Hongdae for K-pop Fans — Busking, Birthday Cafes and Shopping

Hongdae — the area around Hongik University in Mapo-gu — is where young Seoul hangs out, and it's packed with things K-pop fans love.

Why fans love Hongdae

Street busking. Dancers and singers perform K-pop covers on the street, especially in the evening and on weekends.
Birthday cafes. Mapo-gu, including Hongdae, Sinchon and Hapjeong, has the biggest concentration of fan-run birthday cafes in Seoul. See our birthday cafe guide.
K-pop shops selling albums, photocards and goods.
Neighbours worth combining: Hapjeong (YG Entertainment's area) and Sangam, home to several broadcasters.

Getting there

Hongik University Station is served by Seoul Subway Line 2, the Gyeongui–Jungang Line and the Airport Railroad (AREX).
AREX connects Hongik University Station directly with Incheon International Airport, which makes Hongdae a convenient first or last stop.

A Hongdae day

Afternoon: browse the K-pop shops and any birthday cafe open that week.
Early evening: walk the main streets to catch busking performances.
Night: street food and cafes — the area stays lively late.

Staying in Hongdae

Hongdae is a popular base for fans: it's lively, has many budget and mid-range hotels, and the airport train stops right there. If your concerts are in the east of Seoul (Olympic Park), allow extra travel time.

Check what's on in Hongdae during your dates with the trip planner.