Jongno 3-ga, a historic district in Seoul, has been named the world’s coolest neighbourhood for 2026. Known for its traditional architecture, independent businesses, and vibrant late-night food culture, the area tops the annual Time Out ranking. The list, which includes 40 districts nominated by the magazine’s global network of local experts and evaluated by editors, considers factors like food and drink, nightlife, unique local businesses, liveability, and community spirit. This marks the second time Jongno 3-ga has received such recognition, having been ranked third in the 2021 list. Located in the heart of Seoul, Jongno 3-ga is characterised by narrow lanes lined with traditional hanok houses—wooden homes built in the 1920s. These historic structures now share space with modern cafés, restaurants, craft shops, and bars. Within the district, Ikseon-dong has become a popular destination, evolving from a quiet residential area into a bustling hub as businesses have moved into its old houses. The district’s charm lies in its blend of old and new, with preserved hanok buildings standing amid the maze of alleyways. As night falls, the district transforms into a lively spot for food lovers. Jongno 3-ga is famous for its pojangmacha, or pocha—tented street stalls that have been a staple of Seoul’s street culture for decades. These stalls offer inexpensive and delicious meals like savoury pancakes, grilled seafood, and sannakji, which is live octopus. The popularity of these stalls has drawn younger crowds, making the area a go-to spot for late-night eats. Other notable entries in this year’s list include L’Ocean District in Morocco, a seaside area with a strong local character, and Neos Kosmos in Greece, which balances contemporary culture with its older residential feel. In the United States, Los Angeles’s Chinatown combines historic roots with modern creativity, while Govanhill in Glasgow stands out for its diverse communities and independent businesses. Meanwhile, Tokyo’s Jinbōchō district, which held the top spot in 2025, was edged out by Jongno 3-ga this year. However, Japan remains well-represented with Osaka’s Kitakagaya and Tokyo’s Koenji both featured in the top 10. These areas showcase a mix of artistic spaces, independent shops, and vibrant nightlife.