Hongdae Travel Guide

Seoul

Hongdae which includes outdoor art, street scenes and a city
Hongdae
Hongdae which includes night scenes, a city and street scenes
Hongdae
Hongdae featuring night scenes, markets and nightlife
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


Top hotels in Hongdae

L7 HONGDAE by LOTTE HOTELS

L7 HONGDAE by LOTTE HOTELS

4 out of 5
141, Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
The price is ₹14,889 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
₹14,889
₹16,424 total
11 Nov - 12 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,219 reviews)
Room was cozy. This is a boutique hotel so rooms are on the smaller side but wasnt a big deal. The area it's located in is great for food and shopping. Metro is very close so easy to get around.

Reviewed on 20 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 ₹14,435 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
₹14,435
₹15,878 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,016 reviews)
Noice

Reviewed on 13 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
The price is ₹16,425 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
₹16,425
₹18,068 total
17 Nov - 18 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (975 reviews)
Great location

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae
Grand Hyatt Seoul

Grand Hyatt Seoul

5 out of 5
322, Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is ₹20,200 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
₹20,200
₹24,442 total
6 Nov - 7 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
Los servicios del hotel muy caros

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2025

Grand Hyatt Seoul
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

4 out of 5
36, Sejong-daero 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The price is ₹14,863 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
₹14,863
₹16,349 total
10 Nov - 11 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,026 reviews)
Great location, comfortable room, very helpful staff

Reviewed on 19 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 ₹31,927 per night from 20 Nov to 21 Nov
₹31,927
₹35,120 total
20 Nov - 21 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Seoul. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,009 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
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 Travel Guide