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 Centre, where friendly staff will provide you with a map and information about what’s happening in the area. The centre 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 centre 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 HOTELS

L7 HONGDAE by LOTTE HOTELS

4 out of 5
141, Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM732 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
RM732
RM805 total
11 Nov - 12 Nov
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! (1,214 reviews)
The stay was mostly good. There are no staff to help with luggage though, which made traveling with an infant difficult. They were very helpful in arranging a taxi to the airport though.

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2025

L7 HONGDAE by LOTTE HOTELS
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 RM671 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
RM671
RM738 total
26 Nov - 27 Nov
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)
Gym is small but good enough for basic exercise.

Reviewed on 23 Oct 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM735 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
RM735
RM808 total
11 Nov - 12 Nov
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! (981 reviews)
Everything was excellent. Friendly staff, good location, clean rooms. Short walk to public transportation. Lots of shops and restaurants nearby.

Reviewed on 22 Oct 2025

Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

4 out of 5
36, Sejong-daero 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is RM708 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
RM708
RM778 total
24 Nov - 25 Nov
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! (3,031 reviews)
Kind staff, great location, clean and spacious room.

Reviewed on 27 Oct 2025

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
The Shilla Seoul

The Shilla Seoul

5 out of 5
249, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
The price is RM1,552 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
RM1,552
RM1,708 total
26 Nov - 27 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
We loved our stay. If there were any complaints, it was that we could not stay longer.

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

The Shilla Seoul
L7 GANGNAM by LOTTE HOTELS

L7 GANGNAM by LOTTE HOTELS

4 out of 5
415 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
The price is RM586 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
RM586
RM644 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,665 reviews)
Room a little on the small size, view of the park from window was nice. Otherwise good stay overall. Personal touches allowed us to store our luggage temporarily since we had a late flight.

Reviewed on 26 Oct 2025

L7 GANGNAM by LOTTE HOTELS
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

Default Image

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
Default Image

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 which includes modern architecture and signage 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 which includes a park 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 showing markets, a city and street scenes

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 featuring 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