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How to get to Hongdae
Line 2, Hongik University Station, Exit 8-9 (Note: Hongdae is an abbreviation of Hongik University in Korean and it usually refers to the neighborhood near Hongik University.)
1. Explore the best eateries
Hongdae is one of the great spots to dine out. The streets are filled with diverse eateries featuring not only Korean delicacies, but also other international cuisines. You’ll be drooling over the many street food options and restaurants. Make sure to come to Hongdae with an empty stomach to enjoy the delicious treats to your heart’s content!
• Pizza Never Sleeps
This pizza joint is famous for its slices topped with pepperoni, fried potatoes and refreshing draft beer. Try a half-and-half pizza so you don’t have to choose just one topping!
Address: 4th floor, 73, Yanghwa-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Hours: Noon – midnight
• Gangnam Pork Sanghoe
One of the best unlimited pork BBQ restaurants in Hongdae. With 21,900 won ($17), you’ll taste various pork barbecue cuts as well as unlimited cold noodles, fried chicken with a special sauce, soft drinks, and incredibly fresh vegetables on the side.
Address: 28 Hongik-ro 5an-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Hours: 11:30 a.m – Midnight
2. Visit Instagrammable cafés
Hongdae is a paradise for Instagram lovers who enjoy touring beautiful picture-perfect cafés. There are many different cafés in the neighborhood including animal cafés (See side bar), themed cafés, and others with amazing interiors serving artistic desserts and drinks. Don’t miss capturing some amazing pics of your coffee and treats at a few of Hongdae’s beautiful cafés!
• Coconut Box
This café will transport you to Bali in the heart of Seoul. Enjoy drinks and desserts in a bungalow while you check out the art and NFT displays on the walls.
Address: Seogyo Plaza, 20, Hongik-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Fees: 20,000 won ($15) per person
• 943 King’s Cross
Harry Potter fans will love this café, which is themed around the book and movie series. Whether you’re a Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin or Gryffindor, you’ll love the themed interiors, drinks and desserts here.
Address: 24, Yanghwa-ro 16-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Hours: 11:30 a.m – 9:30 p.m.
3. Shopping unique, local-ish items
Hunt for some cute accessories, stylish clothing and other items in Hongdae. You’ll also find that many popular Korean cosmetics brands have branches here. K-beauty cosmetics are also great gifts, so shop for you and others in Hongdae!
4. Find your inner child
Korean teens grow up enjoying various entertainment facilities, including singing rooms, PC cafés, board game cafés, arcades, and comic book cafés with their friends after school. Hongdae is home to many of these types of businesses. Feel like a kid again and enjoy a board game or an escape room while you’re visiting. Many of these entertainment spots have English-speaking staff, so gather your friends and have a blast!
• Real Escape Room Challenge
Address: 4th floor, 21, Wausan-ro 27-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Hours: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
5. Enjoy nightlife & bar hopping
Hongdae is undoubtedly one of the best nightlife spots in Seoul alongside Gangnam and Itaewon. Among these spots, Hongdae offers a more free and comfortable vibe, catering to people of all ages, including those new to nightlife. Check out some of the fun themed bars and clubs or bar-hop to find your favorite spot.
• JASE This trendy cocktail bar has creative drinks, a variety of snacks and adorable interior decorations.
Address: 6-11, Wausan-ro19-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Naver Map Hours: 5 p.m. – 2 a.m.
• Joseon Sidae (Joseon Dynasty) Travel back to the Joseon Dynasty and enjoy traditional drinks, great Korean food and fun photo zones for cool pics with your friends.
Address: B1, 44, Hongik-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Naver Map Hours: 5:30 p.m. – 4 a.m.
