Top Things To Do in Hongdae | The Ultimate Guide to Hongdae
From restaurants and cafes to viral hair salons and more! This is the only Hongdae guide you need.
Huge crowds bustle around the bright neon signs of shops, restaurants, and cafes that line the disorderly streets and alleys of Hongdae. There's a unique charm here, with the promise of discovering something new in every nook and cranny: be it a tucked-away street food stall, a quaint shop showcasing local designers, a hidden gem of a used bookstore, or a lively arcade brimming with colorful games. The list is endless.
Our detailed guide below covers everything from a straightforward geographical overview of the Hongdae area to curated lists of cafes, restaurants, shops, hair salons, and activities worth exploring. Whether you're visiting Hongdae for the first time or you're a local, you're sure to discover something new and exciting to do in the area.
Map of Hongdae
Hongdae, Seoul's vibrant neighborhood, buzzes with youthful and creative energy, largely due to Hongik University's influence. Famous for its shopping, aesthetic cafes, nightlife, and trendsetting beauty salons, including popular hair salons, Hongdae is a cultural hotspot for both locals and tourists. Explore the different exciting things to do in Hongdae!
How to Get There
Reaching the heart of Hongdae is remarkably straightforward, situated merely a 1 to 2-minute walk from Hongik Univ. Station (subway), providing direct and convenient access. For alternative routes, exiting at Sangsu Station (Line 6) or Hapjeong Station (Line 2, 6) places you within a short walking distance to the main area.
For tourists, navigating to Hongdae offers a seamless experience. From Incheon International Airport, you can take the AREX express train to Hongik Univ. Station, a journey that combines efficiency with the comfort of avoiding city traffic.
Things to do in Hongdae
Shopping
From shops that have a selection of the latest Korean trends to familiar brands like H&M, Hongdae has a variety of fashion stores which will leave you hoping you had more room in your luggage. Here are a few examples of popular stores in Hongdae:
For more Hongdae shopping recommendations, check out our Hongdae Shopping Guide!
Beauty Services
As previously touched upon, Hongdae stands out for its array of trendy beauty offerings, including skin clinics and hair salons. It's particularly celebrated among tourists for its wealth of hair salons that are foreigner-friendly! Allow us to introduce you to one of our favorite spots in Hongdae!
Soonsiki Hair Hongdae
Soonsiki Hair's Main Branch is led by two of the most renowned hairstylists in Korea: one is @soonsiki, who holds the distinguished title of L'Oréal Portfolio Member, and the other is @soonsiki_yoniyoko, who possesses a unique and recognized qualification in coloristry, not found elsewhere in Korea. Both highly recognized personalities in the hair industry are respected by other hair salons in Korea. In recent years, Soonsiki has become more open to foreigners and frequently work towards providing better service for not only their local regulars, but for international tourists as well.
Whether you want to change your look with a color change, get a Korean perm, or try out the viral Korean scalp treatment, Soonsiki is ready to deliver excellent results and service. Check out our visit to the salon in the video below!
You can book an appointment for yourself on Creatrip and get a discount while you're at it! Read more about Soonsiki Hair and book your appointment in the link below.
Read more about Soonsiki!
Book an appointment!
Check out our Hongdae Beauty Guide for all things related to K-beauty in Hongdae!
Food
Hongdae offers a culinary journey, from quaint mom-and-pop Korean eateries to global flavors, with a notable emphasis on Japanese cuisine, where izakayas abound. While many establishments in Hongdae might not open their doors early, due to its reputation as a nightlife hotspot, those who know where to look can discover delightful dining experiences at any hour.
For recommendations on where to eat in Hongdae, check out our 'Hongdae Food Guide' below!
Cafes
We have a separate section for cafes because the cafes in Hongdae deserve their own category. From cute dainty cafes to cafes with modern, contemporary interior, the cafe game in Hongdae is on another level.
Check our our 'Hongdae Cafe Guide' for more information!
Activities
There is so much to do in Hongdae, you need to plan a whole day here. From karaoke rooms with floor to ceiling windows to Samoyed cafes, you won't have a boring moment in Hongdae if you plan ahead. Let's not forget about the clubbing as well! As long as you're being safe, a night out in Hongdae is a night you'll remember forever.
Check out our extensive blog on all the different things you can do in Hongdae!
Surrounding Neighborhoods
The neighborhoods surrounding Hongdae, including Yeonnam-dong, Mangwon-dong, Hapjeong, Sangsu, and Sinchon, are also worth exploring. If you find Hongdae a bit too crowded or geared towards a younger crowd, consider heading to Hapjeong or Sangsu instead. Locals often prefer these areas when they're looking for a quieter or more mature atmosphere.
Mangwon-dong is home to the renowned Mangwon Market, celebrated for its authentic street food. This market draws fewer tourists and is more frequented by locals, offering a genuine taste of the area's culinary delights. Additionally, Mangwon-dong features the Mangwon Han River Park, a perfect spot for picnics during pleasant weather. This area provides a quieter, more local experience away from the bustling crowds.
Sinchon is the university town in front of Yonsei University and Ewha Women's University, so there are lots of good cheap eats there. Read more about Sinchon below!
Yeonnam-dong can be considered an extension of Hongdae, with more good eats and cafes. Check out our Yeonnam Cafe Guide for a list of the best cafes in the area!
We hope this guide to Hongdae was helpful in planning your trip to Hongdae! If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com! You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!