Seoul Travel Guide – Hongdae – Seoulistic

Seoul Travel Guide – Hongdae

This Hongdae, Seoul travel guide is specifically for those that want to know Korea from an insider’s perspective.
Welcome to our country, our city and our culture.
(Note: This guide is a broad overview, and we have limited our suggestions)


Introduction: About Hongdae

Hongdae is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Korea. My guess is because because it has such a unique feel to it than the rest of Seoul.

Korea is a pressure packed society with a lot of social obligations and expectations. A lot of times, it’s hard for people to feel free to be who they are and to do what they want to do. Hongdae is the exception. In the land of homogeneity, Hongdae is Korea’s bastion of subculture, indie culture and street culture. Hongdae represents everything ranging from slightly to extremely askew from main stream. It’s the type of place where people who wear suits to work on Thursday live out their dreams of being a rock star on the streets on Friday. And that’s a huge part of its charm.

Maybe the reason it feels so free is because of the area’s namesake, Hongdae, which comes from Hongik University, the nation’s most prestigious art school. And just like artists in any country, the people in Hongdae are just… different. You combine youth with art, and you get a unique culture that’s exciting and freeing.

Come here for exciting nights, great design and tons of things to do.

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How to get to Hongdae, Seoul

a) How to get to Hongdae from Incheon International Airport (or Gimpo Airport) – Airport Express

The easiest way to get to the Hongdae from Incheon International Airport (or even Gimpo Airport) is by the Airport express train (ARX). It stops at Hongik University Station, which has transfers to Line 2 and the Gyeonui Jungang Line.

Subway Stations

Airport Express, Line 2 (Green Line), Gyeongui Jungang Line

The Main Hongdae Area:

Exit 9 goes to the heart of the Hongdae area. Make a left right outside the exit and follow the crowds to the shops, restaurants, bars, clubs, etc.
Exit 8 goes to the back side of the Hongdae area, which has boutique shops, small restaurants and cafes and

Other Areas:

Exit 1 leads to Donggyo-dong, a sub-neighborhood of Hongdae which has many guesthouses, small shops and restaurants
Exit 3 leads to Yeonnam-dong, a quaint and lovable sub-neighborhood of Hongdae with windy back streets filled with cute cafes, stores and restaurants.

Hapjeong Station

Line 2, Line 6

Main Hongdae Area:

Exit 3 and 4 lead to the heart of the Hongdae area. The streets are windy, and you’ll pass tons of small, cute shops tucked away in back streets. Warning, it’s easy to get lost here.

Other Areas:

Hapjeong Cafe Street – Exit 5, 6 and 7 lead to the backend of the Hongdae area, which has its own famed cafe street.

Mangwon-dong:

Exit 9, 10 lead to the Mecentapolis Complex, which has a movie theater, chain restaurants and a large supermarket (Home Plus). It also leads to Mangwon-dong, an up-and-coming neighborhood that is very explorable.


Where to stay in Hongdae, Seoul

Hongdae is a great place to stay if you’re looking to stay in more affordable housing. That means there are more guesthouses and hostels in the area. Here’s some of our favorites:

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Hi Jun Guest House


This is located right in the heart of Hongdae right next to all the fun but tucked away in a quiet side street. Also, it’s right on top of a hidden bar that’s famous with locals.
(LINK – HOTEL AFFILIATE)


  • Best for solo travelers / friends / couples
  • In the heart of Hongdae
  • Between 2 major areas: Hongdae & Yeonnam-dong
  • Easy access to everything
  • Affordable with private rooms
Amanti Hotel, Hongdae Seoul

Amanti Hotel


Amanti Hotel is a fully equipped hotel (a rarity in Hongdae) complete with fitness center, business facilities and swimming pool (charges 20,000 won). It’s also a 3 minute walk to both the main Hongdae area and Hongik University Station.


  • Best for families / friends / couples / groups
  • 3 Min Walk to Hongik university Station (Line 2)
  • Quieter side of Hongdae
  • Newly Built (June 2016)
  • Fully equipped hotel with gym and pool
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Nabi Hostel


Nabi Hostel is a great accommodation for solo travelers, couples and friends. It’s a 5 minute walk across the street to the crazy bustle of the main Hongdae area, and it’s a 1 minute walk into Hongdae’s cute and quaint sub-neighborhood, Yeonnam-dong.


