The ultimate guide to Hongdae. Seoul’s HOT Shopping, Dining & Entertainment Neighborhood

July 24, 2024

What do you know about Hongdae? – a vibrant neighborhood considered the dream place of entertainment for Korean youth? Where is Hongdae? What does Hongdae have to do? Let Klook tell you the secret to exploring Hongdae, Korea through this Hongdae travel guide as follows!

hongdae travel blog,hongdae blog (4) — Bustling of Hongdae

If you are a K-pop fan, a shopaholic or simply a soul who loves excitement, Hongdae is the ideal destination for you when coming to Seoul. With a youthful, dynamic atmosphere and countless interesting activities, Hongdae promises to bring you memorable experiences. Let’s explore the most interesting things to do in Hongdae with Klook!

Where Is Hongdae? (#guide to Hongdae)

night-street-seoul-south-korea seoul travel blog seoul blog — Vibrant of Hongdae street at night. | guide to Hongdae

Hongdae, an “artistic” neighborhood located in Mapo-gu district, western Seoul, is a can’t-miss destination for tourists fascinated by Korean culture. The good news is that you can go to Hongdae directly From Incheon International Airport by subway, too convenient, right?

Hongdae has always been known as a gathering place for Korean youth, with a vibrant, liberal and creative atmosphere. There are three universities here, the most famous of which is Hongik University – the cradle of many famous artists, talented architects and designers. With countless interesting activities and vibrant atmosphere around the clock, Hongdae promises to bring you unforgettable experiences in the Land of Kimchi!

Instructions on How to Go to Hongdae Neighborhood in Korea

Hongdae is easy to navigate, surrounded by subway lines. Hongik University Subway Station with exits 8 and 9 is where you often see crowds of people flocking to the neighborhood. Additionally, you can take exits 4, 5, 6 and 7 to get right to the bustling Hongdae street.

AREX Incheon Airport Express Train

You can also get to Hongdae from Hapjeong Subway Station, exits 3, 4, 5 and 6, or Sangsu Subway Station, exit 1.

Tips for Going to Hongdae on Your Own – Useful Information spots

Lost in Hongdae? Don’t worry, Hongik University Tourist Information Center is always ready to assist you with information, maps and guidebooks. Even near exit 8 there is the Smart Tourism Information Center – a blue phone booth that operates 24/7, providing more than 5,000 useful travel tips in English, Chinese and Japanese. You can also charge your phone wirelessly and check your T-money card balance here!

KORAIL PASS – KTX Train Ticket

The Best Time to Travel to Hongdae

It can be said that there is never a time when Hongdae is not beautiful. This area is always vibrant and has interesting activities taking place day and night. If you want to visit cafes or participate in fun activities, come from 10am onwards. In the morning in Hongdae, there are many restaurants serving “extremely delicious” brunch.

myth jokbal hongdae seoul (1) — This restaurant famous for its Korean Braised Pig’s Trotters (Jokbal) in Hongdae | guide to Hongdae

Korea Unlimited Data SIM + T money (LG U+)

Throughout the day, you can enjoy shopping, dining and exploring cafes and restaurants. You can even stay up until late, because Hongdae almost always has shops open. And if you “accidentally” stay up all night, don’t worry, Hongdae also has restaurants serving Korean soup to help you “relieve” your boredom and recharge your energy.

Absolute Seoul Pub Crawl Experience in Hongdae and Itaewon

Coming to Hongdae in the morning, afternoon or evening, you will have completely different experiences. Try exploring Hongdae at different times to fully experience the excitement and diversity of this neighborhood!

Klook Pass Seoul

What do to in Hongdae? (#hongdae travel guide)

Discover Seoul Pass

Below are top things to do in Hongdae you can try.

