Seorae Maeul (Seorae French Village)

French shops in the middle of Seoul in Seorae Maeul (Seorae Village) on a rainy day
French shops in the middle of Seoul in Seorae Maeul (Seorae Village) on a rainy day

Seorae Maeul (Seorae French Village), or French Town, is a small French neighborhood in Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu home to over 500 French and European expats.

Over 40% of the French population in Seoul, most who are in the country for business, lives in this small and unique area. Many of the street signs found here are both in Korean, French, and English which adds to the charm of the area.

Many of these French residents are drawn to this peaceful part of Seoul by the French school, Lycée Français de Séoul, just up the road. The school opened here in 1985 and almost immediately French residents followed.

Visitors to the small cosmopolitan residential area won’t find the French village they are envisioning in their mind but the area is still sprinkled with a few charming European and French restaurants, cafes, stores, and shops on the main tree lined street. Many of these shops specialize in French and European wine, cheese, and bread.

It’s not unusual to walk down the street and hear people talking in many different languages which gives the area an international feel.

Paris Croissant is  found all over Seoul, but this location uses wheat imported from Paris
Paris Croissant is found all over Seoul, but this location uses wheat imported from Paris

At the Paris Croissant located here, breads and croissants are made fresh daily by a French patissier who uses wheat imported from Paris. Paris Croissant is a chain of bakeries found all across Seoul and internationally.

Charming French street scenes of Seorae Maeul (Seorae Village) in Seoul
You might just think for a moment that you are in France and not Seoul

The small but unique Seorae Maeul may not be any more French than other parts of Seoul and is a little hard to locate, but it is a great place to take an evening stroll, especially in an area of Seoul that is usually off the tourist track.

Stop by the Waffle Cafe for some delicious waffles in Seorae Maeul (Seorae French Village), Seoul
Stop by the Waffle Cafe for some delicious waffles