Hongik University Street
Hongik University Street
4.5
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
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.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
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
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,786 within 3 miles
Attractions
726 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,275 reviews
Excellent
1,089
Very good
904
Average
250
Poor
25
Terrible
7
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
NomTumYum
Singapore, Singapore339 contributions
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.
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
15,618 contributions
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.
라투짱
9 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
Coconut Box is a space for rest and healing in the city and an art place where you can experience NFT works.
It is a place that reminds me of a quiet resort in Southeast Asia.
The signature drink is fresh coconut, and the bakery has a variety of breads. There is a ball pool where both children and adults can enjoy playing.
It is a place that reminds me of a quiet resort in Southeast Asia.
The signature drink is fresh coconut, and the bakery has a variety of breads. There is a ball pool where both children and adults can enjoy playing.
Written November 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.
Abovetheclouds
2,320 contributions
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.
Christian M
Copenhagen, Denmark6,223 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
This is the neighborhood where young people dress outrageously to be seen - and it's fun for the rest of us to watch. Both parties get what they come for.
We did as everyone else does: bought a large iced coffee and found some benches where we could sit and observe all the funny, quirky, and sexy people passing by. It's better than watching a movie.
We did as everyone else does: bought a large iced coffee and found some benches where we could sit and observe all the funny, quirky, and sexy people passing by. It's better than watching a movie.
Written May 27, 2024
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.
TIersHasie
Sydney, Australia1,116 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
I wasn't sure about going out to explore this neighbourhood but was glad I did not having done any research. I thought it would feel more like a univeristy complex but it felt like a vibrant suburb instead. Lots of cafes, shops, and the shopping street is quite long with all sorts of shops and walking street as well.
Talk to the red visitor guides to see what you may wish to visit if you haven't done your research. They have karaoke booths, arcades, the Kakao and LINE Friends flagship store, various pet cafes, harry potter store, CU store with diy ramen to name a few.
Being a university neighbourhood lots of late night eats and variety when you get hungry also!
Don't forget nightly performances (mostly kpop)
Talk to the red visitor guides to see what you may wish to visit if you haven't done your research. They have karaoke booths, arcades, the Kakao and LINE Friends flagship store, various pet cafes, harry potter store, CU store with diy ramen to name a few.
Being a university neighbourhood lots of late night eats and variety when you get hungry also!
Don't forget nightly performances (mostly kpop)
Written July 16, 2024
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, Singapore5,200 contributions
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
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.
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.
jeffayn
Shah Alam, Malaysia832 contributions
Sep 2018 • Family
This Hongik University Street is my personal best experience of my Seoul trip, at first I am not sure why my wife brought me here, it just a street in my mind, but after we arrive at the metro and walk into this street, the atmosphere is superb, mind blowing and you feel younger for sure...
I hope I had come here 10 years younger when I can mingle more with students, but is still great to feel how lively and energetic they are
The performers mostly are singer and dancer, and they do really know what they are doing, all is K-Pop Star like performance.
I am not sure this is daily night thing or only weekend because we are there during the Chuseok holiday. The street is full of performers and visitor... and little up there is the shopping street I guess,... is too full of people... so lively...
you got to visit here to feel what I am trying to express....Highly recommended for all Seoul visitor to try it out !
I hope I had come here 10 years younger when I can mingle more with students, but is still great to feel how lively and energetic they are
The performers mostly are singer and dancer, and they do really know what they are doing, all is K-Pop Star like performance.
I am not sure this is daily night thing or only weekend because we are there during the Chuseok holiday. The street is full of performers and visitor... and little up there is the shopping street I guess,... is too full of people... so lively...
you got to visit here to feel what I am trying to express....Highly recommended for all Seoul visitor to try it out !
Written October 16, 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.
23cynthiae87
Hong Kong, China160 contributions
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.
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.
If you're watching a street performance but also want to do a performance of your own, can you volunteer on the spot or would you have to secure a spot in advance?
Written October 8, 2019
Hi I would to joint Hongdae free walking.may I know how to book for today or tomorrow?
Written October 13, 2018
Just take sub way and explore. No need of booking
Written October 27, 2018
Will the shop open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day ? We will be there on Dec 24 to Dec 25, 2018.
Written April 30, 2018
I guess they well, its a very popular n famous shopping area n koreans work hard so dont worry
Written May 13, 2018
On weeknights, will there be street performances and buskers in Hongdae? Or is it only on weekends? What about daytime?
Written March 28, 2018
not sure about the daytime but there are definitely street performances during weeknights as well. I hope you enjoy it as it's great around there!
Written March 28, 2018
Am now stay in
Junggu district Seoul and tomorrow plan to go buy youngster appareal, had in mind a few places to go. Hongdae, Ehwa University, Myeongdong and Dongdaemun.
Please help to decide here should I go first.
Written September 24, 2017
Hi, I will pick in this order:
1. Hongik
2. Myeong dong - cosmetics
3. dong dae mun
Written September 25, 2017
I wouldn't know as I bought a travel card which I just TOP it up with credit and didn't have to bother about how much to pay per trip.
Written February 26, 2017
I would love to ask more for a friend of mine, is it open from morning till evening? which is the best day to go Hongik University? what is the difference between this and Myeongdong?
Written September 7, 2016
I think that the best time to go is after 5pm, sunset. many people come to street. the best day is Friday.
it is many diffrent Myeongdong.
Hongdae is more than shops( cosmetics, dress) variety pubs, club and restaurants(spenish, japanese, also korean restaurants). ti is around many geust houses so you stay very cheap.
I live in seoul. I go to hongdae when I have plans with my firends.
Written September 8, 2016
There are quite a few places for Korean BBQ in Hongik. Tried 1 restaurant only but cannot remember the name. For novelty sake, there is a BBQ restaurant opened by HaHa (of Running Man fame)
Written August 23, 2016
Showing results 1-10 of 17
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing