15 Unmissable Things to do in Hongdae, Seoul

Diverse nightlife, wacky cafes, and upbeat green spaces for people watching, Hongdae has a lot going for it.

It is THE best place in Seoul to experience Korean youth culture.

Lingua Asia Unmissable Things to do in Hongdae, Seoul

Hongdae was among my favorite neighborhoods for a decade until I aged out of it.

I end up there on occasion, because it’s still a good time. I just enjoy the daytime festivities and skip the nightlife.

You can think of it as a toned-down Harajuku.

Where to stay

Hotels in Hongdae are a bit expensive for what you get. Like with restaurants, check out some places in quiet alleys for better value.

LOTTE City Hotel Mapo

lotte-city-mapo-hotel

Located in the center of Seoul, it’s just a short bus or subway ride away from Hongdae, Sinchon, Itaewon, Insadong, Bukchon, and most places worth visiting.

Lotte City Hotel Mapo has been my first choice in Seoul for a decade. Every room comes with a bathtub, and you can even request an LG air purifier, which comes in handy during bad air days.

The area is quieter than Hongdae, but still has fantastic restaurants and coffee shops nearby.

109 Mapo-daero, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Nabi Hostel & Tour

If you’re on a budget and just want a place to lay your head at night, Nabi Hostel & Tour offers small but clean and well-designed rooms right on the main street.

177-1 Yanghwa-ro, 서교동 Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울특별시 마포구 서교동 양화로 177-1

Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae

For higher-end lodging, check out Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae. The location is one street in from the main strip. You’ll get a higher-quality mattress and a proper bathroom.

144 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

What to know

  • Hongdae is happening every day of the week, even in the dead of winter
  • It’s home to a pretty good artsy university
  • Hongdae was started by Hongik Uni students who opened art shops when rent was cheap in the 90s

More Korean Travel Guides

Read on for all the best ways to enjoy Hongdae in Mapo-gu.

What to do

Hongik Museum of Art

For being known as an artsy neighborhood, Hongdae didn’t have a proper museum for a while. HoMA changed this when it opened up with some bleeding edge modern and industrial art.

I prefer my art a little less jarring, but it’s worth checking out.

South Korea, Seoul, Mapo-gu, Wausan-ro, 94 문헌관 4층

Animal Cafes

Love animals but don’t want an overly commercial experience? I’ve got you covered.

Thanks Nature Cafe aka “the sheep cafe” is one where they put the fur friends first. The first thing the owner does when he shows up is to ask staff if the sheep were fed (never heard him ask about the staff haha).

Lingua Asia the sheep cafe in Hongdae
How do you say no to that face?

It’s been around for at least ten years and the sheep look well taken care of. Unlike at many animal cafes, the food and coffee are pretty good.

10 Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울특별시 마포구 홍익로 10

Kara Adoption Cafe is a great alternative to the pricey animal joints with food-spoiled and stressed critters. Not to mention that it’s for a good cause.

Don’t be surprised if you leave with a canine friend.

South Korea, Seoul, Mapo-gu, Jandari-ro, 122 2 층
서울특별시 마포구 잔다리로 122 2 층

Most animal cafes have a familiar business model. You pay a cover to get in, give snacks/tips for attention, and pay extra to have them sit on your lap for a bit.

They have some exotic ones in Hongdae like racoon and meerkat cafes. As much as I’d love to interact with them, I’d be happier if they roamed free.

Hongdae Mural Street

Street art adorns blank spaces all over Hongdae, but the main concentration can be found in a small alley near the entrance of Hongik University.

South Korea, Seoul, Mapo-gu, 서교동 360-28

Parks

The best things in life are free.

The most iconic park in Hongdae is the Noriteo (playground). It’s a great place to hang out anytime day or night. You can grab some cold drinks at nearby convenience stores and enjoy the vibe. There are impromptu performances (busking) of varying quality at night too.

406 서교동 Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

If you want some elbow room in a nicer and more chilled out space, check out Yeontral Park in front of Hongik Station exit 3.

Lingua Asia Yeontral Park in Seoul

Officially known as Gyeongui Line Forest Park (I’ve never heard anyone call it that), you can see a more authentic and less-touristy representation of Korean youngsters. There’s tons of dogs too, so that’s nice.

