Best Hair Salons in Hongdae, Seoul (2026) | 9 Top-Rated Spots for Cuts, Color & Scalp Care
Everything you need to know before booking a Korean hair salon in Hongdae: English-friendly service, honest pricing, and what to actually expect as a tourist.
By Harry @ Creatrip | Updated May 2026 |
Hey everyone! I'm Harry from Creatrip, your go-to source for real, on-the-ground Korea travel info written by people who actually live here.
I've been based in the Hongdae neighborhood of Seoul for the past 8 years, and in that time I've sat in more salon chairs than I can count. I've had great cuts, one memorable bleach disaster (lesson learned), and a scalp treatment that genuinely made me want to cancel the rest of my itinerary and just stay on that massage chair forever. So when people ask me where to get their hair done in Seoul, Hongdae is always my first answer.
Hongdae isn't just a nightlife and shopping district — it's quietly one of the best areas in Seoul to get your hair done as a foreigner. In this guide, I'm breaking down the 9 best hair salons in Hongdae for 2026: who they're best for, what to expect, and exactly what sets each one apart based on personal visits and years of living in the neighborhood.
Why Is Hongdae One of the Best Areas in Seoul for a Hair appointment?
If you're visiting Seoul and thinking about getting a haircut, color, or perm, Hongdae is one of the most foreigner-accessible neighborhoods to do it. Here's how it stacks up against the other popular tourist areas:
Hongdae has the highest density of stylish, trend-forward salons, many of which have real experience working with international clients. The vibe skews young and creative — perfect for fashion-forward cuts, vivid color, or natural Korean-style layers. And because it's Hongdae, you can easily build a full day around your appointment: coffee before, shopping after, dinner nearby.
Gangnam salons tend to be more upscale and specialized, with premium pricing to match. If you're requesting a specific stylist or want a very precise, high-end service, Gangnam is worth it — but it's a bigger commitment.
Myeongdong is convenient if you're already doing the tourist circuit, but the salon options are more limited and walk-in culture can lead to rushed service.
For first-timers, or anyone who wants great results and a smooth experience as a non-Korean speaker, Hongdae is the sweet spot.
How Much Do Hair Salons in Hongdae Cost in 2026?
Pricing in Korean salons can vary a lot depending on your hair length, condition, and what services you're adding on. Here's a general reference for the Hongdae area as of May 2026:
Service | Price |
Men's Haircut | ₩20,000-45,000 (KRW 20,000~KRW 45,000) |
Women's Haircut | ₩20,000-55,000 (KRW 20,000~KRW 55,000) |
Hair Coloring | ₩80,000-220,000+ (KRW 80,000~KRW 220,000+) |
Perm | ₩120,000-300,000+ (KRW 120,000~KRW 300,000+) |
Bleach | ₩100,000-250,000+ (KRW 100,000~KRW 250,000+) |
Treatment / Head Spa | ₩50,000-150,000+ (KRW 50,000~KRW 150,000+) |
※ Prices were cross-checked in May 2026 using Creatrip booking pages and publicly listed salon menus in the Hongdae area. Final prices may vary depending on hair length, damage level, stylist tier, and add-on treatments.
Heads up: If you have long or thick hair, previously bleached hair, or you're going for a major color change, the final total will usually be higher than the base menu rate. That's normal in Korea, but the salons below are generally good about explaining costs before they begin.
Which Hongdae Hair Salon Is Best for You?
A Quick Comparison Table
To save you the research rabbit hole, here's a quick-reference table of all 9 salons covered in this guide:
Salon | Why It Stands Out | Best For | English Support |
SOONSIKI HAIR | Most-booked by international visitors; K-celebrity clientele | First Korean salon experience | -Flagship :Fluent English |
THE DAY'S HAIR | Men's cuts + specialty color; stylist with 15+ years experience | Men's cuts, bold color | Main Branch: Fluent English |
#CCONTE | Specialty in bleach and color; transparent pricing shown in English | Fashion color, bleach | Basic English support |
Korea's largest salon chain; very consistent quality | Scalp spa + color combo | Basic English support | |
10+ years experience per stylist; natural, everyday-friendly results | Natural waves, couples | Basic English support | |
AM:TON | Pre-consultation questionnaire; trend-forward natural styles | Perms, soft color | Basic English support |
KYUNGZA | Color without bleach; stylist manages every step personally | Low-damage color change | Basic English support |
Men's-only salon; specialists in Korean men's styling | Korean men's cut + perm | Basic English support | |
Hanok-based scalp & body spa; organic/vegan products | Scalp care, relaxation | Basic English support |
Which Are the 9 Best Hair Salons in Hongdae in 2026?
