The heart of Seoul’s urban culture and spilling over with shops, galleries, bars, restaurants and clubs, the Hongdae district is the Korean capital at its youthful best. Hongdae Young Street is the main thoroughfare that runs through the neighbourhood, and is the place to head for when the sun goes down.
The friendly staff at the Hongdae Tourism Information Centre will provide you with a map and some great tips about what is going on in the area during your visit. The nearby Hongik University is responsible for a lot of the neighbourhood’s art and culture, and students display their work throughout the district.
Hongdae is a great place for shopping, especially if you’re looking for something a little different. Hongdae Young Street is lined with independent boutiques and quirky vintage stores where you’re bound to find that perfect gift or memento of your trip. The fantastic Sangsangmadang should be your first port of call. With an independent cinema, shops, stalls and a large performance hall, this 11 storey building captures the dynamic atmosphere of the Hongdae district perfectly.
Foodies will love exploring the many different restaurants and cafés in the area. With everything from street-side stalls to places serving up homemade food from Korea, Vietnam, Japan and everything in between, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
It’s almost impossible to walk down Hongdae Young Street during the day and not see some kind of performance art, from break-dancers to buskers and mime artists. When the sun goes down, the street transforms into the heart and soul of the city’s club scene, with bars playing music to suit all tastes and appealing to revellers of all budgets. Come prepared – bars and clubs stay open late in Seoul, and some even stay open 24 hours.
Ask at the information centre about any events on in the area during your stay. On Sundays, Hongdae plays host to a vintage and handicraft market, while the last Friday of each month is Club Day, where you get a hugely discounted entry into a number of different clubs.
Hongdae Young Street is easily reached via the subway – get off at Hongik University station.
