Whether are looking to soak up the youthful vibe, or have a fun night out while in Seoul, the Hongdae neighbourhood is a great place to visit. The neighborhood is full of life and energy. Here are some things that you should see, do and eat in Hongdae, Seoul.
Located north of the Han River and west of Myeongdong, Hongdae gets its name from the Hongik University which is known for its Fine Arts department. It is an abbreviation of Hongik Daehakgyo.
Originally, artists and students set up their workshops and studios in the area around the university, bringing their creative energy to the area. While many of the OGs have been priced out of the area, their creative vibe remains and many Hongdae remains very popular with the younger crowd.
Hongdae has the same feel as you might get at trendy neighbourhood like Greenwich Village in New York City.
Here are some fun and awesome things that you should check out and do while visiting Hongdae in Seoul.
Awesome Things to do in Hongdae, Seoul
Thanks Nature Cafe
Thanks Nature Cafe is a specialty coffee and dessert shop in Hongdae. But what makes it extra special is that you can see real sheep in the cafe. It brings a bit of nature into the middle of the busy city and the cafe is decorated with farm animals like sheep and cows.
Where: 마포구 서교동 486 서교푸르지오상가 B121, Seoul, South Korea, 121-842 (486 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea)
Website
Samoyed Dog Cafe (Gyeoul’s House)
Spend some time with the samoyed breed of dogs at the Samoyed Dog Cafe in Hongdae. Spread out over two floors, the lower floor has the younger and more active dogs while the calmer and older ones are found on the upper floor. Also known as Gyeoul’s House or Winter’s Village, this dog cafe in Hongdae is named after the oldest dog Gyeoul.
Read more about the Samoyed dog cafe in Hongdae.
Where: 19-5 Wausan-ro 17-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Website
Cafe Table-A
At Cafe Table-A, you can sip on a beverage and also interact with variety of animals that include cats, raccoons, meerkats, parrots and various reptiles. Pick up a ticket from the reception before heading in to the cafe.
Where: 112 Wausan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Website
Meerkat Friends
If you think sheep are unusual, how about paying a visit to Meerkat Friends in Hongdae? This place has two floors and is a petting zoo with meerkats, raccoons and other small animals.
Read more about what you can expect at the Meerkat Friends meerkat cafe in Hongdae.
Where: 마포구 와우산로21길 20 2층, Seoul, South Korea, 04040
Website
Ungteori Korea BBQ
If you love pork and love Korean BBQ, then pay a visit to Ungteori Korea BBQ at Hongdae. It is an all-you-can-eat pork fest where you can cook and enjoy pork at your table. Find out more about Ungteori Korea BBQ, all you can eat pork barbecue.
Where: 118 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Animate Hongdae
This is a good store for anime fans. You will find stickers, figurines and manga at the store. When you are done visiting, you can also explore the other small anime stores located on the same floor and nearby anime cafes. It is like heaven for anime fans who find plenty to look and gawk at.
Where: 188 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Website
Go to a Noraebang
A Noraebang is a Korean karaoke room. These are private singing rooms where you can let down your inhibitions and break out in song. It is a great way to spend a night out in Hongdae as there are many Noraebang around. Just look for the lit-up sign marked “노래방”.
Noraebang rooms are rented out by the hour and you can choose how many hours you want. They come equipped with microphones, screens and many even have themed decor to add to the mood. You can even order snacks and beverages, so there’s no reason to stop singing your heart out.
Street Performers at Eoulmadag-ro Street
Visit at night or in the evening and head over to Eoulmadag-ro Street to watch the street performers. Soak in the atmosphere as they sing and dance away in front of you. If you’re a fan of K-pop or street culture, this is one experience that you shouldn’t miss. Best of all, the performances are free, but do drop them a tip as a gesture of appreciation.
Zzang Games
Love arcade games? Check out Zzang Games amusement center along Eoulmadag-ro Street. The bright red facade of the building will beckon you in to have some fun.
Claw machine aficionado will love the rows and rows of claw game machines found at the center. The first floor has carnival-style games while the second has a darts game where you can play with others around the world, racing games and more. Head up to the third floor for rhythm games like Dance, Dance Revolution.
Where: 69 Eoulmadang-ro, 서교동 Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Website
32 Parfait
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Head over to 32 Parfait, also along Eoulmadag-ro Street, to get a super tall ice cream cone. In case you are wondering, the 32 in 32 Parfait refers to the height of the ice cream – a whopping 32 cm tall! You can try to finish it up on your own if you’re feeling up to it but it is great for sharing too. Don’t forget to take a picture of it first before wolfing it down. It is one of the fun things to do in Hongdae.
Where: 365-17, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Website
Clubbing
If you want to truly experience the energy and nightlife in Hongdae, go clubbing in Hongdae. It is the center of club culture in Seoul. Different clubs cater to different tastes. M2 club is great for those who love EDM while the Cream Club, along the main street of Hongdae is for those who are into hip-hop music. Go on the weekends to fully experience the vibe.
Coconut Box
Great for those who love taking selfies, Coconut Box is a “play lounge” that features different areas and experience centers which are decorated in different styles. There are also large scale immersive installations that will make you feel like you have stepped into a painting.
One of the most popular areas at Coconut Box is the ball pool, filled with 200,000 balls, that you can dive into.
Where: B2, 20 Hongik-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Website
You may also enjoy this article about top sights to see and do while in Seoul, South Korea.
