About Hongdae, Seoul

Hongdae is a vibrant, youthful district in Seoul, known for its lively atmosphere, creative energy, and artistic flair. Located near Hongik University, Hongdae is a hub for trendy cafes, indie shops, live music, and street performances. The area’s unique charm draws both locals and tourists, offering a dynamic mix of culture, fashion, and entertainment.

The Best Attractions to Visit in Hongdae

1. Hongdae Free Market – A weekend market that features handmade goods, street performances, and local art.
2. Hongdae Walking Street – A bustling pedestrian zone full of shops, food stalls, and street performers.
3. Trick Eye Museum – A 3D art museum with interactive exhibits perfect for quirky photos.
4. Hongdae Café Street – A popular street lined with themed cafes, ranging from cat cafes to art cafes.
5. Clubbing in Hongdae – Known for its thriving nightlife, you can enjoy everything from K-pop to indie music at the area’s many clubs.

How Safe is Hongdae for Tourists?

Hongdae is considered very safe for tourists. The area is always filled with people, including students, locals, and tourists. While it is generally a secure environment, it's important to keep your belongings safe in crowded areas. The local police patrol the area, ensuring that visitors feel comfortable and safe.

What is the Weather Like in Hongdae?

Hongdae experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons:

• Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures and beautiful cherry blossoms make spring one of the best times to visit.
• Summer (June to August): Hot and humid, with occasional rain and the monsoon season.
• Fall (September to November): Crisp, cool weather and stunning autumn foliage make fall a perfect time for sightseeing.
• Winter (December to February): Cold, with temperatures often dipping below freezing, but clear skies and fewer tourists.

How to Get from Incheon Airport to Hongdae?

1. Airport Railroad Express (AREX): Fastest option, taking about 45 minutes from Incheon to Hongdae.
2. Limousine Bus: A comfortable but slightly slower option, taking around 50 minutes.
3. Taxi: Takes approximately 40 minutes, depending on traffic, but is more expensive than public transport.
4. Private Transfer: For those preferring a personalized ride, private airport transfers are available.

The Best Restaurants in Hongdae

1. Hongdae Myeongdong Gyoja

Address: 36-8 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu
Famous for its handmade noodles and dumplings, this casual restaurant offers tasty Korean meals.

1. The Bread Blue

Address: 358-64 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu
A bakery serving freshly baked pastries, savory breads, and delicious snacks.

1. Café Ato

Address: 12-13 Wausan-ro 17-gil, Mapo-gu
A trendy spot for coffee and homemade cakes, perfect for a quiet afternoon.

1. Baekjeong Korean BBQ

Address: 47 Wausan-ro 23-gil, Mapo-gu
Offers traditional Korean BBQ with high-quality meats and an assortment of side dishes.

1. Mikkeller Bar

Address: 10-3 Wausan-ro 37-gil, Mapo-gu
A craft beer bar with an extensive selection of local and international brews, ideal for beer lovers.

Top Shopping Malls in Hongdae

1. Hyundai Department Store

Address: 7-11, 4th Floor, Wausan-ro, Mapo-gu
A high-end department store offering luxury brands, local designers, and a wide variety of fashion items. It’s a great place for those looking for premium shopping experiences.

1. Hongdae Shopping Street

Address: Near Hongik University
A trendy shopping street filled with boutiques selling fashionable clothing, accessories, and unique items. This is a perfect destination for those seeking a mix of local and international styles.

1. Starfield Mall COEX

Address: 513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu
While a bit further from Hongdae, Starfield Mall is one of Seoul’s largest and most popular shopping destinations. It features a wide range of stores, from luxury brands to affordable shops, as well as a massive bookstore, an aquarium, and a movie theater.

Budget Hotels in Hongdae

1. Birdsnest Hostel Hongdae

Address: 36-7, Wausan-ro 29-gil, Mapo-gu
A budget-friendly hostel offering a cozy and relaxing environment, perfect for travelers looking for affordable accommodations in the heart of Hongdae.

1. Mamas and Papas Guesthouse and Apartments in Seoul

Address: 2-12, Wausan-ro 29-gil, Mapo-gu
A warm and welcoming guesthouse offering budget apartments with homely amenities, ideal for families and groups traveling in Hongdae.

1. Hongik University The Designers

Address: 50, Wausan-ro 29-gil, Mapo-gu
A stylish and affordable guesthouse located near Hongik University, featuring creative design elements and convenient access to local attractions.

1. High Street Guest House Hongdae - Hostel

Address: 20, Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu
A lively and budget-friendly guesthouse with modern facilities, located just a short walk from the lively Hongdae area.

