Located south-east of Seoul’s suburban sprawl, Garak-dong is a neighbourhood in the district of Songpa-gu. It’s home to an immense seafood market and the family-friendly attractions of Lotte World while it’s also on the doorstep of the UNESCO-listed Namhansanseong Fortress.
Things to do in Garak-dong
Seafood lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to the Garak Fish Market, which is home to more than 1,000 stalls selling locally caught fish, king crabs and lobsters. In addition to live and fresh seafood, you can also find dried seafood products, meats, fruits and vegetables. On the third floor of the market are several restaurants where you can take your seafood purchases and have them cooked to order.
Travelling with kids? Head to Lotte World, a sprawling entertainment complex that features the largest indoor theme park in the world. Embark on the “Jungle Adventure” boat ride or experience “The Conquistador” Viking ship ride before learning about Korean culture and history at the Folk Museum. A monorail winds its way between the indoor and outdoor attractions of Lotte World and offers elevated views of Magic Island.
Garak-dong is a convenient base for visiting the Namhansanseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed monument used as an “emergency capital” during the Joseon Dynasty. In addition to its 17th-century palace, it features royal living quarters, offices and ancestral shrines linked by a series of stone stairways. A well-preserved wall stretches more than 12 kilometres around the site and can be accessed along a network of hiking trails.
Getting around Garak-dong
Garak-dong is around an hour by train from Seoul Station and 1.5 hours from Incheon International Airport. It’s connected to destinations across the South Korean capital along Line 3 and 8 of the Seoul Subway. Buses travel throughout the neighbourhood.