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Hongdae isn’t just a district—it’s a vibe. Street art spills onto sidewalks, indie boutiques buzz with creativity, and live music fills the air. Whether you’re chasing fashion, food, or that authentic Seoul energy, Hongdae delivers non-stop fun. Come for the scene, stay for the memories.
Everything you need to know about Hongdae
Consider staying at Hongdae Alice Hotel, a design-focused boutique hotel blending contemporary Korean art with urban streetwear aesthetics. Located just a 5-minute walk from Hongik University Station, it’s perfectly positioned for nightlife and shopping. The rooms feature vibrant colors and personalized decor, while shared lounges encourage social interaction.
Another great option is HOTEL MOK, known for its minimalist architecture and smart room technology. Surrounded by indie cafes, fashion boutiques, and live street performances, it offers an authentic taste of Seoul’s youth culture. Both hotels provide convenient access to public transit and free city tours for deeper cultural immersion.
Garden Hotel Hongdae stands out as a budget-friendly choice packed with photogenic spots. Its lush courtyard, retro industrial corridors, and thoughtfully lit interiors create stunning backdrops for social media. Natural lighting and warm wood accents enhance the aesthetic appeal, making every corner Instagram-ready.
Located just a 10-minute walk from Hongik University Station, it offers easy access to shops, cafes, and street performances. The hotel features 24-hour self-service laundry, free beverages, and monthly themed pop-ups like "Neon Dreams Exhibitions" or "Korean Craft Markets," adding fun and variety to your stay.
Hongdae is well-connected via the Seoul Metro Line 2, offering quick access to key destinations. From Hongik University Station, head south to reach Myeongdong (transfer to Line 4) or Dongdaemun within 30 minutes. Travel north to visit Ewha Womans University or Yeouido.
Multiple bus routes run nearby, including express services to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Tower, and Seoul Station, taking 25–40 minutes. For comfort, use local ride-hailing apps like Taptap or Kakao T, starting at around 4,000 KRW.
For walkers, a 20-minute stroll leads to Cheonggyecheon Stream, where you can enjoy urban greenery and historical architecture. Always consider getting a T-money card for seamless payment across metro, buses, and convenience stores.
Hongdae thrives as Seoul’s hub for youth culture and creative expression. Every weekend, the Hongdae Square Street Performance Festival draws dancers, musicians, and theater groups from across the country, showcasing diverse music and dance styles.
The Hongdae Art District hosts rotating exhibitions by independent artists and offers hands-on graffiti workshops, letting visitors create their own public artworks. Don’t miss traditional Korean tea ceremony experiences at intimate teahouses, where you’ll learn brewing techniques and appreciation of tea ware.
At night, explore late-night markets serving iconic street food like spicy stir-fried noodles, fried chicken, and scallion pancakes, often accompanied by live music. Some hotels also offer cultural walking tours, guiding guests through hidden alleys, historic buildings, and old-school shops—perfect for uncovering Seoul’s authentic urban soul.
Hongdae Glam Hotel stands out for its trendy design and central location near Hongdae's vibrant street art scene. Just a 5-minute walk from Hongik University Station, it offers stylish rooms blending modern Korean aesthetics with urban flair. Guests enjoy free access to shared creative studios perfect for photoshoots. The hotel is surrounded by indie cafes, pop-up shops, and nightly live music events, capturing Seoul’s youthful energy. Book early—especially during weekends or festivals—due to high demand.
Hongdae is exceptionally accessible via public transportation, primarily through Hongik University Station on Line 2, which connects directly to downtown areas like Myeongdong and Dongdaemun in just 15–20 minutes. The station also links to the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) for seamless travel to Incheon and Gimpo Airports. Numerous bus routes serve the area, linking to Gangnam, Ewha Women’s University, and Gwangjang Market. Night buses operate safely for late-night travelers. Using a T-money card ensures fast transfers and discounted fares across all modes.
Must-try experiences in Hongdae include exploring the street art alleys filled with vibrant murals and interactive installations; browsing the Hongdae Free Market for unique handmade goods and limited-edition streetwear; watching spontaneous urban dance battles that showcase local youth creativity; and visiting the underground bar district for craft beer and live jazz performances. Many shops host one-day pop-up events featuring exclusive designs. Wear comfortable shoes—this area is best enjoyed on foot throughout the day and night.
