Escape to Hongdae for culture and art in Seoul

Hongdae, short for Hongik University, is one of Seoul's young and vibrant cultural neighborhoods, featuring a unique mix of art, music, fashion, and global cultures.
There's so much to see, eat, and do in and around Hongdae that there's always something new to experience every time you visit. It's a favorite among both travelers visiting Seoul and locals alike.

Here are four must-visit attractions in and around Hongdae.

1. Hongdae

Hongdae is famous for its street performances by artists and musicians.
On weekends, you can enjoy live performances of various genres on the streets, and it has become a special part of Hongdae's culture.
In addition, there are many spaces where you can experience art and culture, such as galleries and small theaters, creating a creative atmosphere.
For those interested in fashion, Hongdae is a shopping paradise.
The streets in front of Hongdae are a great place to see the latest fashion trends among young people.
The neighborhood is also popular among foodies, with a wide variety of food options ranging from budget-friendly to high-end restaurants. 

2. Kakao Friends Hongdae

Kakao Friends Hongdae is one of Kakao Friends' flagship stores located in the Hongdae entrance area of Seoul.
The store sells a variety of character merchandise, and is the place where you can purchase goods from many beloved Kakao Friends characters such as Ryan, Mooji, and Apache.
There are various photo zones throughout the store where visitors can take selfies and have fun.
You can take photos with Kakao Friends characters and make special memories.

Visit information

• Choose a time to visit: Many people visit on weekends and holidays, so if you want to enjoy a more leisurely shopping experience, we recommend visiting on weekday mornings.
• Limited edition products: Kakao Friends Hongdae often sells limited edition products or special collaborations.
  If you're interested in purchasing an item, we recommend checking the release information in advance.
• Buy a souvenir: Kakao Friends merchandise makes a great souvenir of your visit to Hongdae.
  They're especially great for friends and family who love Kakao Friends characters.

3. Mangwon Market

Mangwon Market is a traditional market located in Mangwon-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul.
Mangwon Market is an alleyway market with about 200 shops, and you can find a variety of shops you would expect to find in a traditional market, including fresh vegetables and fruits, seafood, butchers, and side dish shops.
In recent years, the market has also become more attractive with the addition of cafes, restaurants, and shops selling goods aimed at young people.
It's a popular place to buy fresh produce at affordable prices.
In particular, the night market at the end of the market provides an opportunity to buy a wide variety of food at even lower prices.

Visiting information

• Exploring on foot: Telescope Market is full of side streets and alleyways, so we recommend exploring the market at a leisurely pace. This way, you'll be able to discover its hidden charms.
• Eat: The market is home to a wide variety of eateries, from long-established traditional shops to trendy new restaurants. It's a good idea to look online for recommendations before you visit the market.
• Visit on a weekday: Weekends and holidays can be crowded, so if possible, visit on a weekday for a more relaxed experience.

4. Xscape Hongdae

This is a popular escape room located in the Hongdae entrance area of Seoul.
An escape room is a game where participants are trapped in a room with a specific theme and must solve various puzzles or missions to escape within a time limit.
It tests participants' reasoning skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork, and provides a unique and thrilling experience.
We offer escape rooms with a variety of themes, including horror, deduction, adventure, and fantasy.
Each game has a story and mission, giving participants an immersive experience that feels like they're in a real-life situation.
In addition to escape rooms that use locks and keys, we also offer high-tech games that utilize the latest technology.
Escape rooms that utilize virtual reality (VR) technology provide an even more immersive experience.

Visit information

• Reservations: Due to the popularity of escape rooms, it is recommended to book in advance, especially on weekends and holidays.
  You can easily make a reservation through the official website of Xscape Hongdae.
• Team organization: Games are usually played in teams of 2-5 people.
  You can expect a higher success rate if you participate with teammates with different strengths.
• What to wear: We recommend wearing comfortable clothing.
  The game may require a variety of physical activities, and some missions require concentration.

Advantages of K-ETA

• Convenient travel arrangements
  The K-ETA approval process is done online and is a relatively simple and quick process.
• Easy access to the Hongdae area
  After entering South Korea with a K-ETA, travelers can travel to tourist destinations such as the Hongdae Entrance Area.
• Diverse cultural experiences
  Travelers who use K-ETA to visit South Korea can experience the country's youthful culture firsthand at Hongdae.
• Explore nearby attractions
  Through K-ETA, you can see various attractions in Hongdae, including Hangang Park, Ewha Mural Village, and Sangsu-dong Cafe Street.

Visiting Korea with K-ETA is an easy and convenient way to enjoy the country's diverse culture and experiences, including Hongdae and its surrounding attractions.

If you need to register for K-ETA quickly, we're here to help.
so please apply for KETAKOREA by clicking the Apply button below.