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

I stayed at Migliore Hotel Seoul Myeongdong and had a very positive experience overall. The front desk staff only speak Japanese and Korean, but since they provided written translations, communication wasn’t an issue. A deposit of 100,000 KRW was required upon check-in, which was fully refunded at checkout—simple and hassle-free. I booked a triple room on the 17th floor, and it was spacious with a great view of Namsan Tower, especially nice during sunset. On the third floor near reception, there’s a small 24-hour convenience store, luggage lockers for storage, and a coin-operated laundry service that works around the clock—super convenient for long stays or last-minute laundry needs. My friend stayed in a double room, which was slightly smaller, but still clean and well-maintained. What really stood out was the location: just steps away from the bustling Myeongdong district. Everything you’d want—restaurants, shopping, street food, and subway access—is right outside the door. This hotel offers excellent value, great comfort, and unbeatable positioning. I’d definitely recommend it and plan to stay here 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.

I stayed at Rian Hotel for eight nights and was thoroughly impressed. Despite having only 57 rooms, the hotel feels well-maintained and offers a surprisingly warm, personal touch. Special shoutout to Manager Mr. Park, and staff members Mr. Jeong and Mr. Ku—every interaction was friendly, helpful, and genuinely went beyond expectations. Whether it was giving directions or assisting with travel logistics, they made every guest feel supported. The hotel features a self-service kiosk for cashless check-in and currency exchange, plus a luggage scale if you're heading to the airport. The 24-hour lounge on floor 10 is cozy and perfect for relaxing with a coffee or a quick cup of noodles. Located in a vibrant area, dining options are abundant—grilling spots, authentic Korean food, convenience stores like CU nearby, ramen shops, Paik Coffee, Ediya, ARTBOX, and even pop-up street food stalls within a 100-meter radius. Just a 3-minute walk from Jongno 3-ga Subway Station (Exit 14), you can easily reach Gwangjang Market (just one stop away) and other key areas like Myeongdong, Insadong, Hongdae, Namdaemun, and Itaewon. The airport bus stops right outside the hotel, making departures stress-free. Spot Kworld nearby? Just walk toward it and you’ll find the hotel. Plus, fresh towels and mineral water are provided daily—small but thoughtful touches that make a big difference. A standout stay with excellent value and service.

Everything about our stay was absolutely perfect. From the moment we arrived, the staff were warm, attentive, and incredibly helpful—always with a smile. Our room was clean, spacious, and well-appointed, with fresh linens and excellent comfort. We requested extra water and housekeeping assistance, and both were promptly provided without any hassle. The breakfast was outstanding—fresh, abundant, and delicious, giving us a great start to each day. The location is ideal for exploring Seoul, just a short walk from subway stations and surrounded by great dining options. It’s rare to find such a seamless blend of comfort, service, and value. I’d definitely return and highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting the city.

I was genuinely impressed with the value for money at Hotel WO Yongsan Station—my friends and I were all extremely satisfied. Located just steps from Yongsan Station, it’s incredibly convenient for getting around Seoul, whether you're heading to Gangnam, Myeongdong, or even going on a day trip. The rooms are compact but spotless, with comfortable beds, reliable Wi-Fi, and efficient heating and cooling. What stood out most was the friendly and helpful staff—they made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. Cleanliness, location, and service all hit the mark. It’s not just a budget-friendly option; it’s a smart choice for travelers who want comfort without the high price tag. I’d definitely stay here again and recommend it to anyone visiting Seoul.

I've stayed at this hotel a few times before the pandemic and always found it clean and convenient—especially with water dispensers on every floor, so no need for bottled water. But my recent 10-day stay was a major disappointment. First off, I found small insects in the fridge—whether it had been unused for too long or not, I’m not sure, but it’s concerning. I cleaned it myself, but it still left a bad impression. The worst part? The bathroom. The door is so tight that you can’t close it without awkwardly stepping sideways—basically impossible to shut properly. And during my entire 10-day stay, the bathroom wasn’t cleaned once. I ended up cleaning it myself every day. I understand eco-friendly policies, but the cleaning schedule is way too infrequent—only every two or three days. You have to request it each time, and even then, there’s no guarantee when they’ll show up. If the price were really low and you’re okay with irregular housekeeping, maybe it’d be tolerable. But given the current standard, it’s hard to justify a 5-star rating. Management really needs to address these issues—don’t rely solely on platform reviews to cover up problems.

Staying at Hongdae the Gray Hotel was an absolute delight. Located just steps from the main road, it’s incredibly convenient for exploring Hongdae and nearby areas—especially if you’re relying on public transit. The room itself was well-equipped and surprisingly quiet, which was a pleasant surprise given the bustling location. I was able to sleep soundly without any noise disturbance, even during peak hours. The overall atmosphere is modern and cozy, making it feel like a true home away from home. For such a central spot with excellent value, this hotel truly stands out. I’ll definitely be back next time I visit Seoul.

I ended up booking this place last minute when I needed a quick stay in Sinchon. Even though it feels like it's been around for a while, the room was surprisingly spacious and very comfortable—definitely more than expected for the price. The bathroom was also quite large, which made it easy to move around and get ready without feeling cramped. It’s well located near subway access, and there are plenty of dining options nearby. Great value for money, and I’d definitely consider staying here again if I’m back in Seoul.

Staying at Slow Stay DA was an absolute delight. The hotel is perfectly located near Sungkyunkwan University and the Blue House, making it incredibly convenient for sightseeing—just a short walk or quick subway ride away. There are plenty of restaurants nearby, offering everything from authentic Korean street food to international cuisine. The room was spotless, the staff were warm and helpful, and the overall atmosphere felt calm and welcoming. It's rare to find such a peaceful yet central location with excellent value. I’d definitely book here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Seoul.

I absolutely loved staying at Hotel 8 Hours — it’s a fantastic choice for travelers looking for convenience and comfort. The location is excellent, just a short walk from the subway station and airport bus stop, making transfers super easy. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and even an Olive Young right nearby, so grabbing a bite or picking up essentials is never a hassle. The room itself is small but incredibly well-designed — clean, tidy, and thoughtfully laid out with smart use of space. I really appreciated the modern interior style; it felt fresh and inviting. One standout feature? The separate toilet and shower area in the room — a huge plus for anyone who dislikes wet floors. It adds a nice touch of privacy and practicality. Overall, this hotel delivers great value and a comfortable stay, especially if you're on a tight schedule or just want a no-fuss, reliable base in Seoul.

The bedding was incredibly clean and so comfortable that I fell asleep the moment I lay down. Waking up the next morning felt refreshing, with no stiffness or discomfort—truly a restful night. Located in Sinchon, Seoul, it's just a short walk from the subway station, making it super convenient for exploring the city. There are plenty of great dining options nearby, and the overall value is outstanding. I’ve stayed at many hotels in Seoul, but this one stands out for its cleanliness, comfort, and quiet atmosphere. If you're looking for a peaceful, well-maintained stay without breaking the bank, this is a must-try. I’ll definitely be returning.

I had an excellent stay at Line Hotel Myeongdong and would definitely choose to return. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from Myeongdong shopping district and nearby attractions, with subway access just steps away. The room was clean, modern, and surprisingly cozy despite its compact size. The bed was comfortable, and the quiet atmosphere made for a restful night. Staff were friendly and helpful, offering local tips and assistance with luggage. Everything about this hotel feels thoughtfully designed—from the efficient layout to the welcoming vibe. For travelers looking for a convenient, well-priced base in Seoul, this is a top choice. I’ll be booking again without hesitation.
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