See what other travelers say about Hongdae
Staying at Hotel Park Hill Myeongdong was an absolutely fantastic experience! The room was warm and cozy, thanks to the underfloor heating—perfect for chilly Seoul evenings. Located just a 10-minute walk from Myeongdong, it’s incredibly convenient for shopping, dining, and exploring. The neighborhood is safe, well-lit, and packed with convenience stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and cafes—everything you need is right outside the door. The staff were friendly, helpful, and genuinely welcoming, making us feel right at home. Cleanliness was outstanding—every corner felt fresh and well-maintained. For the location, comfort, service, and value, this hotel is unbeatable. I’d highly recommend it to any traveler visiting Seoul. It’s definitely a top pick, and I’ll be back.
Staying at Five Hotel Jongno was an absolute pleasure. The location is perfect—just a short walk from major attractions and public transit, making exploring Seoul super convenient. The hotel environment is clean, quiet, and well-maintained, with a modern yet cozy vibe. The front desk staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming—especially the guy at the counter, who had a great smile and made check-in feel personal. Daily room cleaning is a nice touch, keeping everything fresh and tidy throughout the stay. Two girls sharing a room felt just right—plenty of space, comfortable beds, and good lighting. Only thing to note: if you’re traveling with two large suitcases, it’s a bit tight to open both at once on the floor, but that’s a minor detail. Overall, this place offers excellent value and a memorable stay. Definitely coming back next time I visit Seoul.
Staying at Mohenic Hotel Seoul Myeongdong was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The room was spacious and offered a stunning view of Namsan Tower—especially beautiful at night when the city lights sparkle. I appreciated having both underfloor heating and air conditioning, which kept the room comfortable no matter the season. The front desk is located on the 17th floor, and the staff were incredibly friendly and efficient with check-in. Cleanliness stood out—everything felt fresh and well-maintained, from the bathroom to the bed linens. The facilities are modern and thoughtfully designed, giving the place a sleek, contemporary vibe. Best of all, the hotel’s location is unbeatable—right next to a subway station, making it super easy to explore Myeongdong, Namdaemun Market, or Hongdae. Whether you're here for sightseeing or business, this spot offers excellent value and convenience. I’ll definitely be coming back.
Staying at DW Stay Hongdae was a fantastic experience! Located in the heart of Hongdae, it's just a short walk from the subway and surrounded by vibrant restaurants, cozy cafés, and shopping spots—perfect for exploring on foot. The room was clean, bright, and thoughtfully designed with practical amenities; some units even come with a small kitchenette, which made it super convenient for longer stays or self-catering. The staff were warm and welcoming, and communication in English was smooth and effortless. While it’s not a luxury hotel, the value for money is outstanding. It’s ideal for young travelers, backpackers, or anyone who values convenience, comfort, and a local vibe. I’d definitely stay here again and recommend it to anyone visiting Seoul.
The location was excellent—super convenient for getting around Seoul, and I appreciated how close it was to public transit. However, the shower water didn’t warm up properly during winter, so I had to endure chilly showers every day. It was a bit uncomfortable, especially in the morning. That said, the room was clean, well-maintained, and the overall value was great. The staff were friendly, and the place felt safe and cozy. Despite the heating issue, I’d still recommend this hotel for travelers looking for a quiet, tidy stay in a central spot.
I can't thank the entire Hotel Pop Jongno team enough for their exceptional dedication and warm hospitality. My stay was absolutely unforgettable—every detail, from the welcoming staff to the thoughtfully designed rooms, made me feel right at home. The location is perfect, just a short walk from major attractions and public transit. I’ve already started planning my next visit because this place truly feels like a second home. It’s not just a hotel—it’s an experience I’d gladly return to again and again.
Staying at Nouvelle Seoul Hotel Itaewon was a fantastic experience. The hotel is perfectly located in the middle of Seoul's vibrant nightlife, yet the rooms are well-insulated, making it easy to relax and sleep soundly despite the lively surroundings. The rooms themselves are spacious with large TVs that make for great entertainment. The front desk staff were incredibly friendly and spoke fluent English, which made check-in and any inquiries super smooth. I appreciated the 24-hour check-in option—very convenient for late arrivals. Plus, everything you need is within walking distance: restaurants, cafes, shopping, and the metro station. This place truly offers the best of both worlds—urban energy and peaceful comfort. Highly recommend for travelers who want convenience without compromise.