133 Donggyo-ro 51-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Hair Salons

Hair & Joy is the best stylist I’ve found in Korea. The owner Johnny, handles non-Korean and Korean hair equally well. I got my haircut from him the entire time I was in Korea.

서울시 마포구 동교동 168-3 홍남빌딩 3층
Mapo-gu Donggyo-dong 168-3 Hongnam Building, 3rd Floor

Noraebang

There are heaps of luxury noraebang where I’ve done things I’m ashamed and proud of at the same time.

The most famous ones flank the “parking lot” that runs through the center of Hongdae.

The good news is you can do pretty much anything short of breaking stuff in them.

Nightlife

Lingua Asia Korean Craft Beer in Hongdae
You can totally do some day drinking in Korea!

I prefer fun over trendy so my recommendations are as such. I want to have a good time more than I want to see people posing all night.

Things change quick in Seoul and what was great last week can disappear overnight.

Tinpan Alley was my jam from 2008 to 2012. You could find me dancing on tables in Tinpan 1, then across the street doing shots of flaming 151 at Tinpan 2 on any given weekend.

They expanded to three venues until it all imploded.

The good news is that Hongdae has so many spots opening up, you can simply cruise around until you find something your tempo. I had some incredible nights club/bar hopping until the sun came up.

Some places have age-limits. Discrimination is also A-OK in Korea, so don’t take it personally if you’re turned away.

Indie bar/clubs

Strange Fruit doesn’t have the most cheerful name given its origin, but it features some great blues and jazz performers. It’s a cozy venue with cheap drinks and good music.

A nice place to get your night going on a positive note.

64 Wausan-ro 29-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Club FF is dive bar done right. It goes a bit harder than strange fruit (more metal and alternative), but it’s still a great spot to take in a show before midnight.

407-8 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Foreign-friendly clubs

Mike’s Cabin is the second branch of the classic venue in Sinchon. The original location provided some epic nights for me, but the second one can be hit or miss depending on the crowd.

Thursday Party is the liveliest meat market in town. You can look inside from the street, so pass by and see if it’s right for you.

NB has been around for a while and plays some decent Hip Hop. It’s not a place to meet people but you can definitely get amped up there.

Pojangmacha

Traditional pojangmacha are more akin to street food stalls. In Hongdae, you can find places with actual structures and tarps for roofs.

Samgeori pocha was an institution until they remodeled, raised the prices, and let the quality dip. Stick to simple stuff like Kimchi Tofu and you’ll have a lively time.

Makgeolli Bars

Despite Makgeolli being older than Korea itself, bars that specialize in rice booze are pretty new and trendy. They’re great places to sample the up-and-coming adult bevy.

Hong’s Makgeolli 느린마을양조장 홍대점 is as good as any bars you’ll find in the area.

14 Hongik-ro 5an-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Once one becomes too popular the quality will dip. Shop around for newer ones looking to make a name for themselves.

Makgeolli Man

If you finished all your banchan that night, you might receive a visit from the Makgeolli Man. He brings lukewarm fermented joy to all the good little boys and girls.

Around midnight you’ll hear a bell and his unmistakable call of “MAKGEOLLI!!! Korean rice wine!”

The first time I encountered him was in 2006, and no one knows his origin story.

Some say he lost it all during IMF and turned to peddling rice wine. Some say he rides off in a Benz when the sun comes up to a deluxe apartment in Apgujeong.

I guess we’ll never know because he sure isn’t telling.

What to eat

Food is a big deal to me when traveling. I want every meal to count, so I do a lot of research before going somewhere.

Seoul has a lot of restaurants, but it’s tough to find good ones using Google Reviews alone (Naver dominates the land, but their rating system is lacking).

A couple rules of thumb, if you see a line in front of a restaurant, don’t stand in it if you want good food.

Walk a bit from subway entrances and busy streets to find better meals. Restaurant owners pay a premium for foot traffic and will have to cut costs somewhere.

There are “view matjibs” in Korea that offer instagrammable interiors. If you notice bright-colored walls draped with flowers and chiffon, go for the pics but leave room for a better meal.

