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Hongik University Street
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Hongik University Street

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See all things to do
Hongik University Street
4.5
2,269 reviews
#30 of 1,054 things to do in Seoul
Points of Interest & Landmarks
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5:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Monday
5:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Tuesday
5:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Wednesday
5:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Thursday
5:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Friday
5:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Saturday
5:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Sunday
5:00 AM - 12:00 AM
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About
This is the nexus of Seoul’s youth and indie culture. Funky boutiques, avant-garde galleries, and great nightclubs are this neighborhood’s mainstay. Come here for a fascinating look at the other side of traditionally conservative Korean culture.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Top ways to experience Hongik University Street and nearby attractions

The area
Neighborhood: Hongdae
Carefree enthusiasm is everywhere in this energetic neighborhood centered on Hongik University, Korea’s top art school. From its assortment of murals to the occasional amateur street performances, creativity and expression make up the wild and beating heart of vibrant Hongdae. At the Free and Hope Market (weekends at the Hongdae Children’s Playground) you'll find one of Seoul’s most popular handmade and creative markets drawing consistent crowds. At Hongdae, there’s never a shortage of things to do and see; food and drink options are nearly endless as are shops and noraebang (karaoke) rooms. Hongdae is also one of Seoul’s top party and club scenes catering to a younger demographic; if a packed club isn’t your scene, you'll also find a range of music venues and bars offering live music in all genres. Although Hongdae has lost much of its unique appeal and undergone rapid commercialization in recent years, be sure to explore Hongdae’s edges in areas such as Sangsu-dong and Yeonnam-dong where Hongdae’s fiercely independent streak still runs freely.
How to get there
  • Hongik University • 2 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,776 within 3 miles
Hongdae Dakgalbi
136
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Korean • Grill
Kyochon Chicken Hongdae Store
224
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Korean
Myth Jakbol - Seoul Hongdae Bonjeom
157
108 ft$$ - $$$ • Asian • Korean • Grill
L'impasse81
96
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • French • European
Han-Gong-Gan
54
0.4 miItalian • French • Asian • Korean
Shinseon Seolleongtang Hongdae
102
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Korean • Soups
Gusto Taco
1,284
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Latin • Vegetarian Friendly
James Cheese Back Ribs Hongdae Station Exit 8
116
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • Barbecue • Korean
Isaac Toast Hongdae
45
0.2 mi$ • American • Fast Food
RetroGameBar
52
0.3 mi$ • Quick Bites • Bar • International
See all
Attractions
524 within 6 miles
Hongik University
78
207 ftEducational sites
Hongdae Art Market Free Market
198
0.2 miFlea & Street Markets
Smurf Magic Forest Hongdae
5
0.2 miAmusement & Theme Parks
Hongdae NANTA Theatre
70
0.2 miTheaters
B-Boy city in Seoul - Kung, Hongdae Theatre
6
0.2 miTheaters
Gyeongui Line Forest
29
0.3 miParks
Seoul Metro
12,775
Public Transportation Systems
Hongik University Tourist Information Center
486 ftVisitor Centers
Yoon's Color
2
0.4 miSpeciality Museums
Sinchon
230
0.7 miNeighborhoods
See all
See what other travelers are saying
  • Deta
    Jakarta, Indonesia246 contributions
    Vibrant and Trendy
    This is a place for you to laidback and have some fun. Just stroll around the area and you will find many things that very hip and trendy. We take 3 night stay in Hongdae area just to enjoy the vibes. And for me personally, its way better than in Myeongdong area that is very touristy. In Hongdae, you can enjoy more variety of restaurant, some bar to sip a bottle of Soju in the winter night. Even you can shop some cosmetics (which is the same store that you can find in Myeongdong!) The street itself also quite artsy with some mural and street performance during night. So if you want to know the other side of Seoul that is more interesting, just stay in Hongdae!
    Visited January 2020
    Written February 13, 2020
  • Leonhkny
    Hong Kong, China13,873 contributions
    Seoul never sleeps here!
    With a couple universities nearby and youth vibes aplenty, Hongdae is an ever bustling part of Seoul. The busy and often crowded alleys can please anyone from food, drink, entertainment to street performances. Like previous reviews describe, this is one of very few areas in the city largely unaffected by covid. Compared to more touristy neighborhoods, Hongdae is still a popular hangout place among locals. A visit in the evening is recommended to experience the real deal.
    Visited November 2022
    Written November 13, 2022
  • dblim
    Singapore, Singapore153 contributions
    Young people heaven
    This place never sleeps! It is filled with mostly teenagers and young adults as there is a variety of things to do here from street shopping, eating real good Korean bbq and bingsu, taking booth photos and drinking/clubbing. You can be sure to see youths awake even at 5am and during the weekends even restaurants are packed at that hour. Definitely worth checking it out if you need supper and like the night scene.
    Visited January 2020
    Traveled with friends
    Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,269 reviews
Excellent
1,087
Very good
900
Average
250
Poor
25
Terrible
7
L.C
Singapore, Singapore221 contributions
Great for nightlife though shady and sleepy
Jul 2023 • Friends
Hongdae is very lively and crowded especially at night- one of the better more interesting places to go if you want a large variety of shopping, food and nightlife.

The nightlife however, I have to caution all female travelers. They are quite shady and crowded places so not have good security so do not drink with strangers. Men tend to grope and touch in clubs and the clubs come alive after 1.30am or so. Go in groups and also, ask for pitchers instead of shots as the drinks are quite cheap but shots are not worth the money.

