Hongdae, a youthful and trendy commercial district in Seoul, is one of my favorite parts of the capital city. As the sunny day is calling ahead, spill out of the streets and window shop at local boutique stores. And when the sun beams down and the lights are up, walk down the nightclub streets and immerse in the crowds of street performers and local fashionistas.
Another reason that attracts so many visitors to Hongdae is its proximity to the subway station which provides you the ease of traveling around, either from downtown Seoul or the airport.
To keep up with the urban art feel in Hongdae, here’s a list of the best things to do that you can cover within one day.
But First, Here’s How To Get Around Hongdae
- Airport Express (AREX): an express train fetching you to Hongik University every 15 minutes from Incheon Airport, Terminal 1. The train ride is roughly 50 minutes.
- Airport Bus No. 6002: takes the same amount of time to Hongdae or longer in case of congested traffic. The bus leaves from Bus Stop 5B or 11B at Incheon Airport, Terminal 1.
- Metro: Take Line 2 from Seoul city center towards Hongik University Station, Exit 9. Consider obtaining a T-Money Card for a steep discount on public transportation in Seoul.
If you don’t overnight in Hongdae, drop your luggage at Hongdae Station Luggage Storage Service before setting out.
Hear The Whispers Of The Books At Gyeongui Line Book Street
There’s no shortage of book streets in the world but the Gyeongui Line in Hongdae is where you can actually slow down, breathe the smell of the old pages, hear the chant of the leaves, and find peace. Millions of columns are nestled in containers shaped like a train carriage, gathering over 1000 well-received publishing companies in the country.
Check Out Hongdae’s Free Market and Hope Market
Browsing the vendors with eyebrows perking up at the cute shiny accessories sounds like a perfect plan for a lazy long weekend. Free and Hope are the two-weekend markets in Hongdae near Hongik University, serving as the beacon for everything handmade related. Pick carefully and bring home your favorite keepsake of the area or stun your loved ones with a DIY journal or painting.
Live While We’re Young At The Nightclubs
Spilling in and out of clubs is no stranger to Seoul nightlife. But right here in Hongdae, bar-hopping is taken to a whole new level with an extensive list of highly-visited bars and clubs coming in a roll call.
Call it the mecca of nightlife worshippers and flirty bar-goers dancing the night away with trendy music from hip-hop to electronica.
Some Japanese izakaya, Korean-style pubs, and American cocktail bars are nestled far back in the alleys north of Hongdae.
Be Amazed At The Nanta Show
Nanta has been consistently ranked as one of the most-watched shows in Korea for good reasons. Going beyond pure entertaining purpose, the Nanta Show becomes a blissful melting pot of martial arts, cooking skills, stunts, and music.
Within a 90-minute show, you will be brought to a sheer wildness on stage where all your favorite utensils in the kitchen are flipped through the air, bringing a compact environment into a place of laughter and wows.
Snap A Portrait Away At The Trickeye 3D Museum
Wanna create a masterpiece starring you as the main character? The Trickeye 3D Museum will have you in awe. Here they swap dead paintings with moving portraits using a high-tech method known as the Trickeye Camera application. This one can be downloaded to your phone so whenever you walk into the frame, it automatically adjusts the visual depth that makes you feel like you’re blending into the painting.
Eat Really Good Korean Fried Chicken At Kyochon Chicken Hongdae
No trip to Hongdae is complete without that cheesy crunchy fried chicken. Here at Kyochon, the door is scrambled with queues all day long with hungry diners seeking a seat to munch on some boneless and juicy chicken fritters. The menu is epic with lots of flavors to choose from, including half-fried and half-sauce, deep-fried thighs, or honey-sauced.
Check out more travel ideas in Seoul here:
- A Less-Touristy Guide to Namdaemun Market: Kalguksu, Hotteok, Hairtail Stew, and More
- 10 Incredible Things To Do In Dongdaemun For An Active Day Full Of Smiles
- Best Things to Do Near Gangnam Station: Sinsa-dong, Café Kitsuné, COEX Mall, and More
Everything You Need to Know about Korea
Explore more of our adventures around Korea:
- Travel Guide: A Pocket South Korea Travel Guide
- Attractions: Nami Island, Gwangjang Market
- Food: Ultimate South Korea Food Guide
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