Watch Nanta Show – Seoul’s “craziest” culinary performance

Have you ever seen a show that combines acrobatics, martial arts, music and cuisine? If not, then Nanta Show is an experience you cannot miss! Here, you will witness the talented performances of Korean artists, cooking up a “storm” on stage and bringing the audience laughter. With a duration of 90 minutes, Nanta Show is the longest show in Korean history, recreating humorous situations in the kitchen of four “impatient” chefs.

nanta-show-seoul — Lively Nanta show | hongdae travel guide

Famous throughout the world cooking show | hongdae travel guide

Nanta Show Ticket in Seoul

Not only does it feature modern music, Nanta Show also integrates Korean folk melodies, creating a non-verbal performance that any international audience can enjoy. You may even be invited on stage to participate in a traditional wedding or an attractive cake wrapping contest!

Explore the “paradise” of K-Pop and street art

Hongdae has long been a “playground” for underground bands and indie artists. Along with Daehak-ro, this area is always filled with colorful street performances. While walking on Hongdae shopping street, you will enjoy vibrant busking performances by street artists, from promising K-Pop talents to other multi-talented artists. In the evenings and weekends, the atmosphere here is even more exciting, with more unique and diverse performances.

The Seoul Pub Crawl

Enjoy the “legendary” combo – Korean Chicken & Beer

Fried chicken and beer – Korea’s “national” combo, will definitely be a culinary experience you cannot miss when coming to Hongdae. Along Hongdae Street (Hongik-ro 6-gil on Google Maps), you will find countless fried chicken and beer shops with all kinds of flavors, from traditional to modern. BHC Chicken, BBQ Chicken and Beer and Kyochon Chicken are famous names that you should not miss.

Save memorable moments with “Korean genuine” Photo Booth

source: https://creatrip.com/ | hongdae travel guide

One of the most interesting things to do in Hongdae (and Seoul at night) is taking photos at Korean photo booths. These beautiful little booths are often brightly decorated with all kinds of “cool” accessories such as sunglasses, animal-eared hats,… allowing you to freely pose and create unique photos. You can even print photos into stickers as souvenirs! Photo Signature, Life Photo and Photoism are the most famous photo booths in Hongdae, don’t forget to stop by!

source: shutterstock | hongdae travel guide

Playing hard with Karaoke in Hongdae

After a long day of exploring Seoul, what’s better than “relaxing” with a “jubilant” karaoke session in Hongdae? With dozens of private karaoke rooms in high-rise buildings, you can sing freely without fear of disturbing anyone. Many karaoke rooms here also have large glass windows, allowing you to sing while looking at the bustling scene outside, or “confidently shine” in front of unexpected audiences.

Seoul Gwangjang Market Unique Food Tour

Karaoke room rentals are usually charged by the hour, and there may be special deals for tourists if you present your passport or foreign ID. A small tip is that karaoke prices during the day are usually cheaper than at night!

Take a walk at Gyeongui Line Forest Park

Must-Visit Hotspots in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do Private Tour

Don’t miss Gyeongui Line Forest Park, a beautiful green park in Yeonnam-dong, also known as “Yeontral Park” (Yeonnam Central Park). This park was built on the old Gyeongui Line railway, with a 6.3km long road winding through rows of green trees, unique cafes, restaurants and shops. This is a great place to stroll, relax and enjoy delicious snacks.

In particular, in the fall, Gyeongui Line Forest Park becomes more poetic than ever with rows of bright yellow ginkgo trees. Don’t forget to visit the park at this time to take amazing “virtual life” photos!

Read Tarot cards – predict destiny in Hongdae, Korea

Do you believe in fortune telling? If so, try experiencing Tarot card reading in Hongdae. With dozens of fortune-telling cafes with young “fortune tellers”, you can discover mysteries about your future. Whether you really believe it or not, this is an interesting and new experience! However, #teamKlook must know a little Korean to communicate with the “masters”.