  • Best for solo travelers / couples / friends
  • Between 2 major areas: Hongdae & Yeonnam-dong
  • 1 minute walk to Hongik University Station
  • Newly Built (September 2016)

The Best Restaurants in Hongdae, Seoul

(This article assumes you’re looking for Korean food in Hongdae. Click here for the best non-Korean restaurants in Hongdae.)
Everyone has a best restaurants in Hongdae list. Unfortunately, on Korean blogs a lot of them are paid advertisements, and on English sites, a lot are of non-Korean foods.
Any best of list is going to be biased. So to show how we’re creating our list, we’re focusing on authentic Korean experiences with authentic Korean flavors. Here’s our list of best restaurants in Hongdae.

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Cheonggiwa Galbi
(청기와갈비)
Expert Korean barbecue


This restaurant is the local’s choice for best Korean barbecue restaurant in Hongdae. I first found out about this restaurant because I kept passing by and there were always lines outside. This galbi restaurant is for those that don’t just want any old Korean BBQ. Instead, Cheonggiwa Galbi serves high-end Korean beef called hanwoo (한우), which is a species of beef native to South Korea.

Most restaurants get their meat from butchers or they freeze their meat, but this restaurant has a butcher onsite that butchers meat fresh everyday. It is top quality that you can taste and even see in the marbling. Also, because they have a butcher on staff, you can also eat specialty cuts that isn’t available at most Korean BBQ restaurants.

They have two locations (just around the block from each other), 청기와생고기 (Cheonggiwa Saeng Gogi) and 청기와갈비 (Cheonggiwa Galbi).

What to order:

Cheonggiwa Galbi (청기와갈비)

Here they serve specialty cuts of beef include sirloin (등심 – deungshim), butchers cut (토시살 – toshisal), outside skirt steak (안창살 – anchangsal), etc. They also have pork cuts such as pork belly (삼겹살 – samgyeopsal) and pork jowl (hangjeongsal – 항정살).

Personally, I love the classics. For most BBQ lovers, it’s sirloin (등심 – deungshim). And because you’re getting hanwoo, there is picture-perfect marbling. For pork, my favorite has to be pork jowl (항정살 – hangjeongsal). I never knew that pork could marble like that too.

Cheonggiwa Saeng Gogi (청기와 생고기)

Cheonggiwa Saenggogi makes it easy, for it only serves two things: unmarinated beef short ribs (생갈비 – saenggalbi) and marinated beef short ribs (양념갈비 – yangneom galbi). I always try for the the unmarinated beef to really taste the meat without any bells and whistles, but you have to reserve the unmarinated cut. The marinated is just as good. Their dipping sauce is perfectly sweet and tart.

  • Address: 35, Seongmisan-ro 26-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
  • Phone Number: 02-3142-3331
  • Hours:
  • Map Link: MAP LINK

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Chamsae Bangatgan
(참새방앗간)
College Bar: Jeon & Makgeolli


Jeon is any variety of food that is covered with flour and egg wash and then panfried (i.e. peppers, tofu, kimchi, meat patties, etc.), and makgeolli is a a fizzy white rice wine that has a milky taste. And these two, jeon & makgeolli, are a favorite pairing for real old school Korean flavors.

And Chamsae Bangatgan has been a local Hongdae favorite for over a decade. Walk past outside and you’ll hear the sizzling of the pans and watch the aunties fry up the goodies right outside the store. Go inside, and you’ll get an authentic experience at an authentic Korean university town establishment. Many a hazy memories were made from the college drinking games that go on here. Of course, the food is pretty darn good too.

What to order:

Everything Jeon(모듬 전)

Everything Jeon (모듬 전 – modeum jeon) is a perfect sampler platter of every type of jeon they have. They also serve large pancakes in both the seafood (haemul jeon – 해물전) and kimchi (gimchijeon – 김치전) variety. Any of these are perfect with makgeolli (막걸리). Also, if you want to try some unique makgeolli, try the chestnut makgeolli (밤막걸리), which adds a nutty sweetness to your alcoholic fizz.