※ All business info reflects May 2026 updates. Always confirm details on the booking page.
1. SOONSIKI HAIR
Flagship
📍 29 Wausan-ro 21-gil, 4F, Mapo-gu, Seoul
🕐 Wed–Sun, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
🚇 Exit 9, Hongik University Station → 8-min walk
🗣️ Languages: Korean, Fluent English
MOMENT Branch
📍 164 Yanghwa-ro, 8F, Mapo-gu, Seoul
🕐 Wed–Sun, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
🚇 Exit 8, Hongik University Station → 1-min walk
🗣️ Languages: Korean, Basic English support
Hanok Branch
📍 19 Hongik-ro 5-gil, 2F, Mapo-gu, Seoul
🕐 Wed–Sun, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
🚇 Exit 9, Hongik University Station → 4-min walk
🗣️ Languages: Korean, Basic English support
Creatrip Exclusive Offer💇♀️
: Leave a review and get up to 38% off
If you're visiting a Korean hair salon for the first time and want a safe, established option, SOONSIKI is one of the easiest places to recommend. It's one of the best-known salon names in Hongdae, and while it's popular among models, idols, and influencers, it also has a lot of experience serving international visitors.
I've personally been to the main branch during a shoot and watched the team handle a full floor of clients from different countries without it ever feeling rushed or disorganized.
What impressed me most wasn't just the result! It was the consult. My stylist took one look at my face shape and hair texture and walked me through exactly what would and wouldn't work. Then, at the end, they sat with me for a few minutes and showed me how to blow it out at home. For someone who absolutely cannot replicate salon results on their own (me, always), that kind of follow-through means everything.
✏️ Editor Tip: If fluent English support is important to you, book the Flagship Branch. The MOMENT and Hanok branches can still assist international visitors, but English communication is more basic.
Check out our reels too!
What Real Customers Are Saying:
★★★★★ C Leung ｜ Hong Kong ｜ 2026.02.07 The stylist and I bonded over being fans of the same artist — she even gave me a little gift. Incredible vibes, the skill and service were both top-notch. |
★★★★★ Jen ｜ Australia ｜ 2026.05.15 Friendly staff who speak multiple languages. They aren’t pushy about upselling and make recommendations about style and cut. Drink and snacks are provided as well. |
2. THE DAY'S HAIR
Main Branch
📍 20 Hongik-ro 5an-gil, 2F, Mapo-gu, Seoul
🕐 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
🚇 Exit 9, Hongik University Station → 5-min walk
🗣️ Languages: Korean, Fluent English
GROVE Branch
📍 15 Donggyo-ro 36-gil, 1–2F, Mapo-gu, Seoul
🕐 Tue–Sun, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
🚇 Exit 3, Hongik University Station → 6-min walk
🗣️ Languages: Korean, English, Mandarin
Creatrip Exclusive Offer💇♀️
· Visit the flagship store and leave a review to receive up to 20% off.
· Visit the GROVE branch and leave a review to receive an exclusive 10% off and a free gift.
THE DAY'S HAIR has built one of the strongest reputations among Western visitors in particular. I've recommended it to North American friends more than once, and the feedback is always similar: clear communication, realistic consultation, and results that closely match the reference photos.
The GROVE branch owner has over 15 years of experience and personally specializes in color theory, so if you've been wanting to try something dramatic but are scared of it going wrong, this is a good place to have that conversation first. They'll tell you honestly what's achievable based on your current hair.
The Main Branch, meanwhile, is especially easy to recommend for men's cuts.
✏️ Editor Tip: Couples who want to book together may prefer the Main Branch, while travelers who want smoother English or Mandarin consultation should choose GROVE. Both locations also offer scalp spa treatments worth considering.
