Seoul’s Jongno 3-ga has been named the world’s coolest neighbourhood for 2026 by Time Out, beating dozens of popular districts across major cities around the globe.
The historic South Korean neighbourhood took the top spot in Time Out’s annual ranking of the 40 coolest neighbourhoods in the world, which was released on September 16.
Time Out said the ranking was created using nominations from its global network of local editors and experts, who explored their respective cities to identify neighbourhoods offering exciting experiences in food, nightlife, culture, shopping and community life. A panel of Time Out editors then assessed the nominated areas using criteria including food and drink, nightlife, unique local businesses, liveability and community.
Jongno 3-ga takes the top spot
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Jongno 3-ga has long been known for its historic streets, traditional architecture and connection to Seoul’s cultural heritage.
However, Time Out said the neighbourhood has experienced a fresh wave of energy, particularly after dark.
One of the biggest attractions is the growing popularity of pocha, or late-night tented food stalls. Once mainly associated with quick meals for office workers and labourers, these affordable food spots are now attracting younger residents looking for inexpensive food, drinks and a relaxed atmosphere.
According to Time Out, crowds begin gathering along Donhwamun-ro 11-gil from around 5pm, creating a lively evening scene in the narrow streets.
The area offers a variety of Korean dishes, including pajeon, grilled eel, charred squid and other street-food favourites. For adventurous diners, sannakji, or live octopus, is also among the dishes associated with the area.
Where old Seoul meets a new generation
One of the reasons Jongno 3-ga stood out is its ability to combine Seoul’s history with a younger, modern culture.
Nearby Seosulla-gil offers a quieter side of the neighbourhood. Located beside the stone walls of the Jongmyo Shrine, the lane has developed into a destination featuring independent craft workshops, jewellery studios and stylish wine bars.
Time Out noted that the area has also become an important centre for Seoul’s wholesale jewellery trade, with young independent designers establishing businesses alongside the neighbourhood’s historic surroundings.
The combination of traditional architecture, independent businesses and new nightlife has helped give Jongno 3-ga a distinctive identity.
A neighbourhood built around food and nightlife
Jongno 3-ga’s evening atmosphere is another major part of its appeal.
The neighbourhood’s plastic-covered food stalls provide spaces where residents can gather for inexpensive meals and drinks. Makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine, is also an important part of the local drinking culture.
Time Out highlighted how the drink, once associated largely with farmers, has been embraced by a younger generation of brewers and consumers and is now served alongside local craft beers.
The area also comes alive during autumn, when ginkgo trees turn golden and cover parts of the neighbourhood with bright yellow leaves.
Nagwon Musical Instrument Arcade adds another attraction
Another landmark highlighted by Time Out is the Nagwon Musical Instrument Arcade, a huge complex dating back to the 1960s.
The arcade is described as the world’s largest specialised music market and contains hundreds of shops selling instruments ranging from vintage electric guitars to traditional Korean instruments.
Its unusual combination of music, shopping, food and nightlife adds another layer to Jongno 3-ga’s appeal.
The result is a neighbourhood where visitors can move from historic streets and traditional food stalls to independent creative spaces and music shops within a relatively small area.
The top five coolest neighbourhoods
Jongno 3-ga was followed by four other neighbourhoods that Time Out identified among the world’s coolest for 2026.
1. Jongno 3-ga — Seoul, South Korea
2. L’Ocean District — Rabat, Morocco
3. Neos Kosmos — Athens, Greece
4. Chinatown — Los Angeles, United States
5. Govanhill — Glasgow, United Kingdom
The full list includes 40 neighbourhoods across 26 countries and territories.
Other notable entries include Kitakagaya in Osaka, Koenji in Tokyo, Humayunpur in Delhi, Bandra West in Mumbai, Jalan Besar in Singapore, Kalk Bay in Cape Town and Newington Green in London.
Why Jongno 3-ga was chosen
Time Out’s ranking is not simply a list of tourist attractions. The organisation said its experts considered what makes a neighbourhood exciting to people living and spending time there now.
That includes places to eat and drink, nightlife, independent businesses, cultural activities, quality of life and community.
Jongno 3-ga’s success appears to come from its ability to bring these elements together while maintaining its historical character.
For visitors to Seoul, the neighbourhood now has another distinction to add to its long list of attractions: Time Out’s world’s coolest neighbourhood for 2026.
Read the full ranking on Time Out – The 40 Coolest Neighbourhoods in the World in 2026.
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