The neighbourhood
Yongsan (용산) sits at the geographic heart of Seoul, directly between the Han River to the south, Namsan to the north, Itaewon to the west, and central Seoul to the east. For decades it was defined by the US military base (Yongsan Garrison), a sprawling 240-hectare installation that divided the neighbourhood and limited development. That base has now relocated, and the land is being converted into Yongsan Park. Seoul's answer to Central Park. The transformation is real and ongoing.
The area around Yongsan station is the main residential zone for expats: a dense cluster of officetels, mid-rise apartments, and older villa buildings served by excellent transit. It's less internationally curated than Itaewon and less upscale than Hannam-dong, but for central access and value, it's hard to beat. A high foreigner-friendliness rating reflects the area's long history with international residents, and the growing number of English-capable landlords and agents who specifically market to expats.
Transit and walkability
Yongsan station (용산역) is a major transport hub. Line 1, the Gyeongui–Jungang line, and KTX all converge here, giving direct intercity rail access that no other expat neighbourhood in Seoul can match. Journey times:
- City Hall: ~8 min (Line 1)
- Gangnam: ~25 min (via transfer)
- Itaewon: ~5 min (taxi) or 15 min on foot
- Incheon Airport (AREX via transfer at Seoul Station): ~55 min
The area around the station and Hangangno (한강로) is walkable for daily errands. Riverside parks along the Han are accessible on foot or by short cycle ride. The redevelopment zones in the southern half of Yongsan are still construction-heavy, worth checking proximity to active sites before signing a lease.
Honest tradeoffs
Pros:
- Best transit connectivity of any expat neighbourhood. KTX, Line 1, Gyeongui–Jungang all in one station
- Comparable rents to Itaewon with less weekend noise
- Rapid neighbourhood improvement as redevelopment progresses
- Walking distance to Itaewon for social life without paying Itaewon prices
Cons:
- Active construction noise in parts of the southern neighbourhood, verify before signing
- Less expat social infrastructure than Itaewon; fewer English-language services within walking distance
- Some streets feel transitional, pockets of older buildings next to glass towers
- Limited high-quality apartment stock compared to Hannam-dong or Gangnam
The Yongsan redevelopment zone has produced several buildings sold or leased under complex multi-stakeholder ownership structures. Before signing any lease near the former base area or the new Yongsan Park development, run a full 등기부등본 and confirm the landlord has clean, unencumbered title. Avoid any unit where the registered ownership is listed as a development corporation (시행사) rather than an individual.
Housing types you'll find
- Officetels: the dominant stock around Yongsan station and Hangangno; wide range of quality from older 2000s buildings to newer premium units; maintenance fees (관리비) typically ₩80K–₩150K/month
- Apartments (아파트): substantial supply north of the station toward Wonhyo-ro (원효로); larger units, good amenities, well-suited for families
- New developments: the southern Yongsan area near the park site has luxury new-build developments entering the market, rents are high but quality is the best in the area
- Villas (빌라): concentrated in older streets near Samgakji (삼각지); cheaper but building quality varies; inspect carefully
Who Yongsan is good for
Yongsan is the underrated option, central, well-connected, and cheaper than Hannam-dong with comparable transit access. It's especially well-suited for expats who travel frequently within Korea (KTX at your doorstep) or who want to be close to Itaewon without paying Itaewon rents.
It's a transitional neighbourhood, which means both opportunity and uncertainty. For renters on standard one- to two-year contracts, the ongoing development is mostly upside. For anyone signing longer-term deals, research the specific block before committing.