Mapo-gu owes its hip vibe to the student areas of Hongdae and Sinchon-ro, with quirky boutiques and jewelry shops, plus late-night restaurants serving BBQ and fried chicken with beer. Relaxed rooftop bars overlook hangout spot Hongik Park, while jazz bars and live music venues in the area have an offbeat feel. Green spaces like riverside Haneul Park and Gyeongui Line Forest Park offer walking and cycling trails.