What Real Customers Are Saying:
★★★★★ Manderines11 ｜ U.S. ｜ 2026.05.22 It was easy to find right next to trick eye museum. I was a bit nervous with the language barrier and not having a photo for exact reference since I wanted more of a consult but Anna cut and colored my hair to my preference. They had a color chart to reference as well and she blended my roots with my outgrown balayage. They cut hair dry and wash after color. I went a bit shorter for my Korea vacation and she lighten up the ends using different cutting techniques that left my hair feeling soft and bouncy. The all over color was a semi permanent but it lifted my dark roots. No bleach was used per my request. |
★★★★★ ssamomo｜ U.S. ｜2025.10.29 The staff here spoke English and were so helpful in making me feel at ease. The haircut turned out even better than I had imagined. If I was staying in Seoul longer, I would go here over and over again! |
Check out our visit to The Day's Hair below! 👇
3. #CCONTE
Hongdae Yeonnam Branch
📍25 Hongik-ro 5-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
🕐 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
🚇 Exit 9, Hongik University Station → 5-min walk
🗣️ Languages: Korean, Basic English
Seogyo Branch
📍 255-1 Donggyo-ro, 2–3F, Mapo-gu, Seoul
🕐 Mon, Wed–Sun, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
🚇 Exit 3, Hongik University Station → 7-min walk
🗣️ Languages: Korean, Basic English
Creatrip Exclusive Offer💇♀️
: Leave a review on Creatrip or Google Map and get 10% off.
If color is the main reason you're booking a salon in Korea, #CCONTE deserves serious consideration. Bleach and color work are the clear strengths here, and the salon puts real emphasis on minimizing damage along the way. That's especially reassuring if your hair has already been processed before.
One thing I really appreciate as a tourist-facing feature is the English-language price menu. Being able to check expected pricing before the service starts removes a lot of uncertainty, and that kind of transparency matters.
I came here with a Korean colleague once and we made a full afternoon of it — cut, perm, color, and a treatment, all in one sitting. The stylists checked in regularly throughout the process, and while we were processing color, they brought out snacks and hand masks. It sounds small, but when you're sitting in a chair for three hours, that kind of attentiveness makes a real difference.
✏️ Editor Tip: If you don't speak Korean, book the Hongdae Yeonnam Branch — English communication is smoother there. That said, at either location, bring 2–3 reference photos and a translation app, and you'll be fine. The stylists are experienced at reading exactly what you're going for.
What Real Customers Are Saying:
★★★★★ Lucky｜ India ｜2026.04.05 I visited recently for a coloring and haircut, and I was truly satisfied. From the consultation to the treatment, everything was handled very meticulously, accurately reflecting the style I wanted. In particular, the color turned out natural and suited my skin tone well, so the reactions from those around me were positive. The haircut was also done well, making it easy to style my hair every day, which has made daily styling much more convenient. Overall, both the service and the skill were excellent, so I definitely want to visit again. I highly recommend it. |
★★★★★ Zephani｜ U.S. ｜2026.04.30 She did an amazing and through job! Paid a lot of attention to detail with a bleach, cut and dye job. Would definitely recommend coming here. |
Check out our visit to #CCONTE below! 👇
4. JUNO Hair Hongdae 1st Branch
📍 17 Hongik-ro, 3F, Mapo-gu, Seoul
🕐 Mon–Fri 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Sat–Sun 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
🚇 Exit 9, Hongik University Station → 6-min walk
🗣️ Languages: Korean, Basic English
Creatrip Exclusive Offer💇♀️
: Leave a review on Creatrip & Google Map and get 10% off.
JUNO HAIR is South Korea's largest salon chain, and the biggest advantage as a traveler is consistency. The training, systems, and overall service flow tend to feel predictable in a good way, which lowers the risk if you're nervous about trying a new salon abroad.
It isn't necessarily the cheapest option in Hongdae, but for a haircut, color, or scalp spa in a clean, well-run environment, it offers solid value. This is the kind of place I'd recommend to someone who wants a Korean salon experience without too much uncertainty.
