Seoul Guides — our insider edit of the city, one neighborhood at a time. This week: Hongdae, Seoul's playground for youth, music and indie cool.
Why Hongdae?
Named after Hongik University (Korea's top art school), Hongdae is Seoul's creative engine — indie live clubs, weekend buskers, street art, thrift and indie-fashion shops, and cafes on every corner. Loud, young, endlessly fun.
What to do
Catch street performers at Hongdae Playground, dig through vintage boutiques, stroll the leafy Gyeongui Line Forest Park ('Yeontral Park'), then spill into neighbouring Yeonnam-dong for some of Seoul's best brunch cafes.
The beauty angle
Hongdae is where Korea's youngest trends show up first — jelly lip tints, glassy skin, that effortless no-makeup glow. Shop the look: Viral K-Lip Tints and Glass Skin Serums.
The Hongdae starter kit
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