Exploring Korea: Top 5 things to do in Hongdae

Shopping in Hongdae (Photo by Hyemin Lee)

HOW TO GET TO HONGDAE

Metro: 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.)

TOP 5 ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY IN TRENDY AREA

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!

Pizza Never Sleeps (Photo by Hyemin Lee)

Address: 4th floor, 73, Yanghwa-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Naver Map

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.

Gangnam Pork Sanghoe (Photo by Hyemin Lee)

Address: 28 Hongik-ro 5an-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Naver Map

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.

Coconut Box (Photo courtesy of Coconut Box)

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

HOURS: 9 a.m. –10 p.m.

• 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.

943 King’s Cross Wizard Cafe (Photo courtesy of 943 King’s Cross Wizard Cafe)

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

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!

Shopping in Hongdae (Photo by Hyemin Lee)

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!

Play with friends. (Photo by Hyemin Lee)

Real Escape Challenge (Photo courtesy of Real Escape Challenge)

• Real Escape Room Challenge

Address: 4th floor, 21, Wausan-ro 27-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Naver Map

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.