Mullae-dong in Yeongdeungpo-gu Ranked 6th Coolest Neighbourhood
Recommended Itinerary for Visitors to Mullae-dong Introduced
Jinbocho in Tokyo, Japan Claims Top Spot This Year
Since 2018, the renowned British travel and culture magazine "Time Out" has annually selected the World's Coolest Neighbourhoods through a rigorous review process. In the latest ranking, Mullae-dong in Seoul was named the 6th coolest neighbourhood in the world.
A panoramic view of the Mullae-dong Creative Village area. A newly opened cafe faces an old ironworks shop. Photo by Asia Economy DB
On September 24 (local time), Time Out announced its list of the 38 coolest neighbourhoods in the world for 2025. Mullae-dong, located in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, ranked 6th on this list. Time Out introduced Mullae-dong as "once the center of Seoul's steel and metalworking industry, now transformed into one of the city's most atmospheric art hubs." The magazine described, "During the day, you can still hear the sound of hammers in active workshops, while at night, the alleys adorned with sparkling neon signs and murals transform into design studios, cafes, restaurants, and bars."
Transformation from Steel and Metal Industry Center to Arts and Culture Hub
Time Out also suggested a recommended itinerary for visitors to Mullae-dong. Start your day with a morning coffee at a cafe created from a renovated factory, browse for souvenirs at a gift shop, and enjoy lunch at a renowned sashimi restaurant or other local eateries. 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 spend the evening at a local pub.
As times change, Mullae-dong, once famous for its ironworks alleys, is also transforming. Commercial spaces have been established in places where ironworks shops have gradually left. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung
Time Out noted, "The neighbourhood's rugged industrial framework is still evident. Factories with red brick exteriors and warehouses with corrugated roofs have been reinvented as cafes, jazz bars, and creative spaces." The magazine added, "This contrast only adds to Mullae-dong's charm. Young artists and entrepreneurs are drawn here by affordable rents and the area's raw appeal, while visitors come to experience a cultural fusion that ranges from underground exhibitions to natural wine bars and live music venues."
This year, Jinbocho in Tokyo, Japan, claimed the top spot. Jinbocho is a historic university district known as a 'paradise for book lovers,' home to over 130 secondhand bookstores. Time Out highlighted that cozy music clubs tucked away in back alleys, authentic Indian curry restaurants, stylish cafes, and independent bookstores are injecting new vitality into the neighbourhood. Rounding out the top five were Borgerhout in Belgium, Barra Funda in Brazil, Camberwell in the United Kingdom, and Avondale in the United States.
Time Out's travel editor Grace Beard commented, "This year's list features everything from cozy village communities with strong bonds to revitalized city centers and once-declining industrial areas that have been transformed into creative districts. What all these places share is a DIY spirit and a steadfast passion for originality and fun."
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