Welcome to Sosabeol the click on the locations to learn more about restaurants, cafes, and things to do in this relaxed and fun neighborhood.
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Pyeongtaek (평택) is made up of many different, unique little neighborhoods. Over the last 2 years these neighborhoods have been reorganized, a new address system created, and often – completely new names assigned. Combine this with the constantly changing English-speaking population that rotates through each year, and life becomes like a big game of “telephone” as half information turns into mythical information. That’s where South of Seoul comes in. We are on the ground and update the South of Seoul app (available for iPhone and Android) each time we are alerted to a change or inconsistency. Always let us know if a business is closed, a new one has opened, or something isn’t working right! We make those changes and keep things running smoothly.
Introducing Sosabeol (소사벌)
The South of Seoul community voted Sosabeol the Best Date Night Neighborhood in 2018, 2019, and 2020. The Sosbeol neighborhood is made up of a few dongs (동), but mostly it is located in a new section of Bijeon-dong (비전동) called Bijeon2Dong (비전2동). A few years ago this area was farms and pear orchards. Faster than you could say Pyeongtaek, developers filled in the agricultural land and developed it into what is one of the hippest, happening parts of Pyeongtaek. Sosabeol offers food and fun in one centralized location.
Where can I find this in the South of Seoul app?
If you are looking for a place to go out and have fun, this is where you want to go. Simply search “Sosabeol” in the South of Seoul app. The Sosabeol neighborhood has something for everyone in a very compact little area. Families, singles, couples, and friends can all find something brilliant to do together. Here is a quick look at what is happening in Sosabeol, Bijeon2dong, Pyeongtaek-si. Every week new things arrive so visits are always an adventure. It moves at record speed.
Sosabeol’s fast development has caused plenty of issues in the area. For years no maps worked, not event Naver. It was nearly impossible to tell anyone how to find anything. That’s why there are so many WAZE pins entered there. Our volunteers walked all the streets and entered things so they could be found. It was a crazy amount of work but it paid off. Of course, that work also becomes antiquated since these pins often aren’t updated as the community changes. As the WAZE data becomes less accurate, Naver and Kakao have started working correctly so things have worked out. Google is still entirely unreliable in Sosabeol. The correct address will take you to a completely incorrect location.
What kind of things are there to do in Sosabeol?
If there is a fad in Korea, it’s almost guaranteed to show up in Sosabeol. It has all the key features that define a modern Korean city. In short, Sosabeol is a playground for people with disposable income. It’s laden with brand-name restaurants, Instagram-ready cafes (which are often more about getting the shot than getting the flavor but still fun), dessert spots, and drinking establishments that will make you feel fancy. After dinner you can have a blast with things like archery, bowling, getting massages, tennis, darts, walking in the park with stunning skylines, strolling by the pond or streams, watching movies, etc. It’s a great place for everyone. Families, friends, dates, and co-workers will find something to do here. Thursday to Saturday expect fancy cars and slow traffic.
However, it’s not cheap. Everything here is new and now. If you are on a budget this might not be your spot.
What’s the transportation situation?
Parking: Parking in this area is terrible. There are parking garages below many of the buildings and we recommend paying for parking whenever you can. Make sure you leave plenty of time to drive around looking for a spot. There is no cheat or easy answer. Carpooling is 100% a great idea. If you are meeting someone, give yourself. If you visit a business, most will offer some free parking in their building. You simply need to show them your vehicle’s license plate when you check out. The parking systems are linked to each business’s computer system that your parking discount is automatically applied when you leave.
Subway: There is no subway station in this area. The closest one is Pyeongtaek Station. You can catch a taxi from there. We recommend this over parking or buses.
Buses: There are no “fast” ways to get to Sosabeol right now. Often it’s faster to walk than take a bus. You can find bus routes on Naver and in Google.
Taxi: We highly recommend taking a taxi here from Pyeontaek Station if you don’t like fighting for parking or public transportation. It’s just easier.
Businesses in this area do tend to come and go. Rent and property prices are through the roof, parking is terrible, and there is no good public transportation. This makes it hard for them to do business. Sooo, if you love a place there tell ALL your friends. Let South of Seoul know all about it. Leave them reviews and post pictures. We have watched great places arrive and leave in months because they just couldn’t get people flowing fast enough. It’s cutthroat in Sosabeol so show them your support and love.
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