I’ve always thought that Seoul is a city you should discover through its neighborhoods. Each one has its own unique vibe, showcasing different aspects of Korean culture and lifestyle. I’ve already given you a general idea of my favorite neighborhoods in Seoul, but now it’s time to dive deeper, starting with exploring my top 12 things to do in Hongdae area.
Hongdae is one of the most popular areas of Seoul and it’s mostly known for it’s night life. But trust me when i say, there is so much more to it than just partying. Ranging from amazing hidden thrift stores to trendy cafes, there are endless things to do in Hongdae.
I discovered this neighborhood during my first trip to South Korea. I was looking for a nice hostel to stay in, that would have convenient transportation and that was surrounded by a lively neighborhood. After some research I chose the Bunk Guesthouse in Hongdae. Hongdae seemed to be all I was looking for, and I’m so glad I went there. It really made my first trip to Seoul exceptional.
I adored the quiet, peaceful vibe of the mornings when everyone is still recovering from the night before. The energetic buzz of students heading to the nearby universities. And, of course, the electric, trendy atmosphere of the evenings, with street performers singing and dancing, making it a must-visit spot. No wonder it’s one of the most famous neighborhoods in Seoul for both vacationers and expats.
To help you navigate this amazing neighborhood, I’ve listed my favorite things to do in Hongdae below. Enjoy the magic of Hongdae!
How to go to Hongdae
By bus or metro
Before diving in my favorite things to do in Hongdae, I though it would be usefull to tell you how to get there. The easiest way is to take the metro line 2 and get off at the Hongik university metro station (홍대입구역). You can then exit by exit number 7. This will lead you directly to the main street of the neighborhood.
Several buses are also deserving the area. Depending on where you are before visiting this neighborhood, you can always ask Naver maps how to get there. The app is straightforward and you can’t get lost with it.
From the airport – AREX
Another thing I find incredibly convenient about Hongdae is the direct metro access to the airport. The airport rail line (AREX) stops right in the heart of Hongdae, making it super easy to get to Incheon or Gimpo Airport without the hassle of lugging your bags across the city. Whether you’re arriving in Seoul or heading out, this direct connection is a game-changer, especially if you’re loaded down with shopping bags and don’t want to deal with transfers or traffic. It’s just another reason why Hongdae is a top pick for both convenience and fun.
My top 11 things to do in Hongdae seoul
1. Explore AK Plaza and it’s rooftop
When coming to a new place, I like to seek high viewpoints to get a better idea of the area. Luckily for me, many shopping malls in South Korea have rooftops, and AK plaza is no exception. This relatively new and trendy shopping mall is little hidden gem and is the perfect place to start experiencing the vibrant culture of Hongdae.
When arriving at 홍대입구역 (Hongik University) metro station take exit 4 and you’ll be just in front of the shopping mall. Take your time to enjoy the K-pop and anime merchandising shops, Chic fashion stores and trendy cafes and enjoying the general vibe. The real magic, however, happens on the rooftop.
Head for a breath of fresh air in the verdant oasis offering panoramic views of the bustling streets of Hongdae. The rooftop also frequently hosts exciting events and pop-up markets giving you one more good reason to go there, if the views weren’t enough to convince you already.
2. Explore Hongdae’s trendy shops.
If you’re itching for a shopping spree that will leave you with an armful of trendy Korean clothing, look no further—Hongdae is the place to be. Unlike some of Seoul’s more commercialized districts, Hongdae’s shopping experience is all about discovering the unique, trendy, and sometimes downright quirky.
Here, you won’t find the typical international brands; instead, you’ll stumble upon an array of trendy little shops, thrift stores, and beauty shops, all buzzing with a youthful and stylish vibe. This neighborhood is a hotspot where many of Korea’s fashion trends are born, offering a mix of unique boutiques, vintage finds, and stylish apparel that you won’t find anywhere else.
The heart of Hongdae’s shopping district is Eoulmadang-ro (📍어울마당로) , the main artery that pulses with energy and creativity. At night the street comes to life through its Street performers, live music, and spontaneous art installations.
When exploring Hongdae’s shopping area, don’t forget to wander away from the main street, you’ll find yourself in a maze of narrow alleys that are home to some of the city’s best-kept shopping secrets. These hidden gems offer a more laid-back and intimate shopping experience.
3. Sip on delicious coffee at original and cozy cafés
One of my absolute favorite things to do in South Korea is diving into the world of their unique and cozy cafés. Seriously, there’s something about the vibe here that just hits differently. And even though Hongdae is known for being loud and lively, I’ve managed to find some perfect little spots to escape the hustle and bustle.
Let me tell you about a few of my go-to places. First up, Thanks Nature Café—it’s got this charming, romantic, rural vibe, complete with actual sheep! Yep, you can sip your latte while hanging out with fluffy friends. Then there’s the 943 King’s Cross Café—if you’re a Harry Potter fan like me, this place is a dream come true. It’s straight out of the wizarding world, and the drinks are pretty magical too.
Oh, And I can’t forget about Rendéjà-vous Cafés. I’m a bit obsessed with this chain. The chill vibe is just perfect when you need to unwind, and the drinks? Top-notch. But the real star of the show? Their carrot cake. Trust me, it’s life-changing.
📍 Naver Map – Thanks Nature café
📍 Naver Map – 943 King’s cross Café
📍 Naver Map – Rendéjà-vous Café, Hongdae
4. Visit Hongdae’s free market for handmade goods
Every Saturday from March to November, visit the free market of Hongdae. Located at the playground near the hongik university station, it’s a place were you can find artists, craftsmen and creatives selling their handmade goods. This market really focuses on creativity and artistic expression. The goods range from Jewelry and art prints to ceramics and clothing.