  • Address: 129-1, Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
  • Phone Number: 02-338-5359
  • Hours:
  • Map Link: MAP LINK

ou

OU


OU is not a normal Korean restaurant. Most Korean restaurants have a menu that they perfect and make every single day. OU, on the other hand, is dedicated to the culinary arts. They specialize in simple Korean-style home food and even serve soups you normally can’t order in restaurants — like my favorite, 미역국 (miyeokguk), a simple bowl of seaweed soup. Actually, you still can’t order soup since they pair it specifically with a main course, which changes every two days. The people behind OU are true chefs, the cooking is intentionally unique, and the combinations are well-thought out.

Personally, it’s the only time in my entire life that I can remember the taste of 쌈 (ssam), fresh green wraps, a food that I’ve eaten throughout my entire life. OU had ultra fresh greens, which snapped in the first bite, and the ssam sauce was clearly designed to meld perfectly with the steaming rice and the slightly sweet bulgogi. Each element had purpose, and they paired everything together perfectly like a completed puzzle.

It truly is a hidden gem as it’s a little away from the main Hongdae area. But it’s well worth the trip for a unique and flavorful experience in a beautifully modern Korean restaurant.

What to order:

 
  • Address: 26, World Cup buk-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
  • Phone Number: 02-338-5359
  • Hours: 11:30~15:30 / 17:30~21:30
  • Map Link: MAP LINK

The Best Things to Do in Hongdae, Seoul

Hongdae is where all the Korean youth gather, and you’ll find all a youthful vibrance and energy in everything to do in Hongdae. It is a big area, and there are a plethora of things to do. But this Hongdae travel guide will show you what Hongdae is most famous for.

Best Things to Do in Hongdae – Design

True to the area’s namesake, Hongdae attracts creative types of all kinds. There are a lot of vintage shops, indie music venues, street performances, unique product design shops. Oddly enough, most art galleries are found outside of the area (click here for a list of galleries in Seoul).

sangsangmadang

Sangsang Madang (상상마당)


Literally translated as “imagination field,” Sangsang Madang is a multi-culture complex where all creative types gather. They focus on promoting promising young local talent, and they host them through their several venues: they have a concert hall for live performances, a small theater for independent movies, lecture rooms for workshops, and a shop for independent design.

The most popular of their many venues is their 1st floor product design showroom. Their newest showcase designer is in the front entrance of the showroom, and this changes every few weeks. The rest of the showroom is a shop where you can buy ultra unique products produced by local talent, such as makgeolli cups that show a waning moon as you drink and umbrellas with beverage holders that allow for free hands. It’s a unique shop that everyone should visit. It’s right smack in the middle of Hongdae anyway.


  • Address:
  • Phone Number:
  • Hours:
  • Map Link:
freemarket

Hongdae Free Market


Hongdae Free Market is not your average market. Hongdae Free Market aims to provide a venue for artists, performers, musicians and visitors to connect with each other. Most of the goods on sale are uniquely handmade, and some are even made right in front of your eyes. There are performances throughout the day, and after the performances, you can meet with the artists and speak to them face to face. It’s a fun place to get more unique goods and to meet with artists face to face.

The market is open 1PM to 6PM every Saturday from March to November at Hongdae Children’s Park.


Best Things to Do in Hongdae – Performances

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Street Performances


Hongdae is one of the few places in Seoul where a middle age businessman can come straight from work in a suit, set up his mic and amp, and start busting some rhymes as his alternate personality as Rap God. He wasn’t a very good rapper to be honest, but he didn’t give a damn, I didn’t give a damn, and no one around him gave a damn. He was rapping his heart out, and that’s what made it so fun.

Some performers have dreams of making it big and of going on world tour. But a lot of the performers just do it for kicks. They’re students or have day jobs, and they just want to have some fun and let their inner artist out. These are free birds putting souls on display. The whole experience is exciting and fun.