✏️ Editor Tip: JUNO has multiple branches in the Hongdae area, so make sure you're booking Hongdae 1st Branch specifically before you go.
What Real Customers Are Saying:
★★★★★ Kevin｜ Canada ｜2025.10.23 Amazing service and care to detail. Great place to get your hair done, they definitely care about your comfort and well-being here Eunbin takes great care of my hair, and the people who run the business are also very kind and do my hair well! Be sure to come to Juno Hair, you won’t regret it! |
★★★★★ axaliate｜ U.K. ｜2025.10.31 Such an amazing service! Dohun and Ahyoung were so amazing. Definitely recommend. |
5. RAVI HAIR Hongdae Main Branch
📍 100 Yanghwa-ro, 2F, Mapo-gu, Seoul
🕐 Mon–Fri 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Sat 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM | Sun 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🚇 Exit 3, Hapjeong Station → 5-min walk
🗣️ Languages: Korean, Basic English, Mandarin
RAVI HAIR is one of those salons that feels especially dependable if you're looking for natural, wearable results. Every stylist has extensive experience, and it shows in how carefully they handle different hair types and conditions.
The salon is especially strong at soft waves, easy-to-maintain layers, and polished cuts that still look good after you leave the salon. That matters more than people think. A style that only looks good for the next hour isn't that useful when you're traveling.
English support here is available at a basic level, and Mandarin is also available. For more detailed style discussions, bring reference photos for a smoother consultation.
✏️ Editor Tip: The salon has a resident Labrador. If you're nervous around dogs, just mention it when you arrive and they'll make sure you're comfortable. (If you love dogs, don't say a word and enjoy.)
What Real Customers Are Saying:
★★★★★ Beverlyn｜ Philippines ｜2026.05.02 Ravi Hair exceeded every expectation! From the moment my husband and I arrived, we were warmly welcomed with refreshments and snacks — such a lovely touch that immediately put us at ease. The salon has a wonderfully comfortable and relaxed atmosphere throughout. |
6. AM:TON
Hongdae Main Branch
📍 40 Jandari-ro 3an-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
🕐 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
🚇 Exit 3, Hapjeong Station → 5-min walk
🗣️ Languages: Korean, English
Hongdae Branch
📍 148-12 Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
🕐 Mon, Wed–Sun, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
🚇 Exit 2, Hapjeong Station → 9-min walk
🗣️ Languages: Korean, English
Creatrip Exclusive Offer💇♀️
• Leave a review on Creatrip & Google Map and get a discount.
• Submit a photo review or Google review and receive AM:TON GOODS (postcards) as a gift!
AM:TON was one of the earlier Hongdae salons to become well known among international visitors, and it still does a great job balancing trend awareness with approachable service. The salon is especially appealing if you like that polished but not overly styled Korean look.
One of the most useful details here is the English consultation form you fill out before the service starts. You can describe your hair concerns, preferences, and goals in writing, which takes pressure off the in-person consultation. That alone makes AM:TON easier for many travelers to navigate.
They also give aftercare notes based on your service, which is a genuinely practical touch. I had a perm here years ago, and those maintenance instructions made a real difference.
✏️ Editor Tip: If you gravitate toward the effortlessly polished Korean aesthetic (hair that looks styled but not overdone), AM:TON is the place to book. They're especially good with soft natural perms and understated color.
What Real Customers Are Saying:
★★★★★ Natalia｜Poland ｜2025.10.07 I had a lovely experience at AM:TON. I selected cut + scalp care. Kyung-hee was lovely, she took great care of my hair and scalp, her touch was calming, almost put me to sleep 😁. I highly recommend her and the hair salon, I'll gladly come back when im back in Seoul! P.S. AM:TON also gave me a drink and a little treat, a very nice touch! 😚 |
★★★★★ ryn｜ Singapore ｜2025.09.10 Ian was very helpful and the team was very friendly! Happy with my haircut and scalp treatment! |
7. KYUNGZA
Hongdae Main Branch
📍 53 Worldcupbuk-ro 6-gil, B1F, Mapo-gu, Seoul
🕐 Wed–Sun, 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM
🚇 Exit 2, Hongik University Station → 4-min walk
🗣️ Languages: Korean, Basic English, Mandarin
Hongdae FAB Branch
📍 78 Worldcupbuk-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
🕐 Wed–Sun, 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM
🚇 Exit 2, Hongik University Station → 6-min walk
🗣️ Languages: Korean, Basic English/Mandarin/Japanese
Creatrip Exclusive Offer💇♀️
:Leave a review on Creatrip and get a discount.
