Everything you need to know about Hongdae (Hongik University Area) 홍대 [Update in 2025]

Looking for Hongdae, Seoul, or Hongdae University?

You have come to the right place and it’s very hard to get the information you want about Korea, right? Let’s explore through my personal experience.

Hongdae is one of the most popular destinations to hang out for both locals and tourists. It’s a must-visited place and a lot to do there. You love it. Hongdae is a short form of Hongik University. It’s pronounced as ‘Hongik Dae Hak Kyo’. But it’s mostly called Hongdae.

Hongdae is considered the 7th special tourist zone after Iteawon, Myeongdong, Jongnon Jamsil, and Gangnam in Seoul.

Table of Contents

How to get Hondae?

서울 마포구 어울마당로 121 | 121 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (start of Eoulmadang-ro from Hongik Univ. Station’s exit 9)

You can copy and paste the location to the Naver Map or Kakao Map. Google Maps works but not as good as Naver or Kakao maps. You can also download some necessary apps to help you and make your trip easier.

Hongik Univ. Station (line 2, exit 9). Turn left at the road just in front of the station exit and walk straight. At the 2nd cross street, you will reach Hongdae Shopping Street (i.e. Eoulmadang-ro). 1 min walk.
Hongik Univ. Station (AREX Airport Railroad / Gyeongui–Jungang Line, exit 7). Turn right upon station exit and cross the street in front. The start of Hongdae Shopping Street (i.e. Eoulmadang-ro) is on your right—20 m.

Hondae Street

What to enjoy:

Coconut Box
Line Friend Hondae Flagship store
Kakao Friends Hondae Flagship store
Hongdae olive young (Main Branch)
Self-Photo studio
Samsung Store
Other Shops

Coconut Box

Coconut Box is a metavers4e play garden where you can relax and enjoy the day. The experience halls include the NFT Gallery, Media Art Box, Bob Marley Pool, VR Box, Slide Pool, Coconut Bar, and Majorca House. The place is very good for relaxation and having some fun in the fantasy world.

Location: 서울 마포구 홍익로 3길 20 B2 | B2, 20 Hongik-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Open hours: 11:00-22:00

Official website: Coconut Box

Line Friend Hondae Flagship store

Line Friends Hongdae Flagship Store is located on the 1st floor of L7 Hongdae (hotel), 1 min walk right of Hongik Univ. Station’s exit 1. When you enter the store, you will be greeted by the giant size Line Friends Brown, a favourite photo stop for many visitors. The store spreads over 3 floors (B1 Cafe, 1F & 2F).

Besides Line Friends Brown & friends, you can find merchandise of ‘BT21’ characters created in collaboration with worldwide pop-sensation BTS and ‘Brawl Stars’, the Supercell’s mobile hit game.

Line Friends Hongdae Flagship Store is situated on the 1st floor of L7 Hongdae (Hotel). It requires 1 minute walk to cover of Hongik University Station’s exit 1. You will be greeted by the giant size Lane Friends Brown, which is a favorite photo stop for visitors. It spreads over 3 floors – B1 Cafe, 1F and 3F. Such as great experience!

Location: 서울 마포구 양화로 141 | 141 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Open hour: 12:30 – 20:30

Official website: Line Friends

Kakao Friends Hondae Flagship store

Looking for lively store with cutest things? Kakao Friends is there. From lifestyle items to clothes, you can find. You must fall in love if you go there.

Which floor to visit:

3F – Cafe Gongmihak
2F – Kakao Friends
1F – Kakao Friends
B1 – Kakao Friends Factory Store

Location: 서울 마포구 양화로 162 좋은사람들빌딩 1~3층 | 1st to 3rd floor, LG Palace Building, 162 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Open Hour: 10:30- 22:00

Official Website: Kakao Friends

Hongdae olive young (Main Branch)

The biggest and central branch of Olive Young store is located in Hongdae. If you’re a beauty lover looking for Olive Young products, go to. It’s amazing.

Looking for a Floors Guide of Olive Young?

1F – Dermo Cosmetics, Health Food, Makeup, Beauty Tools, Must-Have Items

2F – Lifestyle, Perfume, Hair/Body Care, Cleansing, XTM Men’s Collection

Location: 서울시 마포구 어울마당로 68 해창빌딩 1,2층 | Haechang Building 1,2F, 68 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Open hours: 10: 23:00

Official Website: Olive Young

Self-Photo studio

Let’s take some photos and have some memories for later. In Korea, you can find any self-photo studio. Having some memories for later is great and it’s easy in Korea.

Samsung Store Hongdae

Wanna visit some latest Samsung products? Samsung Official Store located near exit 2 of Hongik University Station.

Location: 서울 마포구 양화로 171 | 171 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Open Hours: 10:30 – 20:30

Official Website: Samsung

Other shops

There are also many local shops for clothes and many more. You will love it to visit there. Make sure you come in right time. I think the best time to visit there is from 03:00 pm. And if you love night, You have also night clubs and many more attractions.

Best Hongdae Korean restaurant and recommendations

Sin Migyeong Hongdae Dakgalbi 신미경홍대닭갈비

If Yoogane Restaurant is a must-try in Seoul, consider visiting Sin Migyeong Hongdae Dakgalbi for its authentic Chuncheon Dakgalbi. The menu offers two main options: Chicken & Vegetables or Cheese Fondue Chicken with Vegetables. Spice levels range from Mild to Very Spicy, allowing you to customize your meal. Add-ons include rice cakes, sweet potato, ramen/udon, cheese, small rice balls, and three types of fried rice—flying fish roe fried rice, snow cheese fried rice, and classic fried rice.

Location: 서울 서초구 방배로16길 11-3 | 11-3, Bangbae-ro 16-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul

Open Hours: 11:00 – 22:00

NooNaHolDak Hongdae - Oven Chicken & Beer 누구나홀딱반한닭 홍대점

NooNaHolDak is a casual chicken pub spanning three floors (1F to 3F) but is often bustling with customers. Its extensive menu offers a variety of options, including baked/roast chicken (bone-in or boneless), set meals, chicken wraps, chicken quesadillas, salads with cold chewy noodles, and soups like spicy seafood or fishcake. Other highlights include spicy stir-fried chicken feet and popular snacks like cheese balls, nachos, tteokbokki, and squid mouth/legs.

Location: 서울 마포구 어울마당로 129 | 129 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Open Hours: 12:00 – 2:00 (Sun – Thu)/3:00 (Fri & Sat)

Webpage: Instagram

Best Hongdae hotels and Recommendations

L7 HONGDAE by LOTTE

At the top, I consider L7 Hongdae by Lotte. It is one of the most famous hotels in Hongdae. There are Floating Restaurant and Rooftop Bar (22F), there is also Seasonal Rooftop Pool. L7 Hongdae by Lotte is located alone a nice stretch of walkway, and nearly 1 minutes walk requires of Hongik University.

Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae, an IHG HotelOpens in new window

Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae, an IHG Hotel is great and very good review as well. It’s situated right next to Hongik University Station. It’s buffet breakfast I got really amazing and provide free for all hotel guest, 24\7 gym available.

RYSE, Autograph Collection, Seoul

RYSE is situated just three blocks from Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae, a 4-minute walk from Hongik University Station (closer to Line 2, Exit 9). The hotel features CHARR, an open-fire steakhouse, and Side Note Club, a rooftop cocktail bar offering panoramic views of Seoul.

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