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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.
This hotel is the perfect blend of business and leisure! Luxury facilities include a conference center and business center, ideal for all kinds of events. The location is super convenient, just 5 minutes by car to Yonsei University and the Gyeongui Line Forest Park, and a few kilometers to Hongik University and Seoul City Hall. Continental breakfast, restaurants, and cafes will satisfy your taste buds, and the bar is perfect for unwinding. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with LED TVs and refrigerators, and the bathrooms are fully equipped. Plus, there's free parking and charging stations, so road trips are hassle-free. Whether for business or travel, this is your ideal choice!
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 Swiss Grand Hotel Seoul was a delightful surprise, especially for travelers who appreciate a touch of Western elegance in a vibrant city setting. While the hotel’s hillside location is definitely unique—coming straight from the airport shuttle made me and my mom gasp at the steep, long climb up the slope with our luggage (we stopped several times, it felt like a real workout!)—the effort is worth it once you’re inside. The peaceful, quiet atmosphere away from the downtown bustle is refreshing. Staff are all fluent in English, incredibly helpful, and genuinely warm—especially the front desk attendant who quickly arranged a taxi for us on departure. The rooms are spacious and well-designed, the service attentive, and overall the experience feels premium without being overly expensive. If you're willing to walk a bit uphill (or take a quick ride), this hotel offers a standout blend of comfort, convenience, and charm in Seoul.
We stayed in a family-friendly room designed for three, and the space was pleasantly spacious—perfect for our small group. The only minor issue was a slightly clogged faucet in the bathroom, but the staff responded promptly and resolved it right away with a friendly attitude. What really stood out was the convenience of the airport shuttle stopping directly at the hotel entrance—no need to worry about transfers or extra walking, especially with luggage and kids in tow. Overall, the value for money is excellent. From service to location, everything exceeded expectations. I’d definitely recommend this place and plan to stay here again on my next trip to Seoul.
Staying at Local Stitch Creator Town Seogyo was an absolute surprise and one of the highlights of our trip to Seoul. The location is incredibly convenient—just a 2-minute walk to a 7-Eleven, 8 minutes to a 24-hour café, 10 minutes to the subway (Green Line), 15 minutes to Hongdae, and just 20 minutes to Sinchon on foot. The room itself is compact but well-designed with excellent water pressure and smooth drainage. The bathtub was surprisingly spacious and comfortable. Towels, tissues, and bottled water are available for free at the lounge—great for refills. The lounge area is huge and packed with amenities: self-service washing machines, dryers, even a dry cleaner! Every seating area has plenty of power outlets—so thoughtful. There’s also a large gym perfect for fitness lovers, and two spacious kitchens where you can cook or heat up meals. The front desk staff were incredibly friendly and spoke fluent English, making check-in and any requests super easy. This place offers such great value and comfort—it truly exceeded expectations. I took some photos during my stay, though I forgot that uploads are only allowed through the platform. Still, I’d highly recommend this spot to anyone visiting Seoul.
Staying at DW Design Residence in the heart of Hongdae was an absolute delight. The location is unbeatable—right in the middle of the action with countless convenience stores, cozy cafés, and great dining options just steps away. Public transportation is super accessible, making it easy to explore Seoul’s vibrant neighborhoods. What really stood out was how quiet and peaceful the room was at night—no street noise whatsoever, which made for a restful sleep. The host was incredibly welcoming and thoughtful, providing all sorts of everyday essentials, from toiletries to kitchen basics. It felt like coming home, but with a stylish, modern touch. This place offers excellent value and a truly comfortable stay—I’d definitely book again.
I’ve stayed at The Designers Hotel Jongro in Seoul for the third time now, and each visit feels like coming home. From the moment you step into the lobby, the cozy winter atmosphere hits you — warm lighting, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, and soft holiday music playing in the background instantly transport you into the festive spirit. This trip was for G-Dragon’s concert, and the welcoming vibe of the hotel made the whole journey feel extra special. Getting from the airport to the hotel was seamless with minimal hassle, which set a positive tone right away. The room was spotless, warmly heated, and the heat kicked in quickly — perfect for escaping the cold outside. As always, the staff were friendly and efficient with check-in and check-out. Having multilingual team members, especially those who speak Chinese, made asking questions or getting help incredibly easy and reassuring throughout the trip. One thing I really appreciated was the thoughtfully curated travel info posters in the elevator — clear guides to nearby attractions like Cheonggyecheon, Gwanghwamun, and Gyeongbokgung, plus transportation tips that saved me so much time planning. Being located right in the heart of Jongno means everything is within walking distance: you can easily reach key sights without needing to rely on transit. And since it coincided with Seoul’s Winter Festival (starting December 6th), the city felt magical — dazzling light displays along Cheonggyecheon, festive decorations everywhere, and charming winter markets added an extra layer of joy. Strolling by the stream at night, taking photos at DDP with its seasonal theme, became one of my most relaxing moments during this trip. On-site amenities are also a big plus — there's a laundry machine, vending machines, and even the chance to try out the iconic 'Han River Ramen' experience seen in K-dramas. It added a fun, quirky touch to the stay. Overall, this hotel continues to exceed expectations: strong festive ambiance, clean and comfortable rooms, helpful travel info, unbeatable location, excellent access to major attractions, and the bonus of being in the middle of Seoul’s winter celebrations. Even after multiple visits, leaving felt bittersweet. If you're planning a winter trip to Seoul — whether for concerts, sightseeing, or just soaking up the season’s charm — I highly recommend giving this hotel a try.
