Hongdae is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Seoul with shopping, dining, entertainment and nightlife all in one place! Full of youthful energy and endless things to try, you’ll always stumble upon something new and exciting here. To help you make the most of your visit, here are the top five activities to enjoy in Hongdae!

How to get to Hongdae

Hongdae refers to the area around the Hongik University campus, and it’s easily accessible from three subway stations:

• Hongik University Station (Line 2, AREX Airport Railroad, Gyeongui–Jungang Line)

• Hapjeong Station (Line 2, Line 6)

• Sangsu Station (Line 6)

You can start your journey from any of these stations to enjoy this neighborhood, as everything is within walking distance.

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, Naver Map

• Hours: Noon – 11 p.m.

Gangnam Pork Sanghoe

One of the best unlimited pork BBQ restaurants in Hongdae. With 23,900 won, 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, Naver Map   

• Hours: 11:30 a.m – Midnight

2. Visit photogenic 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 transports you to Bali in the heart of Seoul. Enjoy pastries, desserts and beverages, all beautifully crafted by skilled pâtissiers and baristas. Right next to Coconut Box is the Trick Eye Museum, a great spot for creative and unique photo opportunities.

• Address: Seogyo Plaza, 20, Hongik-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Naver Map

• Hours: 9 a.m. –10 p.m.

943 King’s Cross

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, don’t miss the chance to explore the magical world at this Harry Potter-themed café! The café offers many photo zones and desserts like Wizard Chocolate, Mandrake Cake and Dragon Leg (Turkey) plate, inspired by movie and book scenes.

• Address: 24, Yanghwa-ro 16-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Naver Map

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

Shinleedonga

Shinleedoga is a stylish traditional hanok café where you can enjoy creative desserts like Teddy Bear Cake and Mango Cake paired with flavorful beverages. The café features plenty of photogenic spots, attracting many young visitors, and it connects to the next-door building, offering enough space.

• Address: Jandari-ro 20-12, Mapo-gu, Seoul (near Hapjeong Station Exit 3), Naver Map

• Hours: 11 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

3. Shopping K-beauty & K-fashion trends

Between Hongdae Shopping Street and Hongdae Festival Street, you’ll find countless shops and outdoor vendors offering Korean-style fashion, including clothing and accessories. The area is also home to many popular K-beauty brand stores, perfect for gift hunting.

• Hongde Shopping Street: 365-9 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Naver Map

• Hongdae Festival Street: 365-28 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Naver Map

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, Naver Map

• Hours: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Rock-Q Coin Singing Room (Noraebang)

• Address: 10 Hongik-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Naver Map

• Hours: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

• Fees: 1,000 won for 3 songs or 8,000 won for 1 hour

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-ro 19-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.

USAG Yongsan

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