Hongdae

Seoul

Hongdae which includes street scenes, signage and outdoor art
Hongdae
Hongdae which includes a city, night scenes and modern architecture
Hongdae
Hongdae showing night scenes, a city and markets

This is Seoul at its most youthful and liveliest. Come here for cafés, bars, clubs, cinemas and boutiques. 

The Hongdae district is close to Hongik University, and is a favourite with young revellers. Hongdae Young Street constitutes the main artery of life in the area. Soak up the urban culture found in the shops and galleries by day. After dark, this is the place to experience Seoul’s nightlife.

Start at the Hongdae Tourism Information Center, where friendly staff will provide you with a map and information about what’s happening in the area. The center is open late.

If you’re looking for gifts or items for yourself, explore the various boutiques and vintage stores that line Hongdae Young Street. Don’t miss Sangsangmadang this 11-story building houses an independent cinema, performance hall and various stalls selling arty souvenirs. If you appreciate street art, bring your camera. The area around Hongik University is covered in accomplished work created by students and other artists.

You won’t have any trouble finding cafés and restaurants in Hongdae Young Street. There are many independent outlets selling homemade food for affordable prices. There’s also a massive variety of cuisine, including everything from Korean to Irish to Vietnamese.

Hongdae Young Street is the center of Seoul’s nightlife. During the day, you’ll likely see buskers and break dancers in the street. At night the clubs and bars along the street blast all types of music: indie, electronic, hip-hop and acid jazz. Many bars are open late and some are open 24 hours a day, especially at the weekend.

There is often a special event happening in Hongdae Young Street. Club Day, on the last Friday of each month, gives you entry to a number of clubs in the area for the price of one normal entrance fee. Every Sunday, Hongdae hosts a bazaar, where you can pick up secondhand goods and handmade crafts.

To reach Hongdae Young Street, catch the subway to Hongik University Station.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Hongdae

L7 HONGDAE by LOTTE
L7 HONGDAE by LOTTE
4 out of 5
141, Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
The price is RM581 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
RM581
RM640 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,151 reviews)
"Was extremely clean and the hotel staff were always there to help"

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

L7 HONGDAE by LOTTE
Localstitch Creator Town Seogyo
Localstitch Creator Town Seogyo
3 out of 5
460-25 Seogyo-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (386 reviews)
"Good location and amenities"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Localstitch Creator Town Seogyo
Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae by IHG
3.5 out of 5
188 Yanghwa-ro, Seoul, Seoul
The price is RM498 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
RM498
RM548 total
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Incredible location"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae by IHG
Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae
Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae
4 out of 5
144, Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
The price is RM634 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
RM634
RM697 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (904 reviews)
"Washroom has a slight weird smell, but overall the room is clean."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
4 out of 5
362, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM556 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
RM556
RM612 total
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,568 reviews)
"close to lots of shops and food, trains and buses. good location, nice staff. room was fairly standard as was bathroom. clean"

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
4 out of 5
36, Sejong-daero 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is RM660 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
RM660
RM726 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,797 reviews)
"The staff at this hotel is remarkable! Everyone from the manager, to the concierge, to the housekeeping staff was so friendly and kind. The location is awesome for its proximity to a subway station and bus stops."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Hongdae

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Mapo-gu

4.5/5(94 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Mangwon Market while getting to know Mapo-gu, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Mapo-gu Office Station or Mangwon Station to see more of the area.

Mapo-gu
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Yeongdeungpo-gu

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

Noted for its shopping and river views, there's plenty to explore in Yeongdeungpo-gu. Top attractions like KBS Exhibition Hall and Times Square Mall are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Yeongdeungpo Market Station or Singil Station to see more of the city.

Yeongdeungpo-gu
War Memorial of Korea featuring signage and modern architecture as well as a large group of people

Yongsan-gu

4/5(31 area reviews)

Travellers choose Yongsan-gu for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Hyochang Park Station or Namyeong Station and check out top sights like Yongsan Electronics Market.

Yongsan-gu
Deoksugung Palace showing a garden as well as a small group of people

Sogong-dong

Sogong-dong is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Namdaemun Market and Seoul Museum of Art, and you can get around town on the metro at City Hall Station.

Sogong-dong
Namdaemun Market which includes a city, street scenes and markets

Hoehyeon-dong

While you're in Hoehyeon-dong, take in top sights like Namdaemun Market and jump on the metro at Hoehyeon Station to see more of the city.

Hoehyeon-dong
Gwangjang Traditional Market which includes signage

Jongno-gu

4.5/5(86 area reviews)

Jongno-gu is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Sejong Cultural Center and National Museum of Korean Contemporary History. See more of Seoul by jumping on the metro at Gwanghwamun Station or Jonggak Station.

Jongno-gu

Hongdae