A Play Spot for Young People: Exploring Hongdae in Seoul

Dec 24, 2024

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In bustling Seoul, areas like Myeongdong and Insadong are well-known main streets. However, a particularly popular spot among young people is "Hongdae" (short for Hongik University). Known for its vibrant art and cultural scene, it’s brimming with clubs, nightlife, and attractions that draw in countless young visitors.
This time, we’re diving into Hongdae to share some must-know tips. You’ll likely want to visit right away!

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A Play Spot for Young People: Exploring Hongdae in Seoul

1. What kind of place is Hongdae?
2. Start by walking from Hongdae Entrance Station to Parking Street
3. Hongdae’s Art Spot: Picasso Street
4. For Café Hopping, Head to Hapjeong
5. Recommended for Nightlife: Hongdae Club Street
◎ Spring to Fall: Enjoy Hongdae’s Flea Market

1. What kind of place is Hongdae?

Hongdae is located in northwest Seoul, about a 20-minute subway ride from Myeongdong and just under an hour from Incheon Airport. Known as a trendy hub for young people and art, it’s a popular spot for both locals and international tourists.
The streets surrounding Hongik University are filled with stylish cafes and restaurants. You’ll also find street performances and bustling flea markets. Trendy shops selling cosmetics and accessories—popular Seoul souvenirs—are scattered throughout the area, attracting visitors hunting for the latest goods.

Name: Hongdae District (홍대)
Address: Seogyo-dong, Seoul, South Korea
Official/Related Site URL: https://www.mapo.go.kr/site/culture/content/culture010204

2. Start by walking from Hongdae Entrance Station to Parking Street

For first-time visitors, head to "Hongdae Entrance Station" via subway. Hongdae has two main streets: "Parking Street" (Juchajang-gil) and "Walking Street" (Kkokkosip-gil), both accessible from Exit 9 of the station.

As you exit from Exit 9, you’ll immediately find "Walking Street," lined with shops targeting young people. Fashion boutiques here are brimming with trendy items, making it an excellent spot to catch up on the latest Seoul fashion trends. With affordable prices on fashion, cosmetics, accessories, and food, it’s perfect for budget-friendly shopping.
As you continue down Walking Street, you’ll arrive at Parking Street, which runs between Hongik University and Sangsu and Hapjeong stations.
True to its name, the street features a parking lot in the center, with shops on both sides. On weekends, it becomes a pedestrian zone from 2 PM to 10 PM, bustling with activity.

3. Hongdae’s Art Spot: Picasso Street

Facing the main gate of Hongik University, turn right, and you’ll find a green open space. Between the university and this area lies Picasso Street.
The walls along Picasso Street are adorned with various paintings. Whether created by university students or local residents is unclear, but the murals range from artistic pieces to unique and hard-to-understand expressions and graffiti. This mix of styles and freedom of expression is what makes Picasso Street so captivating.

4. For Café Hopping, Head to Hapjeong

At the end of Hongdae’s Parking Street is Hapjeong, an area famous for its chic and Instagrammable cafes. Here are some must-visit spots.

Belief Coffee Roasters

歩き疲れたので、合井駅近くのBeliefcoffee roastersでひと休み。店内は地下もあって、段差のある広々とした空間がオシャレですね😳エチオピア・シダモのコーヒーと、ビリーフティラミスをいただきました。
すっきり香ばしいコーヒーと酸味が少なくマイルドな甘さのティラミス…めっちゃおいしい！🤗 pic.twitter.com/R3Odd0Liet
— 地底人かきたま (@pokeTC_meganest) January 18, 2024

A stylish café known for being featured on the Korean TV show Infinite Challenge when BIG BANG visited. Spacious seating spans the ground floor and basement, with a cozy, inviting ambiance that encourages visitors to linger.
The stairs connecting the two levels are particularly stylish and add to the charm. Open year-round, it’s a great place to relax with coffee during the day or enjoy a drink in the evening.

Address: 384-3 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul (B1–1F)
Hours: 9:30 AM–11:30 PM
Closed: Open year-round

5. Recommended for Nightlife: Hongdae Club Street

Hongdae’s Club Street is a hotspot for nightlife, renowned as one of Seoul’s top clubbing areas. The street is alive with various genres of music, drawing fans of live performances, EDM, and party-goers looking for a vibrant atmosphere to enjoy drinks.

◎ Spring to Fall: Enjoy Hongdae’s Flea Market

From spring to fall, Hongdae hosts a flea market every Saturday, where a variety of artists showcase and sell their works. Visitors can purchase clothing, accessories, books, and more. If you plan to explore the Hongdae area, don’t miss stopping by Hongik Park for some unique finds. If you’re staying in Seoul, make sure to pay a visit!

Event Period: Saturdays from March to November
Time: 1:00 PM–6:00 PM
Location: Hongik Park (Hongik Gongwon)