KYUNGZA stands out for one key reason: the salon is especially good at achieving rich color results with minimal bleach. If you're curious about going lighter or more vivid but worried about damage, this is one of the better places in Hongdae to have that conversation.
A colleague of mine visited recently during a promotion, and what impressed her most was how closely the head stylist monitored the process from beginning to end. The salon doesn't just hand you off and disappear — the attention continues throughout the appointment.
There's also luggage storage on-site, and the salon is a short walk from Hongik University Station, which is on the AREX airport express line. Excellent option for first or last day of your trip.
✏️ Editor Tip: Both branches offer high-quality services, but if you want to communicate in Mandarin or want more fluent English support, book the Main Branch. The two are very close to each other, just double-check the address before you head out.
What Real Customers Are Saying:
★★★★★ Zen｜U.S ｜2026.04.10 I originally booked only a haircut, but during the consultation, they were so thorough and attentive that I ended up getting not just the cut, but also a perm and a treatment. From the very beginning, they took the time to carefully understand what I wanted and made me feel completely comfortable and confident in their skills. Every staff member was incredibly kind, welcoming, and professional, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. The atmosphere was so relaxing that I felt at ease the entire time. I’m genuinely satisfied with the results, and it exceeded my expectations in every way. If I ever come back to Korea, I will definitely make sure to visit here again |
★★★★★ MP Dragonfly｜ Thai ｜2026.03.12 The services are good, staff is friendly especially Sun-Woo, definitely recommend the salon 🥰 |
8. BUDDY Men's Hair
📍 28 Yanghwa-ro 7-gil, 3F, Mapo-gu, Seoul
🕐 Mon, Wed–Sun, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
🚇 Exit 2, Hapjeong Station → 2-min walk
🗣️ Languages: Korean, English, Japanese
If you're a guy visiting Seoul and want a salon that specializes specifically in men's hair, BUDDY is one of the best choices in the Hongdae-Hapjeong area. Because it's men-only, the stylists here are deeply familiar with Korean men's cuts, styling challenges, and perm trends.
The atmosphere is relaxed, the location is easy to reach, and the recommendations tend to feel practical rather than overly trendy. I once sent a friend here who had never paid much attention to his hair before, and he walked out with a cut that actually fit his face and held up well after the trip.
✏️ Editor Tip: If you've ever wondered how Korean men's hair seems to sit flatter and cleaner at the sides, ask about a Down Perm consultation.
What Real Customers Are Saying:
★★★★★ Onlykev｜U.S ｜2025.10.28 I recently had a perm and cut with Jhan. He was really nice and helpful. I came in with no preselected style and ask if Jhan can pick a style suited for my face. He came up with 2 and then decided to go with the second one. I was happy with the haircut and would recommend coming back for another. |
★★★★★ andyziva｜Canada ｜2025.10.27 Very friendly and helpful to help choose best style for me, highly recommend! |
9. THE SEOL:HA
📍 448-31 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
🕐 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
🚇 Exit 1, Hongik University Station → 8-min walk
🗣️ Languages: Korean, English, Mandarin, Japanese
THE SEOL:HA is the most distinctive experience on this list. If you want more than just a haircut and you're looking for a proper self-care appointment, this is where I'd point you. It's housed in a traditional Korean hanok and focuses on scalp spa and wellness treatments using vegan, organic ingredients.
The whole experience feels intentionally slower and more private than a typical salon visit. If your scalp is stressed from heat styling, coloring, travel fatigue, or general burnout, this is the kind of place that makes sense.
It's definitely not the cheapest option here, but the setting and attention to detail make it memorable.
✏️ Editor Tip: If you're building a slower self-care day into your Seoul itinerary, book this early. It fills up quickly, especially with international visitors.