Here you’ll find comedy troupes, rap battles, kpop dancers, ballad singers, punk groups. You can find performances any day of the night, but weekend nights will have the most. Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6PM to 9PM will be the busiest and will draw the largest crowds. But remember to be mindful of the weather; cold days and rainy days will have few performances.

Most of the performances take place in two places: outside of Exit 9 of Hongik University Station and at Hongdae Children’s Park.

hongdae_exit9

Hongik University Station, Exit 9


Performers usually come to this area anywhere starting from 6PM to midnight and beyond. Some are organized, some are children.


  • Map Link:
childrenspark

Hongdae Children’s Park


Hongdae Children’s Park has semi-organized performances from 6PM to 10PM, and less-organized performances (i.e. guys with guitars) after 10PM.


  • Map Link:
live_perf

Live Performances


Some street performers make their name on the streets and eventually graduate to playing in indie venues. If you want to experience what Hongdae really is about, you must check out the music scene. The indie music scene thrives here, and music is the lifeblood of Hongdae. It’s what makes this place feel so alive.


  • Map Link:
liveclubday

Live Club Day


One of the best ways to experience all the live performances Hongdae has to offer is go on Live Club Day. You get a bracelet to go into 10 venues that hold live performances of all different types. The last time I went with some friends, we partied with a reggae and ska band at Club Free Bird. We stepped outside and heard a two-man Beatles cover band that killed “Come Together.” Then we hopped on over to Club Evans for a night cap with some urban trip-hop beats. Finally, we went to Club GoGos where we missed the performance but hung out for the after hours clubbing.


*Must show ID*

  • Access to 10 venues
  • Venue doors open at 7PM.
  • Most performances start at 8PM
  • Check their Facebook for their most recent performance

Price:

25,000 won at the door / 20,000 won online reservation

But tickets here:

LINK TO PICTURE, Map

Links:

Indie Clubs in Hongdae

evans

Club Evans


I’ve always loved jazz clubs. Dark lights, a brightly lit stage, and the deep sultry voice of a woman is all I need for a perfect night. And when talking about jazz clubs in Seoul, Club Evans in a laid-back low-key jazz club perfect for friends, couples and even solo music lovers to relax to some dulcet tones with a gin and tonic in hand.


Tip:

When coming on weekend nights, come earlier to ensure seats. There’s limited seating and they usually fill up quickly.

LInks(Korean Only)

Price:

Cover – 2 drinks included

clubff

Club FF


I was never a rock music fan growing up, but that’s because I heard it on the radio. A rock concert is a totally different experience, especially in a small venue. Club FF is exactly that: an intimate venue that gets you up close and personal to music that rocks the house. It’s a lot of fun.


Price:

Cover – Drinks included

Links:

Click here for a list of music venues in Hongdae.

Best things to do in Hongdae – Shopping

Hongdae attracts a lot of young people, so much of the shopping in Hongdae is for newer, trendier fashions for youth that are affordable. Here’s where you’ll find the most shopping in Hongdae:

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Boutique Shop Street:


If you’re shopping in Hongdae, you’ll want to walk down this street. Somehow many of the boutique shops in Hongdae ended up here. The majority of the shops are specially curated for women’s fashion (although there are a few mens shops scattered around).


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Main Street


When walking up from Hongik University Station, exit 9 to the main Hongdae Area, most people will pass through this street. In addition to standard items at very affordable prices, the street is also filled with boutique shops that have edgier fashions, such as bold t-shirt prints with loud statements and hats that require a certain level of confidence. Many of the shops stay open past midnight on weekends for those who need an extra sweater on the way to the club.


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Aland


Aland is a multi-concept shop that serves shopping with culture. They curate fashion and accessories for both men and women from the best Korean fashion brands as well as vintage shops. Aland has a many locations throughout Korea, and they have two locations in Hongdae.


Address:

Map Link: (MAP LINK)

Address:

Map Link: (MAP LINK)

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Style Nanda


Style Nanda started out as a popular online store, but is now one of Korea’s representative fashion brands. Their edgy yet classic style is perfect for Korean youth looking for unique and affordable goods. And the Style Nanda flagship store in Hongdae has three floors of lipstick shades, edgy denim pieces and pretty shoes.


