Timeout announced its list of the 39 coolest neighbourhoods in the world. Among them, Mullae-dong in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, was ranked 6th. Timeout described Mullae-dong as "once the center of Seoul's steel and metalworking industry, now one of the city's most atmospheric artistic hubs." The magazine went on to say, "During the day, you can still hear the sound of hammering from workshops in operation, but at night, the alleys adorned with glowing neon signs and murals transform into design studios, cafes, restaurants, and bars."

원본보기 아이콘

원본보기 아이콘

Timeout also offered a recommended itinerary for visitors to Mullae-dong. First, enjoy a morning coffee at a cafe converted from a factory, browse for souvenirs at a gift shop, and try popular local restaurants such as sashimi spots for lunch. In the afternoon, visit a perfume workshop to create your own fragrance, take instant photos with friends, savor wine and pasta at a Western restaurant, and finish your evening at a pub.

The scenery of Mullae-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. /Captured from Yeongdeungpo-gu Office website · Yonhap News Agency

원본보기 아이콘

원본보기 아이콘

원본보기 아이콘

Timeout explained, "The rugged industrial framework of this neighborhood is still clearly visible. Factories with red brick exteriors and warehouses with corrugated roofs have been reinvented as cafes, jazz bars, and creative spaces," adding, "This contrast only adds to its charm." The magazine also noted, "Young artists and entrepreneurs are drawn here by affordable rents and the area's raw appeal, while visitors come to experience a cultural fusion ranging from underground exhibitions to natural wine bars and live music venues."

원본보기 아이콘

X

원본보기 아이콘

원본보기 아이콘

원본보기 아이콘

원본보기 아이콘

원본보기 아이콘

Jimb?ch? in Tokyo is a historic university district and is known as a "paradise for book lovers," with over 130 secondhand bookstores. Timeout highlighted that cozy music clubs tucked away in back alleys, authentic Indian curry restaurants, stylish cafes, and independent bookstores are breathing new life into the neighborhood.

원본보기 아이콘

antwerpen, belgiumtraveler, district_borgerhout Instagram

원본보기 아이콘

원본보기 아이콘

zimoveis, portalsantaceciliabarrafunda Instagram

원본보기 아이콘

원본보기 아이콘

원본보기 아이콘

lalabooks.london, grovehousetavern_, lundonlens Instagram

원본보기 아이콘

원본보기 아이콘

chiarchitecture, chidrone Instagram

원본보기 아이콘

"This year's list includes a variety of places, from cozy village areas where tight-knit communities have formed, to revitalized downtown centers, and former industrial zones transformed into creative districts."

"What all these places have in common is the DIY (Do It Yourself) spirit, a strong passion for originality and fun" - Grace Beard, Travel Editor at Timeout -