There are a lot of young University students and there are many clubs so walk around and don’t feel obligated to order a drink. The clubs are quite dirty and toilets are scarce so visit the bathroom whenever you find one.
Written July 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelove58
11,272 contributions
Youthful & lively place......great place to visit
Dec 2022 • Family
Hongdae is a youthful & energetic district, you see mostly local young people here besides tourists. Great atmosphere & a vibrant lively place with lots of nice shops & dining catering to young people tastes & needs. Very different from Myeongdong Street. Good place to shop if you want latest, trendy & youthful clothes & accessories.
Written December 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abovetheclouds
2,152 contributions
The atmosphere. Highly recommend!
Jun 2022 • Solo
The atmosphere! All I can say is go! Food, fashion, buskers, shopping, music and more. Home to the fashionable University crowd. Loved it. Get lost, walk and enjoy it. Buzzing. Go on a Saturday afternoon, early evening as this is when it comes to life the most. Everything is good natured and safe. I was a solo female traveller. Post C-19, Korea has only just opened up again. Other areas are still recovering but this area appears way ahead and back to normal!
Written June 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heng
Singapore, Singapore3,736 contributions
Happening!
Dec 2022 • Family
Many would have claimed that Myeongdong is the to-go and to-do place in Seoul, however I would beg to differ. Hongik is the embodiment of the energy of Seoul with street performances, awesome restaurants, gleaming street lights and flashy retail shops. Of our 13 days in Seoul, we spent 3 nights here and we still cannot get enough of this place. So hope onto the metro and pop by. You will not regret.
Written July 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aliysue
Singapore, Singapore246 contributions
Halal kebab near Hongik University Station Exit 8/9
Dec 2013 • Family
You do not have to go to Itaewon area to get your halal kebab. There is one store at Hongdae area. Once you are out of Exit 9, turn left. Turn left again at the second turn. The first junction is just a small road. The second junction is slightly wider road. Walk ahead for about 80m. Kebab store is on your right.

If you exit via Exit 8, walk a short distance, then turn right. Turn right again and walk 50m. Kebab store is on your left.
Written January 5, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
23cynthiae87
Hong Kong, China170 contributions
A Vibrant Place for Youngster
Apr 2018 • Couples
You can literally feel the young vibe in this place. If you are visiting on the weekend just be prepared it will be so much crowd with more street performance. Hongdae is one of the hip place for youngster so if you don't really enjoy crowd and noisiness,please don't come to this area!

As you get out at exit 9 at Hongik Univ station, you can just follow the crowd to the street with a lot of street performance from singing to dancing which usually more popular with k-pop dancing. Along the street you can find a lot of restaurants and small shops as well.
Written April 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
luvholiday9
Singapore, Singapore421 contributions
best place to stay for a holiday!
Jul 2012 • Friends
After finding a few districts to stay for our trip, we settled for hongdae and didn't regret it! The nightlife there is really happening! The place doesn't sleep at all. Even at 1am, clothes shops and cafes, restaurants are still open. people are still walking everywhere past midnight and on fri/sat, you will see long queues outside the clubs. There are also young people performing on the streets at night. The district is a bit quieter from sun-thurs but it is still a vibrant neighbourhood. I think hongdae is a local spot rather than a tourist spot since tour packages usually don't bring u there. We were on a F&E trip though!

The main area of hongdae is at exit 9. There are many pushcarts of street food and they are very delicious. Hongdae is also well-known for its many cafes. Just walk 30m and you will see a few cafes right in front of u. Look further deep in and you might find another two. Most of them are the local korean cafes and they have really interesting themes and all of them look very cute and attractive. Hello Kitty cafe is behind watsons. Please try the lemonade soda sold on the street at 2500-3000 won. Very refreshing! Restaurant food is also cheap and good.

I love the area a lot. It is located on subway line 2, which is very convenient as compared to staying downtown somewhere on line 4. Also, hongik station itself is connected to AREX commuter line so it is very very convenient to get to the airport, or to Seoul station to change to subway line 4. It just takes 20mins to get to myeong dong. And it is connected directly to jamsil for lotte world and everland.

However, people spit freely. This is the district where we see most saliva everywhere on the ground.
Written July 30, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
michelle923
Temple City, CA10 contributions
The only area in Seoul that looks alive
Apr 2022 • Family
The only area in Seoul that looks prepandemic-ish, most of the Seoul looks pretty dead, people are happy and mingling without fear of COVID, you see a lot of foreigners too, most restaurants are open, the good thing about pandemics is that you can get a spot without having to wait in line
Written April 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erik Nguyen
Gothenburg, Sweden47 contributions
K-pop groups street performances, food & shopping
Apr 2019 • Couples
Second time we visited Seoul, we decided to stay at a hotel close to this street (stayed at Myeongdong last trip). And we really like this place!

K-pop performance
Everyday in the evenings, there are k-pop groups performing on the streets. It’s not some trashy performance like you see on tourist overloaded places. It’s performance on designated places where they dance and sing with large crowds.

Food & drink
There are both street food and restaurants here, overall cheaper than Myeongdong but much more places. There are some places open 24/7 and a lot of great bars and nightclubs. Great vibe during weekends!

Shopping
You have a few large shopping stores (HM, Bershka, Forever21 etc), small stores and “street stores”. And of course a lot of beauty stores.
Written April 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wesley C
Davis, CA30 contributions
typical University street
May 2015 • Couples
Lots of cheap clothes for students and some not so exceptional restaurants. This is the only area Korea where we saw grafitti on the walls and garbage on the streets. Nothing in this area worth seeing unless you are absolutely bored out of your mind and have nowhere else to go.
Written May 27, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Hongik University Street - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Hongik University Street
Hongik University Street is open:
  • Sun - Sat 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM
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We recommend booking Hongik University Street tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 4 Hongik University Street tours on Tripadvisor

Hongik University Street Information

Excellent Reviews

1,087

Very Good Reviews

900

Hongik University Street Photos

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