Mapo

The areas of Mapo are quite different. Mangwon-dong is the quiet residential part but has a thriving food market. Mangwon is also where a lot of artists and illustrators have their studios and shops. If you want to learn any craft go to this area and sign up for a one day course.
Hapjeong and Hongdae have always been the cool areas of Seoul for the younger generation. The streets are full of buskers, kids dancing to the latest Kpop songs, fortune tellers and pop up stalls. There's a vast shopping scene full of the newest clothing trends. I would say it's a comfortable spot for foreigners who may feel homesick.
The last area is Yeonnam, a collection of cute alleyways full of independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. It's an eclectic mix of old and new.

Route 1 Hapjeong to Mangwon and back again:
1. Get off at Hapjeong station and come out of exit 5.
2. Turn left, walk for a little bit until you meet the traffic lights.
3. Cross over the 2 sets of traffic lights and walk past the Gas station until you meet Poeun Ro.
4. You can walk down this road to meet Donggo Ro. If you want a a bit of celeb spotting, you can take a little detour past YG entertainment.
5. Cross over the main road and carry straight on. If you want to explore some independent shops or visit some illustrators' studios make a trip down some of the side streets along this road.
Some favourites are Zero Space, Malrang, Mongle Mongle and Somgom.
6. I recommend stopping at Pingpa for lunch. The ladies who own it spend a lot time over their menu and presentation of their food. They're mostly known for their sandwiches.
7. Carry along the street until you meet worldcupro 13gil. Go up this street and you'll be welcomed to the lively market. Mangwon market is full of cheap Korean street food and fresh produce. I would always get my fruit and vegetables from here as it's very cheap compared to most supermarkets in Seoul.
8. Take in the atmosphere of this street, If you need a drink and a sit down stop at Cafe BUBU. They're well known around Seoul for their coffee roasting.
9. You can either get on the subway at Mangwon station or cross the road and walk up.
10. There is a great second hand clothing store call Market in U on this road.
11. At the end of this street you will meet the main road Chandari Ro. Turn right, walk straight and you will get back to Hapjeong station where the walk will end.

Route 2: Hapjeong to Yeonnam
1. Get off at Hapjeong station exit 4, cross over the road and go down the street next to Holly’s Coffee.
2. This little area of Hapjeong is nice to explore especially all the side streets, but I pass them to walk down the road next to Sungsan Middle School as it’s more scenic and quiet.
3. At the end of the road you come to Dokmakro, cross over so you are on Dokmakro 5 or 7gil.
4. Around this part there are many great vintage shops like Pe-Eg one and Gureilla Vintage and also Gentle Monster which is a designer sunglasses brand in Korea but they are known especially for their extravagant interiors.
5. Cross the road at Chandariro and you are on the main high street of Hongdae. I personally walk as quickly as possible through Hongdae as it’s very overcrowded and overwhelming but if you want to experiences a younger hip Seoul definitely check out all the many shops and eateries.
6. At the end of the high street you will come to Gyeongui Line Book Street. This a cute Railway strip that has been made into a park. It’s great to sit and enjoy the atmosphere.
7. Next to the park is Object, an amazing stationary/Prop store. They will often have an exhibition with one of the artists that they sell in the store. Beware because you will spend a lot of money here.
8. Circle back round, pass the AK mall and cross the road so you are at the Gyeongui Forest park. This park is great at twilight/night in the spring and summer.
9. Walk a little way down then turn right into one of Yeonnam’s Alleyways. It doesn’t matter which one you choose as they all interconnect with each other though it can easily feel like you are lost.
10. I recommend checking out Grain restaurant (it's known best for its brunch), Dongjin Market, Coffee Libre, Hello Indie books and Jon bi bi Macarons. There is also a little bagel shop that I went to on a Sunday on Donggoro 46gil which makes their own San Francisco style Bagels and different flavours of cream cheese.
11. At the end of Donggoro 46gil you will meet Yeonhwiro. Catch the bus next to the 7/11 on this street. 721 will take you back to Hongdae’s high street where you can catch the subway and end this walk.