柔 · yawara
Learning jiu-jitsu in Seoul
Seoul trains deep, and it is too big for one guide. We cover it area by area. Each area gets the same treatment: verified facts per academy, no rankings, and the evidence behind every claim.
The areas
-
Gangnam
12 academies
Gangnam, Seocho, Apgujeong, and Yangjae: the deepest bench of academies south of the river.
-
Hongdae and Sinchon
12 academies
The university heart of western Seoul: Hongdae, Sinchon, and the Mapo and Seodaemun neighborhoods.
-
Central Seoul and Itaewon
10 academies
Jongno, Jung-gu, Yongsan, and Itaewon, where much of expat Seoul trains.
-
Eastern Seoul
23 academies
Jamsil, Seongsu, the Wangsimni corridor, and Gangdong, on both sides of the river.
-
Southwest Seoul
15 academies
Yeongdeungpo, Guro, Gangseo, Gwanak, and Dongjak: the dense southwest.
-
Northern Seoul
16 academies
Nowon, Eunpyeong, Seongbuk, and Jungnang, north of the old city wall.