Known for its lively atmosphere, trendy cafes and nightlife, Hongdae is often seen as the ultimate destination for young adults. But did you know it’s also a fantastic place for families? Whether your little one loves magical adventures, cute animals or hands-on activities, Hongdae has something to offer. Check out these top nine family-friendly spots where you can create fun memories with your kids!

If your child is a fan of Harry Potter, don’t miss the chance to explore the magical world at this Harry Potter-themed café! Step inside and you’ll feel like a witch or wizard who’s been transported to Hogwarts. The entire 4-story building has many photo zones inspired by movie and book scenes. On the fourth floor in the Hogwarts dormitory, you can even wear Hogwarts student uniforms for fun, memorable photos! Don’t forget to enjoy magical desserts inspired by the Harry Potter universe like Wizard Chocolate, Mandrake Cake and Dragon Leg (Turkey) plate.

• Address: 24 Yanghwa-ro 16-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul / near Exit 9 of Hongik University Station, Naver Map

• Hours: 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Mon.-Thu.) / 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Fri.-Sun.)

Coconut Box brings a tropical Southeast Asian paradise right to the heart of Seoul. It’s a favorite spot for families, couples and friends looking to experience a Bali resort vibe without leaving the city. The café features a large ball pit and fun displays that will keep kids entertained while parents can relax. For a more exclusive experience, you can enjoy a private bungalow space when ordering drinks and desserts worth over 30,000 won. Coconut Box also serves a variety of pastries, desserts and beverages, all beautifully crafted by skilled pâtissiers and baristas.

• Address: B2F, 20 Hongik-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul / near Exit 9 of Hongik University Station, Naver Map

• Hours: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m., daily.

Next door to Coconut Box, the Trick Eye Museum in Hongdae is perfect for capturing creative family photos! Kids will be thrilled to step into imaginative trick-art scenes, including a dragon battle and an escape from an erupting volcano. Each display offers a unique photo opportunity, and even if your child isn’t usually into posing, the interactive art will get them excited to jump in and capture fun shots! Every exhibit comes with tips and example photos to help you get the best shot, so make sure to take your time and get creative with your poses to fully enjoy the experience!

• Address: B2F, 20 Hongik-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul / near Exit 9 of Hongik University Station, Naver Map

• Hours: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m., daily.

• Tickets: Adults 12,000 won / Children & Teens 10,000 won

Kakao Friends Shop is an adorable store dedicated to Korean mobile app Kakao’ beloved characters. It’s one of the largest Kakao Friends shops in Korea with three floors and great for families to pick up some great merchandise for gifts or souvenirs. Whether you love Ryan (the lion bear), Apeach (the butt peach), or Muzi (the pickled radish bunny), this large store carries a variety of character-themed toys, stationery, accessories and other cute items for a perfect piece of Korea to take home!

• Address: 162 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul / near Exit 8 of Hongik University Station, Naver Map

• Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 10 p.m., daily.

Table A is a licensed indoor zoo and animal cafe in Hongdae where you can meet an array of cute, exotic animals! Spanning from B1 to the 5th floor, the entire building has different sections where you can interact and touch animals under the supervision of a trainer. Many animals roam freely around the café, so you’ll definitely get to meet some of the furry or scaly residents like raccoons, chinchillas, meerkats, alpacas, Fennec foxes and snakes. Visitors with a Table A ticket may also visit the cat café next door. Table A is fun for all ages, making it a great family destination.

• Address: 146 Wausan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul / near Exit 6 of Hongik University Station, Naver Map

• Hours: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m., daily.

• Tickets: 18,000 won (entry to both Table A and cat cafe)

Cinnamoroll Sweet Cafe inside AK PLAZA Hongdae is a cute character café that many kids will enjoy, especially those who like Sanrio-style treats and pastel interiors. The café serves Cinnamoroll-themed drinks and desserts, and its bright, playful design makes it a fun place to stop for snacks and photos. Many parents visit with their children, but also plenty of young adults stop by for the cute desserts and atmosphere.

There is a one-hour time limit, and each guest is expected to order at least one drink. Unlike some character cafés, this one doens’t require reservations. Visitors can join an on-site waiting line instead, and there may be a wait during busy hours.

• Address: 2F, AK PLAZA Hongdae, 188 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul / near Exit 4 of Hongik University Station, Naver Map

• Hours: 11 a.m.–10 p.m. (Mon.–Fri.), 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m. (Sat.–Sun.)

Active Arena is a large indoor activity zone near Hongdae Station where families can enjoy a more energetic outing. Visitors move through 11 mission-style games and physical challenges, including sports activities, interactive games, a ski simulator and even a paragliding experience. Guests can also enjoy a laser-tag-style game, either as a team or individuals, and some activities are divided by difficulty. This spot is especially great for older children, tweens, teens and even adults since many of the activities are exciting enough for a wide age range. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult. If you’re looking for a spot to move around after a meal or café visit in Hongdae, it’s perfect, especially during rainy, hot or cold days.

• Address: B1, L7 Hongdae, 141 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul / near Exit 1 of Hongik University Station, Naver Map

• Hours: 10 a.m.–10 p.m. daily

• Tickets: 18,000 won for 60 minutes / 29,000 won for 90 minutes

This Smurf-themed playground brings the world of the blue little guys to life. You can enjoy a 70-minute board game full of playful adventures in an escape room setting. The experience is available in English, and reservations are required through their website. Smurf Magic Forest also features a Smurf-themed gift shop packed with fun memorabilia as well as photo zones where you can snap pictures with your favorite Smurfs.

• Address: 2F, 151-1 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul / near Exit 7 of Hongik University Station, Naver Map

• Hours: 1 p.m.–8:30 p.m. (Mon., Tue., Fri.) / 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m. (Sat.–Sun.) / Closed on Wed.–Thu.

• Tickets: Adults 24,000 won / Teens 19,000 won / Children 14,000 won

• Reservation

This board game café is a great indoor spot for families with older kids, especially those who already enjoy board games. It’s a fun place to spend a few cozy hours together on rainy days or anytime families want a simple indoor activity. The café has a large selection of board games, so visitors can look around and choose what seems fun. One thing that makes this place stand out is its seating. Along with regular tables, it also has cozy private rooms and playful spaces where visitors can relax, eat and enjoy games together. There are also many snack, meal and drink options, so families can enjoy food while they play.

Many of the games have instructions only in Korean, but the café can still work well for many English speakers. Many games are familiar to American visitors, and the friendly staff can assist when needed.

• Address: 5F, 44 Hongik-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul / about a 7-minute walk from Exit 9 of Hongik University Station, Naver Map

• Hours: 1 p.m.–midnight (Mon.–Thu.), 1 p.m.–2 a.m. (Fri.), noon–2 a.m. (Sat.), noon–1 a.m. (Sun.)

• Tickets: 3,000 won per person for one hour

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