This place is definitely a hostel, not a hotel—despite being listed as a hotel on the platform. The building signage and Korean apps clearly mark it as a hostel, so it’s misleading to present it as a hotel. That said, if you go in with the right expectations, it’s actually a solid hostel. The location is unbeatable: literally seconds from a vibrant food alley, just a few minutes from great shopping, within 10 minutes of palaces and temples, and a 15–20-minute walk to Gwangjang Market and the Han River trail. We stayed in the basement room, which was the only one large enough for our family of four with two kids. While it was modernized and had a private bathroom, it had a strong musty sewage smell that lingered despite airing out and running a dehumidifier nonstop. They’d placed several oil-based air fresheners in the hallway and room—something I couldn’t tolerate due to allergies, so I removed them, but that only made the unpleasant odor worse. The dehumidifier helped circulate air, but since it required regular drainage, we weren’t sure how effective it really was. All control buttons were in Korean, and even with translation apps, the functions didn’t make much sense. The AC worked well, and the beds were comfortable. Storage consisted of pull-out drawers under the bed—cleaning them revealed thick layers of dust. There was a couch and TV, which added comfort. The bathroom is a wet-style design with floor heating, so everything dried instantly—even though the heat was extreme. When we complained about dampness, they turned on the floor heating while we were out, likely to dry things up—but with temperatures exceeding 40°C, it wasn’t safe or practical to stay inside. The window was frosted glass facing a narrow alley, so privacy was an issue. Trash was collected at the bottom of the stairs near the landing, which wasn’t ideal. On the plus side, free laundry was available nearby—perfect for monitoring progress—and the shared kitchen across the hall was handy for morning tea. Staff were incredibly helpful, and communication through the booking app was smooth. In short, if you’re clear this is a hostel (not a hotel), and you don’t mind the basement, minor quirks, and scent sensitivity, it’s a good choice. But if you’re expecting a hotel experience—especially in the basement—this isn’t recommended. As a hotel? 2/5. As a hostel? 4/5.
Hotel Nafore is an absolute gem! From the moment we arrived, everything felt seamless. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from major attractions and easily accessible by subway. We’ve been returning with our daughter for several visits now, and each time feels like coming home. The staff are incredibly friendly and attentive, always going the extra mile to make sure we’re comfortable. Daily room cleaning ensures a spotless stay, and the attention to detail—from the cozy bedding to the thoughtful little touches—is impressive. It’s clear this hotel truly values guest experience. We highly recommend it to anyone visiting Seoul, especially families. Wishing Hotel Nafore continued success and prosperity!
The location is absolutely perfect—just a two-minute walk from the subway station, and it takes about 30 minutes to reach the city center on foot. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful throughout our stay. The apartment was spotless, with every corner meticulously cleaned—truly impressive attention to detail. The mattress was comfortable without being too soft, and the room was so quiet that we slept like babies. There are plenty of shops and cafes nearby, so grabbing a bite or picking up essentials was super convenient. What really stood out? Three palaces within walking distance—perfect for exploring Seoul’s rich history. This place offers great value for money and delivers exactly what it promises. I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting Seoul.
Staying at Soo Song Guest House was an absolute highlight of my trip to Seoul! The location is unbeatable—just a short walk to the subway station, and surrounded by cafes, convenience stores, and great dining options. Whether I wanted a quick coffee or a nice meal, everything was within easy reach. The lobby is bright, clean, and thoughtfully designed, making check-in a breeze. The staff were warm and welcoming, and they got me settled in quickly—such a nice start to the trip. The room itself was larger than expected, with excellent natural light and a super comfortable bed. The mattress and pillows offered just the right balance of support—perfect for a good night’s sleep. The bathroom is well-designed with a dry/wet separation, and the water pressure is strong and consistent, making showers really enjoyable. Plus, the amenities were high-quality and included basic toiletries—small touches that made a big difference. Overall, this place offers incredible value and comfort. I’d definitely come back without hesitation.
Staying at this hotel was a great experience, especially for the location. It's perfectly situated in Jongno, just steps away from subway lines and major attractions—getting around Seoul was so easy. The room was larger than expected, offering plenty of space to unpack and relax. What really stood out was the thoughtful amenities: complimentary bottled water and even a hair straightener with a blow dryer provided in the room—no need to pack extra tools. Clean, well-maintained, and very convenient. A solid choice if you're looking for comfort and practicality without breaking the bank. I’d definitely stay here again on my next visit to Seoul.
The location is incredibly convenient, with easy access to major attractions and a vibrant surrounding area. I really appreciated how close it was to event venues, though this does mean parking can be a bit tricky at times—arriving early helps. Despite that small hiccup, the overall experience was outstanding. The hotel’s modern vibe, clean rooms, and friendly staff made it a perfect stay. I’d definitely book here again and highly recommend it for travelers looking for comfort and convenience in central Seoul.
I’d definitely stay at this hotel again after returning from Busan—this place truly stands out for its unbeatable location and exceptional staff service. The team went above and beyond to make my stay comfortable and memorable. Being just a short walk from everything I needed, it made exploring Seoul effortless. I already know I’ll be back, not just for the convenience but for the genuine hospitality that makes you feel at home.
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