It’s a very lively market, resembling the general vibe of the neighborhood. it’s the perfect place to find unique souvernirs for you or your loved-ones at home.The market runs from 1PM to 6PM but it’s best to go early in the afternoon to explore at a leisurley pace and catch the live performances.
The market takes places at the Hongik University Playground Park
5. Enjoy the views at the Haneul park
Haneul means “sky” in korean, and it’s easy to see why. This park offers sweeping views of the city, the Han river and even distant mountain ranges. If you want stunning pictures of the city this is the place to be. If you have time, stay until the sunset, it’s really mesmerizing.
What I love about this place is that it offers different things to do all around the year. In spring, the park bursts into life with colorful wildflowers and lush greenery. Summer brings a vibrant landscape of tall grasses swaying in the breeze, providing a refreshing escape from the city heat.
Autumn is when the Haneul Park truly shines. The park’s famous Silver Grass Festival draws visitors from all over, eager to see the golden and silver hues of the vast Eulalia grass fields. This is the best time to capture breathtaking photos or simply immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Winter, on the other hand, turns the park into a serene, almost mystical place. The golden-brown grasses and occasional snowfall create a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for quiet reflection.
6. Dance all night in Hongdae’s most famous clubs
Hongdae is famous for it’s night life. And although I visited some of the many clubs available, I’m not a party animal and I don’t really enjoy overcrowded and loud places. Therefore I’m not gonna suggest awesome places to party in Hongdae, As I’m clearly not a specialist and I would definietly miss out on some things and places. I do have researched other bloggers talking about this subject and curated some interesting posts for you.
7. Enjoy Hongdae’s many street performances
When visiting Hongdae, take a stroll and let the street performances surprise and charm you. When to night comes, you’ll get enveloped in a whirlwind of music, dance, and pure, unfiltered talent. Hongdae is basically the heart of Seoul’s street performance scene, and trust me, it’s like a nonstop live show that you didn’t even know you needed.
And here’s the best part: it’s totally interactive! Feel like joining in on a dance-off? Go for it. Want to request a song from a busker? Just shout it out. These performers feed off the crowd’s energy, so don’t be shy—your cheers and applause make the experience even more electric.
Most of the street performances happen on the main street, you cannot miss them.
8. wander through the quiet Gyeongui Line forest Park
Looking for a peaceful escape in the middle of the city hustle? Let me introduce you to the Gyeongui Line Forest Park—a tranquil oasis that’s just a short stroll from the lively streets of Hongdae. This park is like Seoul’s secret garden, offering a refreshing breather away from the bustling crowds.
This serene pathwas has been builded on an old railway. You can still catch signs of it here and there. This once railtrack, has now been tranformed into a picturesque park that blends nature with urban flair.
It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely walk, a picnic, or just to sit and soak in the peaceful vibes.
📍Naver Map – Gyeongui Line Forest
9. Sing your lungs out at Hongdae’s many karaoke’s
Did you know one of the ways korean love to finish their night is singing their lungs of in a karaoke ? Well, I hope you’re ready to show the world how a superstar you are. Hongdae is filled with karaokes that are open all night. Some are soundproof, some not so much… You’ll be able to hear some of the best korean singers through open windows in the main street of Hongdae.
anyway, wether you’re a seasoned performer or if it’s just for laughs , there’s nothing quite like belting out your favorite tunes with friends in one of Hongdae’s many karaoke rooms, or as they’re known in Korea, “norebangs.”
10. Eat your heart out at Hidden Food Alleys of Hongdae
Getting hungry after all that singing and shopping? Don’t worry—finding a good restaurant in Hongdae is never a problem. But if you’re craving something a little more special, make sure to explore the hidden food alleys of Hongdae. These lesser-known spots are off the beaten path, meaning you’ll avoid the tourist crowds and enjoy a more authentic dining experience.
Check out streets like Sangsu-dong Gourmet Alley or Mangwon Market for a taste of authentic Korean cuisine. From cozy restaurants to a vibrant street market, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. These spots are also perfect for experiencing Korean culture—watching the locals do their daily grocery shopping and chatting with each other while sipping on a refreshing lemonade.
And here’s a little tip: Mangwon Market is also a great place to pick up unique snacks and ingredients to take home with you. Whether you’re a fan of Korean sweets or looking for some kimchi to spice up your meals, you’ll find plenty of goodies to satisfy your cravings.
11. Partcipate in Creative Workshops
Ready to unleash your inner artist? Hongdae isn’t just about street performances and vibrant nightlife—it’s also a fantastic place to dive into some creative workshops. If you’re looking to get your hands dirty and make something truly unique, this neighborhood has you covered with spots like the Object Seogyo Branch shop.
This shop gives you the ability to personalize almost any object you can think of. You can easily spend a nice afternoon finding the perfect accessory for your new bag. It’s all about getting hands-on and creating something uniquely yours, all while enjoying a bit of local flair.
My favorite things to do in Hongdae – And so much more…
You’ve made it to the end of this top 11 things to do in Hongdae, thank you! Keep in mind, though, that this is just a glimpse of everything this vibrant neighborhood has to offer.
The best way to explore Hongdae is on foot, letting your steps guide you to wherever something interesting catches your eye. Its streets are full of surprises, and you never know what you might discover around the next corner. I guess the most important thing you can keep from this post is : explore and have fun !
Do you know any awesome place or thing to do in Hongdae? Don’t hesitate to share it with us through the comments below. I would love to check it out next time I’m going to Seoul.
