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
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Top ways to experience Hongik University Street and nearby attractions
The area
Neighbourhood: 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
1,747 within 5 kms
Attractions
528 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,271 reviews
Excellent
1,088
Very good
901
Average
250
Poor
25
Terrible
7
Raditya A
Jakarta, Indonesia128 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
Hongik and sincheon area are the usual get go for all youth especially university student arround, there is ewha, sogang, hufs and hongik university sorrounding this area
Written 4 October 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.
MrsGNZ
South Island, New Zealand403 contributions
Jul 2023
We were in the modern side, rather contemporary and have not been to the old area that has the market vibe. It's worth visiting the Samsung flagship store.
Written 21 July 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.
Heng
Singapore, Singapore3,736 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 16 July 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.
NomTumYum
Singapore, Singapore222 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 10 July 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.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia17,664 contributions
Apr 2023
This was one of the liveliest areas we've visited during our 4 days in Seoul.
It is set in Hongdae neighborhood which is home to many universities around.
While the area looks very average during the day it's totally different at night.
All in neon lights with plenty of shops, bars, restaurants, street performers, outside live music,...you name it. Really busy and authentic Korean youth place.
It is set in Hongdae neighborhood which is home to many universities around.
While the area looks very average during the day it's totally different at night.
All in neon lights with plenty of shops, bars, restaurants, street performers, outside live music,...you name it. Really busy and authentic Korean youth place.
Written 7 May 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.
theone2200
Brisbane, Australia118 contributions
Jan 2023
We walked here one morning during our stay. Its a typical Seoul market street with lots of bargin shops and food stalls.
Written 29 January 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
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 8 December 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.
Ronald C
Manila, Philippines144 contributions
Nov 2022
If you want to experience a very millennial place in Seoul, go to this place! Lots of shops and bars, and the atmosphere is very youthful. I was planning to stay in this area during my trip to Seoul but no hotel was available in my tour.
Written 7 December 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.
Kane M
Lakewood, CO50 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
If you’re a night owl, this is your spot. Lots of activity, and an energetic vibe. Lots of fun restaurants to choose from.
Written 24 November 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.
Leonhkny
Hong Kong, China14,204 contributions
Nov 2022
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.
Written 13 November 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.
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?
Navigator555510
17 contributions
Usually secure a spot in advance I guess haha
Hi I would to joint Hongdae free walking.may I know how to book for today or tomorrow?
aggarwalrka
Chandigarh, India547 contributions
Just take sub way and explore. No need of booking
bernielee68
Singapore, Singapore28 contributions
On weeknights, will there be street performances and buskers in Hongdae? Or is it only on weekends? What about daytime?
nandasmm
Birmingham, UK166 contributions
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!
alfredirene
europe
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.
Nathalie F
Singapore, Singapore403 contributions
Hi, I will pick in this order:
1. Hongik
2. Myeong dong - cosmetics
3. dong dae mun
How many credit should I get in order to go into Hongik University?
Irene Teo T
Singapore341 contributions
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.
casseyapril2016
Mentakab, Malaysia19 contributions
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?
kelly7778
Seoul, South Korea248 contributions
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.
wenson y
1 contribution
What are the nice bbq places in hongik area?
530rachaelt
Singapore66 contributions
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)
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Claim your listingHongik University Street (Seoul) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Hongik University Street
- Hotels near Hongik University Street:
- (0.02 km) Dustin Guest House
- (0.03 km) Hongdae Grace House
- (0.15 km) Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae
- (0.15 km) Hongdae Guesthouse
- (0.23 km) Rio House Hongdae
- Restaurants near Hongik University Street:
- (0.02 km) Hong Chun Cheon Cheese Dakgalbi - Hongdae
- (0.03 km) Arachi Hongdae Branch
- (0.03 km) I like Chicken
- (0.03 km) Alachi chicken
- (0.03 km) Myth Jakbol - Seoul Hongdae Bonjeom
- Attractions near Hongik University Street:
- (0.02 km) Pop Mart Flagship Store
- (0.06 km) Hey Rider
- (0.13 km) Kakao Friends Hongdae Flagship Store
- (0.06 km) Hongik University
- (0.31 km) Real Escape Challenge - Hongdae