Seoul Daehangno

Nicknamed “College Street” for Seoul National University, Seoul Daehangno is Seoul’s theater and arts district. The university has since moved, but the neighborhood with its parks and cultural arts centers remains. On weekends, Maronnier Park transforms into a large outdoor performing arts space for Seoul’s youth. Local and international performances of all types are held in the 40 or more theaters in the area.

Notable venues include the Batangol Art Center, Dongsung Art Center and the Literary Arts Hall. Each venue will have posters plastered on the walls outside advertising what’s currently showing, so even if you don’t speak Korean, you’ll be able to get a decent idea of what’s on offer. Before you catch a show, stop in to one of the area’s many small cafes and eateries for some traditional Korean food.

During the early summer months, Seoul Daechangno hosts the Seoul Theater Festival, with the Seoul Performing Arts Festival following in autumn. Both events put on dozens of performances, mostly in Korean, but occasionally in English as well.