Korean BBQ

Saemaul Restaurant Hongdae Seogyo Branch offers a clean and affordable Korean BBQ experience.

144 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울특별시 마포구 어울마당로 144

Insider Tip: Food allergies aren’t a thing in Korea, so proceed with caution.

Gopchang

Lingua Asia Gopchang in Seoul

As someone from a country that stigmatizes organ meat, I was pleasantly surprised when I first tried gopchang.

When done right, it’s chewy, flavorful, and great when you’re tipsy. Hwang-Gob is the restaurant for first-timers.

South Korea, Seoul, Mapo-gu, Eoulmadang-ro, 149 1층

Dakgalbi

Lingua Asia Dakgalbi in Hongdae Seoul
Add cheese because you’re on vacation!

For whatever reason, Hongdae has some pretty tasty Dakgalbi establishments.

Shin Migyeong Hongdae Dakgalbi is one of the better options for spicy poultry. The quirky yellow container only adds to the experience.

South Korea, Seoul, Mapo-gu, Wausan-ro 21-gil, 31-10 1층
서울특별시 마포구 와우산로21길 31-10 1층

Hyangmi

The very definition of hidden gem.

Hyangmi is old Seoul in the best way possible. Don’t expect service with a smile and you can feast on authentic Korean food.

3-24 Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울특별시 마포구 홍익로 3-24

Where to stay

Hotels in Hongdae can get a bit expensive. Like with restaurants, check out some places in quiet alleys for better value.

LOTTE City Hotel Mapo

LOTTE City Hotel Mapo

Located in the center of Seoul, it’s just a short bus or subway ride away from Hongdae, Sinchon, Itaewon, Myeongdong, and most of the places worth seeing in the city.

Lotte City Hotel Mapo has been my first choice in Seoul for a decade. It offers the best value and location. Every room comes with a bathtub and you can even request an LG air purifier, which comes in handy during bad air days.

The area is quieter than Hongdae, and there are fantastic restaurants and coffee shops nearby.

It’s connected to Gongdeok Station which has 4 lines that go all over the city including the airport.

109 Mapo-daero, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Nabi Hostel & Tour

If you’re on a budget and just want a place to lay your head at night, Nabi offers small but clean and well-designed rooms right on the main street.

177-1 Yanghwa-ro, 서교동 Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울특별시 마포구 서교동 양화로 177-1

Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae

For higher-end lodgings, check out Mercure Ambassador. The location is one street in on the main strip. You’ll get a higher-quality mattress and a proper bathroom.

144 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

What to buy

Kakao Store

Tons of cute characters and decent-quality merch. A nice alternative to touristy souvenirs found elsewhere.

I’ve yet to meet a person who doesn’t like them.

서울특별시 마포구 양화로 162 좋은사람들빌딩 1~3층

Olive Young

Located near Hongdae Ipgu Station Exit 9, it offers all the cosmetics and skincare you could want. No need to go to Myeongdong when there’s an Olive Young nearby.

They’re everywhere in Hongdae, but this is the big one.

서울 마포구 양화로 156 LG팰리스 1층 올리브영 홍대 타운

Clothes

Lingua Asia Clothing Store in Hongdae

There are tons of clothing shops in Hongdae carrying the latest fashion trends in Korea. Also, check out street vendors for some decent accessories. You can find them everywhere, but especially around the noriteo.

Where is Hongdae, Seoul?

Hongdae is enormous. The lines are a bit blurred, but you can find something to do anywhere in this area.

Do I need to tip here?

Not even once. It’s Korea baby!

Two-Minute Travel Guide

Hongdae Station on the Green Line (line 2) is the heart of the area but there are places to see all around sangsu, hapjeong and yeonnam.

Hongdae station is massive and goes to and from the airport.

The best thing to do in Hongdae is to wander around aimlessly until you find something that interests you.

South of the Hongdae station is where you can shop.

The “parking lot” is the most crowded part of Hongdae.

The best people watching sites are the Noriteo and Yeontral Park.

Did we miss anything?

Let us know your thoughts about Hongdae, Seoul!

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