Address:

Map Link: (MAP LINK)

Address:

Map Link: (MAP LINK)

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Kakao Store


If you’ve even used KakaoTalk, Korea’s #1 messaging app, you’re probably familiar with their cute character emoticons. Ryan the lovable lion, Frodo the posh city dog, Apeach the mischievous and silly fruit, and the rest of the gang have cried and laughed with you in all your conversations. So why not get one you can hold in real life? Head over to the Kakao Store in Hongdae to get exclusive Kakao items sold only in these select few stores.

They also have a Kakao Friends concept museum as well. Here you’ll see the creation process for the characters, and get to really fanboy/girl over them. The entry free comes with a discount coupon for the ticket price, so you’ll get to see if for free if you’re buying something anyway.

(For the Kakao Flagship Store, head to Gangnam Station)


Address:

Map Link: (MAP LINK)

Opening Hours:12PM – 10PM

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Line Store


Maybe you’re a Line user with more love for Brown and Cony. The Line Store in Hongdae also has all your favorite characters in doll, mug and pencil case format. Of course, you’ll get a very instagrammable picture with all your favorite characters as well.


Address:

Map Link: (MAP LINK)

Opening Hours:12PM – 10PM

(For the Line Flagship Store, head to Itaewon)
(LINK)

Best things to do in Hongdae – Interactive Activities

Hongdae is where a lot of friends and couples meet to hang out for the fun interactive activities to spark fun. Here’s a few of our favorite interactive activities in Hongdae.

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Trick Eye Museum


No list of things to do in Hongdae would be complete without the Trick Eye Museum. It’s one of the first 3D museums in Korea, where with some clever camera angles you become a part of the art work. It’s very silly and very fun. They also have a love museum and an ice museum for some naughty and nippy fun (double entendre whammy!).

Opening Hours:

Address:

Map Link:

Buy Tickets Online:

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Seoul Escape Room


Seoul Escape Room has several challenges that forces you to play a real life game of clue. You’ll find clues throughout the room that lead to the next. Get all the clues, and you’ll unlock yourself back into the real world. The game lasts for an hour, and they have both Korean and English versions. Also, if you’re stuck on a clue, they’ll buzz you in extra hints so you can move on.

Opening Hours:

Website: http://www.seoul-escape.com/

Address:

Map Link:

Other locations: Itaewon

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Luxury Noraebang


Luxury Noraebang (aka karaoke) is a unique noraebang experience in that you’ll let all of Hongdae watch you belt out some Mariah Carey in large, floor to ceiling windowed rooms (don’t worry, they can’t hear you). It’s a fun and unique experience with ladders that lead to a loft, wacky props to sing and dance with and bright flashy lights for your own personal disco.

If you’re not comfortable about voyeuristic singing, they have regular private rooms for your group. If you’re flying solo or want a more private experience, you can also try out their solo or two-person noraebang rooms, which is directly across the street as well as around the corner.

Opening Hours:

Address:

Map Link:

(LINK THINGS TO DO IN SEOUL, HONGDAE)

Best things to do in Hongdae – Activity Cafes

A lot of cafes should actually be under the activities in Hongdae section above. But in Korea, if you’re having a latte with it… then it’s a cafe. We’ll start with the active cafes in Hongdae and then follow it up other unique coffee shops.

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Dog Cafe / Cat Cafe / Sheep Cafe / Tortoise & Sugar-glider Cafe / Raccoon Cafe


Many young Koreans want pets but can’t get them because pets weren’t really a thing for their parents generation. So that gave rise to dog cafes and cat cafes, which are tons of fun. But they’ve been around for a while now. Now there are cafes with raccoons, sheep, tortoise and sugar gliders. I hope we’ll see zebra and walrus cafes soon too.

Click below for links to these cafes in Hongdae

Dog Cafe | Cat Cafe | Sheep Cafe | Tortoise & Sugar-glider Cafe | Raccoon Cafe

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Lego Cafe


Some of my favorite childhood memories are sitting around a pile of legos building my own creations. Sometimes I did it in solitary quiet and sometimes I chatted up a storm with my sister. For sure though, it was always fun. Lego cafes are great because you don’t have to make a huge investment to buy the legos. Instead, you pay an hourly fee to build the Legos. You even get a discount if you dismantle it yourself (which may not be the easiest decision).