1. Time Travelers Relax - Hostel (Foreigners Only)

Address: 17, Wausan-ro 30-gil, Mapo-gu
A relaxed and affordable hostel catering exclusively to foreign travelers, with comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere for a laid-back stay.

Top-rated Luxury Hotels in Hongdae

1. Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae

Address: 14, Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu
A modern hotel offering stylish accommodations and convenient access to Hongdae's vibrant entertainment and shopping districts.

1. Hongdae Style Guesthouse

Address: 22-3, Wausan-ro, Mapo-gu
A cozy and budget-friendly guesthouse that provides a homely atmosphere with convenient access to Hongdae's popular attractions.

1. Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae, an IHG Hotel

Address: 188, Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu
A contemporary hotel offering comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and an excellent location for exploring Hongdae's nightlife and culture.

1. Amanti Hotel Seoul

Address: 55, Hangang-daero 16-gil, Mapo-gu
This upscale hotel offers spacious rooms and a range of luxurious amenities, ideal for both business and leisure travelers.

1. 9 Brick Hotel

Address: 7-8, Wausan-ro 30-gil, Mapo-gu
A boutique hotel offering a blend of modern design with a cozy atmosphere, perfect for a luxury stay.

Pet-friendly Hotels in Hongdae

1. OPPA Hostel

Address: 18-5 Yonsei-ro 2na-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Price per night: SGD 41.70

A budget-friendly and vibrant hostel offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere for travelers. OPPA Hostel is known for its cozy rooms, great service, and convenient location near Hongdae's lively streets, perfect for exploring the local nightlife and cultural attractions.

• K-Grand Hostel Myeongdong

Address: 53, Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Price per night: SGD 70.32

This pet-friendly hostel offers clean and comfortable rooms in the heart of Myeongdong, with easy access to shopping, dining, and cultural sites. It’s a perfect base for both tourists and pet owners looking to explore Seoul while traveling with their pets.

• Air Hostel Myeongdong

Address: 23, Myeongdong 9na-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Price per night: SGD 63.04

Offering cozy rooms with simple, modern amenities, Air Hostel Myeongdong is a pet-friendly option for those who wish to stay in the heart of the city. With a relaxed vibe and proximity to public transportation, it’s a great choice for travelers with pets.

• Chungmuro Residence & Hotel

Address: 90, Namsangongwon-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Price per night: SGD 86.57

This hotel features comfortable rooms and offers a pet-friendly policy, allowing pets to stay with their owners. Located near Chungmuro Station, it's ideal for visitors who want to explore the city while traveling with their furry companions.

• Nine Star Hotel

Address: 36, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Price per night: SGD 93.12

Nine Star Hotel is a well-located hotel that offers modern accommodations and a pet-friendly atmosphere. With spacious rooms and a central location, it provides easy access to key attractions, making it a great option for travelers with pets.

Local Cuisines in Hongdae

1. Bulgogi – A marinated beef dish, grilled and served with rice and vegetables.
2. Kimchi Jjigae – A spicy stew made with kimchi, tofu, and pork.
3. Tteokbokki – Sweet and spicy rice cakes served with fish cakes.
4. Sundae – Korean blood sausage made from pork intestines and rice.
5. Bibimbap – A mixed rice dish with vegetables, meat, egg, and gochujang sauce.
6. Samgyeopsal – Grilled pork belly served with garlic, kimchi, and dipping sauces.
7. Jjajangmyeon – Noodles in a savory black bean paste sauce with vegetables and pork.