The location of Hertz Hotel in Jongno was absolutely perfect! I arrived earlier than check-in time, but they kindly offered free luggage storage—so convenient. There were tons of restaurants, small shops, and cozy cafes nearby, making it easy to pass the time without any stress. The room itself was spotlessly clean, and having a bathtub was definitely one of the main reasons I chose this hotel—it made for a relaxing soak after a long day. Bathroom amenities included shampoo, conditioner, and a bathrobe, though I did need to bring my own toothbrush. For multi-night stays, water bottles were conveniently restocked. One standout feature was the sliding mirror that doubles as a blackout panel—just slide it across the window, and you’ve got complete darkness, ideal for sleeping in late. I was also pleasantly surprised to find a straightening iron available in the room—such a thoughtful touch. I’d definitely stay here again. Excellent value and a truly comfortable experience.
The hotel is immaculate and beautifully designed, with an unbeatable location just steps away from LFC. What truly stood out was the front desk staff member who happened to be from Hong Kong—when they noticed we didn’t speak Korean, they went above and beyond to assist with check-in, patiently guiding us through the process. It’s rare to feel such genuine care while traveling far from home. I really wanted to thank them in person, but unfortunately didn’t get a chance to see them again. Finding a familiar face in a foreign city made all the difference—it felt like a small but meaningful connection. A heartfelt thanks to that kind soul for making our stay so much more personal and welcoming.
We stayed here as a family of three adults, including first-time visitors to Korea, and the experience was absolutely fantastic. What stood out most was the in-room laundry facilities—detergents were freely available, and I brought my own small packet of fabric softener from Japan, which worked perfectly. A large tote bag is highly recommended for moving laundry between rooms. The bathroom amenities were exceptional: the shampoo and conditioner had a luxurious scent and texture, leaving a subtle, pleasant fragrance throughout the room after showering. It’s rare to find a full set of toothbrushes included in a Korean hotel, and the lightweight hairdryer delivered strong airflow without strain. In the dining area, they offer four levels of spicy ramen—while I haven’t tried level 3, level 2 was similar to a moderately spicy kimchi ramen, not too overwhelming. Everything you’d expect at home, like plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and containers, was readily available. Even our homemade kimchi from a local market didn’t come with packaging—we were able to wrap it up neatly with the provided wrap and take it back easily. The staff were incredibly friendly, with several speaking Japanese, which made us feel safe and welcome. We especially enjoyed meeting Star-chan, who’s originally from Iran—such a memorable encounter! Thanks again, see you soon! One minor downside: the coffee machine was a bit sweet, and there was no option to adjust sugar levels—so every latte came out overly sugary. The chocolate drink also wasn’t to my taste. Also, the power outlets were tricky—my C-type adapter (bought from a 100-yen store) would plug in but kept falling out, making it unusable. Even though another universal adapter worked, it wobbled and sometimes fell over, causing power loss. And unfortunately, the silk-pressed straightening iron showed an error message and wouldn’t turn on. But overall? This place felt more like home than a hotel. Late-night ramen or toast lovers were cooking quietly nearby, yet we heard absolutely nothing—perfectly peaceful. It totally redefined what a hotel stay could be. We’re already planning to return next time we visit Korea!
My daughter came to Seoul for a ZB1 concert, and we chose this hotel—perfectly located right next to the subway station, making travel super convenient. I absolutely loved the ground-floor and rooftop check-in areas; they have such a cool, modern vibe, and the complimentary welcome drink was a nice touch. The room was spotless, with a well-designed wet/dry separation that made everything so practical. Security is also top-notch—after 6 PM, only guests can access the lobby, which gives peace of mind, especially for solo female travelers. And the neighborhood? Absolutely packed with great dining options. Street food stalls start setting up around 4 PM and stay open until 2 AM, buzzing with young locals and full of authentic Seoul energy. It’s lively, fun, and full of character. I’d definitely come back here on any future trip to Seoul.
I stayed for three consecutive nights, and on the first evening I noticed the air conditioning wasn’t cooling effectively. I immediately mentioned it to the front desk, and within minutes, a fan was brought up to my room—super prompt service! The staff were incredibly attentive and resolved the issue right away. For the next two nights, the room temperature was perfect, and I didn’t have to worry again. What stood out most was how quickly and efficiently the team responded—no delays, no excuses. Their proactive approach made a big difference in my overall experience. The hotel’s location is also very convenient, just a short subway ride from major attractions. Excellent value for money and top-notch hospitality. I’ll definitely be back!
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