Best things to do in Hongdae – Cafes for Coffee Lovers

Unfortunately, you can’t get complex citrusy flavors, high-end service or beautiful interiors at a raccoon cafe. So if you’re want a true coffee experience, check out some of these best cafes in Hongdae.

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The Famous Lamb


Best Service & Facilities

Large, spacious and bright, this local’s favorite cafe has huge floor to ceiling windows and an intercontinental breakfast buffet that’ll rival any hotel in the area. They roast their own coffee in-house, and they offer customers a free refill of their blends when they’ve finished their original order.

5 Brewing

Champion-level coffee
5 Brewing is run by a barista champion who specializes in making awesome espresso and brewed coffee. Of course, they’ll roast their coffee beans in house They recently opened up their 2nd location in Itaewon as well.

Cafe IMI

Dessert Lovers
Cafe IMI is owned and operated by a pastry chef that has a talent for subtle flavors. They have seasonal desserts and dessert drinks like their strawberry citron tea, which are served seasonally to utilizes the freshest ingredients. They also roast their coffee beans in house as well.

Best things to do in Hongdae – Nightlife

Korean university students, newly free from the constraints of their high school uniforms, can now rock school jackets and order some soju with their samgyeopsal. It’s a crazy time in Hongdae for fun with young Korean people.

Best Bars in Hongdae
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The Butterfly was a Flower (나비도 꽃이였다 / Nabido Kkochieotda)


This laid-back hookah bar in Hongdae is the epitome of Hongdae cool. There are no signs or loud music. You just have to know where it is to find it. It’s a very intimate venue (maybe because of the dimmed lights or the mats to lie down on), but every time I come here with friends or on dates, I always leave feeling like I’ve gotten closer to them.


  • Opening Hours:
  • Address:
  • Map:
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D.Still


This hidden speakeasy bar in Hongdae would have made American Gangster’s proud. The interior is beautifully lit and purposefully designed, and they play low key jazz music that’ll make bring you back to the roaring 20’s. Their highly trained mixologists, clad in pinstripe pants and overalls, will serve unique cocktails for all flavors. Be careful not to walk past, as there aren’t any signs for this bar.


  • Opening Hours:
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Samgeori Pocha (삼거리포차)


I’d be doing a disservice without mentioning this local’s favorite. Samgeori Pocha is the classic Korean-style bar that serves Korean bar food with killer soju bombs. It’s where all the local Korean students will go for a roaring good time, usually involving lots of drinking games.

(LINK BEST BARS IN SEOUL)


  • Opening Hours:
  • Address:
  • Map:
Best Clubs in Hongdae

Hongdae is famous for its nightlife. It’s the one place in Seoul where the clubs are packed even on Monday nights. If you’re here on a weekend, you can club hop until the sun rises or until you tap out, whichever comes first. Clubs in Hongdae usually have very affordable prices, and even tables are comparatively cheap.

Note: Most club goers in Hongdae are in their early 20’s. For other places in Seoul for clubbing, check out this page. (LINK)

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Club NB


Club NB was the first club in Hongdae, and it is a legend in the Korea clubbing scene. Playing mostly hip-hop, this is one of the clubs that will always be packed, even on a Thursday night. Be warned though: on weekends, it can get so crowded that it’s hard to even move around.


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Club M2


M2 is another legendary club in the Korea clubbing scene. When hip hop was big, M2 stuck to trance and is now primarily an EDM club. It’s one of the bigger clubs in Hongdae, with 2nd floor seating and tables in the back. And just like the other legendary clubs in Hongdae, you’ll most likely have to wait in line to get in on the weekends.


  • Open:
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Club M2


M2 is another legendary club in the Korea clubbing scene. When hip hop was big, M2 stuck to trance and is now primarily an EDM club. It’s one of the bigger clubs in Hongdae, with 2nd floor seating and tables in the back. And just like the other legendary clubs in Hongdae, you’ll most likely have to wait in line to get in on the weekends.


  • Open:
  • Address:
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