Family-friendly Attractions in Hongdae

1. Hongdae Free Market
   A vibrant weekend market that showcases handmade goods, artwork, and unique crafts made by local artists and crafters. It’s a perfect spot for families to explore the creativity of Seoul’s youth culture. The market also features street performances, live music, and various fun activities, providing an enjoyable experience for both kids and adults.
2. Trick Eye Museum
   Located in the heart of Hongdae, the Trick Eye Museum offers a fun and interactive experience with its 3D art installations. Families, especially those with young children, can enjoy taking pictures with the optical illusion art pieces. It’s a great way to engage children in creativity while also allowing them to experience the playful nature of art.
3. Kid’s Cafe
   A unique concept in Seoul, Kid's Cafes are themed play zones designed for children to play, explore, and engage in various activities. These cafes often feature areas with toys, mini playgrounds, and interactive games, allowing parents to relax while kids enjoy the safe and fun environment. Some cafes even offer educational workshops or play-based learning activities for children.
4. Seoul Forest
   A massive urban park that blends nature with recreation, Seoul Forest is ideal for a family day out. The park features several attractions, including a deer enclosure where kids can interact with animals, a butterfly garden where they can observe nature up close, and multiple playgrounds for children to enjoy. It's a serene escape in the middle of the bustling city, offering plenty of space for family picnics, biking, or simply exploring.
5. Lotte World Mall
   A large, family-friendly shopping complex with an indoor amusement park, Lotte World Mall offers both entertainment and retail therapy. Families can spend the day riding thrilling rides in the Lotte World Adventure theme park, visit the aquarium, or explore the mall’s numerous shops and restaurants. It’s the perfect place for families to enjoy a full day of entertainment, dining, and shopping under one roof.
6. Namsan Seoul Tower
   Namsan Seoul Tower is a must-see landmark for families visiting Seoul, offering spectacular panoramic views of the city. The tower features an observation deck, where you can enjoy sweeping views of Seoul’s skyline and surrounding mountains. There’s also a cable car ride that takes you up to the tower, making it a fun experience for kids. Families can also enjoy walking around the surrounding Namsan Park.
7. Museum of Contemporary Art
   Located near the Seoul Arts Center, the Museum of Contemporary Art offers various family-friendly exhibits. With rotating displays of modern and contemporary art, the museum often hosts interactive programs and art workshops designed for children. It's a great place to introduce kids to the world of art and creativity, fostering their imagination and encouraging them to appreciate culture in an engaging way.

How to Travel from Hongdae to Nearby Tourist Destinations?

Hongdae is a vibrant district in Seoul, South Korea, known for its youthful energy, lively atmosphere, and proximity to various attractions. If you're looking to explore more of Seoul and nearby destinations, here are some transportation options:

1. To Gyeongbokgung Palace
   To visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, take Line 2 from Hongdae Station to Euljiro 1-ga Station, then transfer to Line 3. This convenient route will take you directly to the palace, where you can explore Korean history and culture.
2. To Insadong
   For a trip to Insadong, take Line 2 from Hongdae Station to Euljiro 1-ga Station, then transfer to Line 1. Insadong is a charming area with traditional Korean shops, art galleries, and teahouses, offering a glimpse into Korea’s heritage.
3. To Namsan Seoul Tower
   To reach Namsan Seoul Tower, you can either take a taxi or bus for a direct route, or use Line 2 to reach Myeongdong Station, then walk to the tower. It’s one of Seoul’s most iconic landmarks, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.
4. To Bukchon Hanok Village
   For a visit to Bukchon Hanok Village, take Line 2 from Hongdae Station to Euljiro 1-ga Station, then transfer to Line 3. From there, it’s a short walk to the village, which is famous for its well-preserved traditional Korean houses.
5. To Myeongdong Shopping Street
   Take Line 2 from Hongdae Station to Euljiro 1-ga Station and transfer to Line 4. Myeongdong is a bustling shopping area where you can find fashion, beauty products, and street food. It’s a must-visit for any shopping enthusiast.
6. To Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
   From Hongdae Station, take Line 2 to Euljiro 1-ga Station and transfer to Line 4. DDP is an iconic cultural hub in Seoul, offering exhibitions, design-related events, and unique architectural structures to explore.
7. To Itaewon
   To reach Itaewon, known for its diverse international atmosphere, take Line 6 from Hongdae Station to Itaewon Station. This vibrant neighborhood is filled with restaurants, bars, and shops from around the world, making it a great spot to explore different cultures.

How to Book a Hotel Room in Hongdae

Booking a hotel room in Hongdae through Traveloka is easy and convenient. Simply follow these steps:

1. Visit the Traveloka website or app: Go to the Traveloka website or open the Traveloka mobile app on your device.
2. Search for hotels in Hongdae: In the search bar, enter "Hongdae" as your destination, select your check-in and check-out dates, and specify the number of guests.
3. Browse through available options: Traveloka will display a list of hotels in Hongdae, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury options. You can filter results by price, star rating, amenities, and more.
4. Check hotel details: Click on your preferred hotel to view more details, including room types, photos, facilities, and guest reviews.
5. Compare prices: Before booking, make sure to compare prices for the same hotel across different room types or dates to find the best deal.
6. Book your room: Once you've selected your hotel, proceed to the booking page. Fill in your personal information, payment details, and any special requests.
7. Confirm your booking: After completing the payment, you will receive a confirmation email with your booking details. You can also view your reservation on the Traveloka app.

By booking through Traveloka, you can enjoy exclusive deals, secure payment options, and customer support to assist you throughout your booking process.