I’m going back to more exciting times with this post, and honestly I’m surprised it took me so long to make this post. Hongdae Shopping Street in Seoul is a VIBE. It provides the exact experience you would expect from the area surrounding an art college (Hongik University is known for its art programs). With a large pedestrian-only area, murals and sculptures lining the streets, a plethora of food options, and tons of little shops, Hongdae Shopping Street is a MUST visit for anyone spending time in Seoul.
Hongdae Shopping Street in Seoul
When my bestie came to Korea to visit me, we spent a day in Seoul (which is not even close to enough time) and we actually found Hongdae Shopping Street by accident. Sure, it had been on my bucket list, but I had managed to get us completely lost in Seoul – and Naver was being less-than-helpful in getting us out of the predicament. Eventually we ended up in what I would later learn was Hongdae Shopping Street. All we knew was we had walked into an incredible area of Seoul with fantastic art, aesthetic little shops, and FOOD (oh my gosh the FOOD!!!).
Thankfully, this kind of thing was right up Laina’s alley (and mine too) so she was all too thrilled with the side adventure. It wasn’t until we got back to my house and I was trying to figure out where we had ventured to that I realized we had, in fact, found the famous Hongdae Shopping Street – without even trying. And, thankfully, this was one of the experiences we were able to revisit months later when my siblings-in-law came to visit.
Filler
Do yourself a favor and visit sometime between October and May so they’ll have the freshly made DdalGi SaTang (strawberry hard candy) at some of the local vendors. Just trust me when I say it’s amazing and you haven’t lived until you’ve tried it (but don’t get it in the summer because then the strawberries are frozen and impossible to eat… ha!).
While you’re in the area, you might as well check out the Hongdae Mural Street (pin linked below). We ventured to PART of it (again, without realizing it), but it has definitely been added to my “someday when we go back to Korea” bucket list.
Honestly, not a day goes by that I don’t miss Korea. Writing these posts makes me kind of sad because of how much I miss it. At the same time, it’s such a great way for me to reflect on the experiences we had, and feel extra grateful to have had the experience of living in Korea! For all you still there: go see all the things and eat some candied strawberries for me!
’til next time…
Ash
How to visit Hongdae Shopping Street
Directions & Parking: Because Hongdae Shopping Street is located in the heart of Seoul, I don’t recommend trying to drive in there. Subway or bus is going to be your best bet, and I recommend including Hongdae Street as part of other activities during a day (or weekend or whatever) in Seoul. We always parked at *Dragon Hill Lodge in Yongsan and then took the subway around when we visited Seoul. *Please verify that this is still a possibility as it has now been over a year since we were in Korea. The main street of Hongdae Shopping Street is Eoulmadang-ro. It can be hard to find an address for exact areas, but the Naver pins below should get you in the general area. From there, look for the red painted road (and on weekends follow the crowds) and you’ll know you’re in the right place.
Naver pin: Eoulmadang-ro
Naver pin: Hongdae Street
Naver pin: Hongdae Mural Street
Cost: FREE
Hours of Operation:
Online it says that Hongdae Shopping Street is open daily from 11:00am – 9:00pm. Please note that the “pedestrian only” areas are only car-free on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from noon – 11:00pm. In addition, certain businesses may operate during times other than the ones listed online.
Accessibility: Bring the strollers or wheelchairs, but understand that there are sidewalks, curbs, etc. that you may have to navigate around. From our experience, it was pretty accessible, but just be mindful of those obstacles.
Amenities: There is no shortage of food options in the area (and trust me, you’ll be eating WAAAAAY too much). I don’t recall if we had to find a bathroom (or if I saw a bathroom), however Hongik University Station is nearby, and we’ve found most subway stations had bathrooms. Still, I recommend using the bathroom (and having your kids use the bathroom) BEFORE exiting the station out onto the street.
