Seoul's trendy youth and nightlife district known for indie music, street art, clubs, and eclectic dining options.

About Hongdae (Hongik University)

Hongdae (short for Hongik Daehakgyo, Hongik University's surroundings) is Seoul's most vibrant youth culture hub. The neighborhood pulses with energy from indie music venues, busking performances, street art murals, and some of the city's most creative cafes and restaurants. Hongdae Playground hosts regular free concerts and flea markets on weekends.

The area extends into neighboring Yeonnam-dong, a quieter grid of tree-lined streets with independent coffee shops, bookstores, and brunch spots along Gyeongui Line Forest Park—a converted railway turned linear park. To the east, Mangwon-dong offers a local market atmosphere with hip eateries.

Hongdae's nightlife is legendary, with clubs and bars operating until dawn, particularly along "Club Street" near exit 9 of Hongdae station. The neighborhood is directly accessible from Gimpo Airport via the AREX airport railroad, making it one of the most convenient first stops for travelers arriving in Seoul.

Nearby Landmarks

Hongdae Playground Gyeongui Line Forest Park KT&G Sangsangmadang Yeonnam-dong

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $8-12
Time 20-30 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $7-10
Time 20-30 min

Taxi stand outside arrivals

Train (Metro Line 9)

Cost $2
Time 25-35 min
Frequency Every 3-6 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Metro Line 9 from Gimpo Airport to Dangsan Station, transfer to Line 2, ride one stop to Hongik University Station.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $8-12 20-30 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $7-10 20-30 min Budget-conscious, app users
Train $2 25-35 min Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The AREX runs until around 11:50 PM. Seoul subway Line 2 (through Hongik University station) runs until midnight. After that, night buses N26 and others serve the area. A taxi from Gimpo costs ₩10,000-15,000 ($7-11). Hongdae nightlife runs until 5-6 AM on weekends.

Luggage Tips

AREX trains have luggage racks. Hongik University station has elevators and lockers (₩1,000-3,000). The walk from the station to hotels in the Hongdae area is usually 5-10 minutes on flat terrain. Yeonnam-dong accommodations may require a slightly longer walk.

Accessibility

AREX trains are wheelchair accessible. Hongik University station has elevators at all exits. Hongdae's main streets are flat and well-paved. Some smaller alleys may be narrow. Wheelchair-accessible taxis available via Kakao T app.