What Real Customers Are Saying:
★★★★★ Wilock｜Canada ｜2025.10.05 Discovered this Gem at Creatrip! I always wanted to try a full body korean scrub to compare it to the ones I’ve tried in Japan. It was definitely a more intense experience (in a good way!) besides the scrub, my package also included lots of massages, facial and a scalp treatment. Thank you to Sharon for being professional and extremely good at what she does. |
What Should You Know Before Visiting a Korean Hair Salon for the First Time?
1. Pricing can go above the menu rate — here's why
Korean salons price by hair length, density, condition, and the specific service mix. If you have long or thick hair, previously bleached hair, or you're adding a treatment on top of color, expect the final total to be higher than the base price shown. Ask for a full quote before you sit down.
2. Budget more time than you think for big color services
A cut alone? About 30–40 minutes. Color? 1–2 hours. Perm? 2–3 hours. Bleach + color + treatment? Clear your afternoon. That's not a complaint — the results are worth it — just don't book a dinner reservation for 6 PM if your appointment starts at 3.
3. Book ahead — especially on weekends
The popular Hongdae salons fill up fast, particularly weekday evenings and weekends. Smaller boutique salons typically don't take walk-ins at all. I'd always recommend booking in advance rather than hoping to drop in. If navigating Korean platforms sounds annoying, Creatrip lets you book directly in English with a real person following up on your reservation.
4. Bring 2–3 reference photos
This is the single most effective thing you can do to ensure you get what you want. Don't rely on describing it verbally. Pull up a few photos that show the vibe, the cut, the color, the texture you're going for — stylists can work with that across any language barrier.
5. Tell your stylist about your hair history
Scalp sensitivity, previous bleach, heat damage, thinning areas — these all affect what products and techniques they'll use. Don't hold back on this. Mentioning it upfront protects both your hair and the final result.
6. Ask how to style and maintain it before you leave
Especially if you're getting a Korean-style layered cut, C-curl, or a men's taper — the in-salon look is achieved with technique that takes a few minutes to learn. Ask your stylist to show you before you walk out the door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How much should I budget for a haircut, color, or perm in Hongdae?
A haircut typically starts around ₩20,000 (~$15 USD), color from ₩80,000 (~$60), and a perm from ₩120,000 (~$91). Final pricing depends on your hair's length, density, and condition, plus whether you add treatments. Longer, thicker, or previously processed hair almost always adds to the total.
Q2. Do Hongdae hair salons speak English?
Most of the salons on this list offer at minimum basic English communication. Several — including RAVI HAIR, AM:TON, THE DAY'S HAIR GROVE, and THE SEOL:HA — offer fully fluent English service. Bring reference photos regardless, and a translation app as backup for finer details.
Q3. How long do treatments usually take?
Cuts: 30–40 min. Color: 1–2 hours. Perm: 2–3 hours. Scalp spa: 1–1.5 hours. Add-ons like treatments or additional lengths will extend this.
Q4. Is there a good men's salon in Hongdae?
Yes — BUDDY Men's Hair is the dedicated men's-only option. THE DAY'S HAIR Main Branch is also strongly recommended for guys.
Q5. Can I walk in without a reservation?
Some salons accept same-day walk-ins for cuts, but it's never guaranteed. For color, perms, or scalp treatments, always book in advance.
Q6. What's the safest service to try on a first visit to a Korean salon?
A basic haircut is usually the lowest-risk starting point. If you're trying color or a perm, go in with clear reference photos and be honest about your hair history.
Q7. Which Hongdae salon is best for hair color?
#CCONTE, KYUNGZA, and THE DAY'S HAIR GROVE are my top three for color work specifically. Check their portfolio photos and book the one whose style matches your reference photos most closely.
Written by Harry, a Seoul-based Creatrip editor covering beauty and travel experiences for international visitors.
If you have any questions or concerns, Creatrip provides 24/7 real-time support in English, Chinese, and Japanese for international visitors completely free of charge. Reach us anytime on WhatsApp (+82 10-8818-2915) or LINE (@creatrip). You can also follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Youtube to stay updated on all things Korea!