Immerse yourself in K-Beauty cosmetic paradise

Hongdae is one of the best places to shop for Korean cosmetics. You can find all major drug stores such as Olive Young, LOHB’S and Lalavla, as well as stores of famous cosmetic brands such as Etude House, A’PIEU, Club Clio, Innisfree, Tony Moly, Too Cool for School,…

K-Style Make up and Hairstyling Experience at Normalshop

In particular, don’t miss three cosmetic stores with unique concepts in Hongdae:

Espoir Makeup Pub: This store is designed in a bar concept, where you can test out the latest makeup products or get advice and “makeover” from makeup experts. In particular, Espoir Makeup Pub also has a custom foundation mixing station, helping you find the foundation color that best suits your skin.
Stonebrick: This new cosmetics brand from Emart focuses on color makeup products. You can use an automatic color advisor to find the lipstick colors that best suit your skin tone. In particular, Stonebrick’s product packaging is designed as a magnet, both spill-proof and stackable like Lego.
Stylenanda 3CE Pink Pool Cafe: This cafe is a “virtual living” spot not to be missed with its main pink color tone and unique pink swimming pool. Besides, you can also shop for Stylenanda clothes, accessories and 3CE makeup products here.

Tips for “VIP Pro” Shopping in Hongdae, Korea

Hongdae is not only a place to have fun, but also a shopping paradise for those who love unique fashion and accessories. If you are looking for “cool” items that are still “easy” on your wallet, Hongdae is the ideal destination.

Shopping for quality clothes

Hongdae is home to hundreds of fashion stores with youthful, dynamic and individual styles. From cool “street style” outfits to unique, no-frills items, you will be spoiled for choice and express your own style.

Note that fashion stores in Hongdae often sell seasonal items, so the quality may not be too “genuine”, but in return, the prices are very affordable. If you want to buy higher quality items, then visit major shopping malls.

Choose to buy unique jewelry

Hongdae is also home to many jewelry stores, from big brands like J.Estina, Mini Gold,… to beautiful small stores with unique, handmade designs. If you want to find “unique” jewelry, take the time to explore these small stores!

The world of “overload of cuteness” souvenirs

K-Beauty Lipstick Making Experience in Seoul by VIC’S LAB KOREA

Where are the fans of Kakao Friends and Line Friends? Hongdae is where the two flagship stores of these two brands are located. Both bring a world of super cute souvenirs, from stationery, clothes, electronics to household products,… Guaranteed you will “burn your wallet” when you step foot here!

Hunt for “items” with unique designs

Seoul Car Rental with Driver to Everland/Nami Island/Alpaca World/Gangchon Rail Park/Vivaldi Park

Hongdae is also a great place to find unique designer items. From stationery to phone accessories to everyday items, the independent shops here have beautiful and useful products. These are great souvenirs to take home or give to friends. Artbox, Lifestyle Store Object, BCOE and Thenine Mall are prominent names that you should not miss.

Remember to visit Hongdae Art Free Market: Weekend art market!

If you want to find unique souvenirs and support local artists, visit the Hongdae Art Free Market. The market is only open every Saturday, from March to October, with hundreds of stalls selling crafts, paintings and other works of art. The prices here are very affordable, so you can comfortably shop without worrying about “pocket inflammation”.

Good Hotels In Hongdae, Korea

Hongdae is a vibrant and youthful neighborhood in Seoul, South Korea. It is famous for its nightlife, shopping and culinary activities. If you are looking for an affordable place to stay in Hongdae, you can refer to some suggested hotels near the subway station at savings prices.

In this articel we have suggested best hotels in Hongdae, so you can refer to: Where to stay in Hongdae? — 12+ best places to stay & best hotels in Hongdae, Seoul

Hongdae Seoul| hongdae travel blog — | hongdae travel blog

Mono House Hongdae Seoul is a top rated 2-star guesthouse with room rates from $36/night, you can check rates, reviews and book on Agoda.com or Booking.com.

In addition, you can find more, check rates, availability & book for Hongdae hotels on Agoda.com or Booking.com.

Hongdae – where the cultural, artistic and entertainment quintessence of Seoul converges. Coming here, you will not only experience interesting activities and shopping to your heart’s content, but also immerse yourself in the youthful and vibrant atmosphere of Korean youth.

The post first appeared on Klook Vietnam and was translated and edited by Living Nomads. If you find any images or text that belong to you, please contact us, so we can credit you or give us permission to use them. Thank you very much!

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