Why should you stay in Hongdae? Because it’s the coolest, most exciting part of Seoul and the best place to see street performances, experience mouthwatering dishes, and feel the artistic vibes of Korea’s creative community. This guide introduces you to the 10 best hotels in Hongdae, including chic, modernistic luxury hotels to quirky guesthouses run by locals.
Hongdae is popular with locals and tourists alike for its vibrant community of students, young adults, artists, and travellers, all meshed in together in low-rise buildings and narrow alleys. There’s always something going on in Hongdae – markets, entertainment, and people enjoying life in Seoul.
What Hongdae lacks in tourist sights and temples, it more than makes up for with local culture. Designers show their wares in boutique fashion shops, artists make their mark in galleries or on the walls of Hongdae’s old buildings, and everyone is working hard to create something new and fresh.
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The Top 10 Hotels In Hongdae
These 10 hotels in Hongdae all have comfortable & clean rooms, a convenient location, an outstanding reputation, and a high level of atmosphere and quality that only the best hotels possess. Whatever your budget or comfort level, one of these great hotels in Hongdae will be suitable for you.
Although these hotels in Hongdae aren’t ranked in any particular order, the first few are the most exclusive and offer a high level of service that you’d expect from luxury hotels. The second half of the list contains smaller hotels and guesthouses that offer a more cosy experience and are budget hotels.
All of these hotels are highly rated within their price category and are located within 5-10 minutes of the popular Hongdae Shopping Street near Hongik University. Some hotels are in the quieter residential neighbourhood part of Hongdae, while others are right in the thick of the busiest areas.
If you’re visiting Seoul for more than a few days, I highly recommend spending at least a couple of days in Hongdae so you can soak up the atmosphere and culture of the area. It’s also a great place for last minute souvenir shopping and greedy meals.
I’ve used Agoda and Klook for prices. Other good hotel booking sites for Seoul and Korea include Hotels.com, and Booking.com. If you want to find the best prices, it’s worth taking a bit of time to check each of these sites and compare their prices.
I haven’t included the price of each hotel in this article as prices can vary a lot depending on the day of the week you’re booking, as well as the time of year. October in Korea is peak travel to see autumn leaves and March / April are peak travel months to see cherry blossoms. Check out this Korean season guide to see when Korea gets busy and what to do in each month.
Planning to visit Korea? These travel essentials will help you plan your trip, get the best deals, and save you time and money before and during your Korean adventure.
Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA): Most countries need a K-ETA to travel to Korea. Apply before you travel only with the Official K-ETA Site.
Staying Connected: Pre-order a Korean Sim Card or a Portable WiFi Router to collect on-arrival at Incheon Airport. Collection desks are open 24 hours. Alternatively, download a Korean eSIM for you travels.
Hotels In Korea: Staying in Seoul, I recommend Myeongdong (convenient), Hongdae (cool culture) or Gangnam (shopping). Find the best hotel prices across Korea with Agoda, Klook, or Hotels.com.
Incheon Airport To Seoul: Take the Airport Express (AREX) to Seoul Station or a limo bus across Seoul. Don’t like carrying heavy suitcases? Book an Incheon Airport Private Transfer and relax to or from the airport.
Korean Tours: Find the best tours in Korea with tour companies that have a big presence in Korea, including Klook, Trazy, Viator, and Get Your Guide. These sites also offer discounted entry tickets for top attractions.
Seoul City Passes: Visit Seoul’s top attractions for free with a Discover Seoul Pass or Go City Seoul Pass. These passes are especially good for families and couples visiting Seoul and can save you lots.
Transportation: Get a T-Money Card or WOWPASS to pay for public transport, including buses, subways, and taxis. For Korea’s high speed trains, save money and get unlimited rides with a Korea Rail Pass.
Travel Money: Exchange foreign currency in Myeongdong or Hongdae money exchanges. Pick up a Wise, Revolut, or WOWPASS travel money card for the best rates and convenient card payments in Korea.
Flights To Korea: I recommend using flight comparison sites such as Expedia and Skyscanner to find the best flights to Korea from any country. Air Asia is a good option for budget flights from Asia.
Learning Korean: Want to learn Korean? I recommend a complete language learning course from 90 Day Korean or Korean Class 101 – both have well-structured lessons and lots of useful resources.
★★★★
RYSE, Autograph Collection
Celebrate the lively neighbourhoods of Hongdae and nearby Sinchon in one of the most artistic hotels in Hongdae – RYSE, Autograph Collection. Featuring creatively decorated hotel rooms that will make other hotels seem drab, this hotel reflects the stylishness and energy you can only find in Seoul’s youthful Hongdae district.
This hotel is perfect for family trips, romantic getaways, business meetings, and holidays in Seoul. Make your stay a memorable one with this beautiful hotel.
Make yourself at home in one of the 272 air-conditioned rooms featuring LED televisions. Every room in this luxurious hotel comes with premium bedding. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.
Address: 서울 마포구 양화로 130
Amenities: Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as a 24-hour fitness center, or other amenities including complimentary wireless Internet access and concierge services. This hotel also features wedding services and a reception hall.
Dining: This hotel offers an immersive dining experience awaits at CHARR, an open-fire steakhouse. Sip cocktails at Side Note Club, a rooftop bar with panoramic views of Seoul. Buffet breakfasts are available daily from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee.
Business Amenities: Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Seoul? This hotel has facilities measuring 5877 square feet (546 square meters), including conference space. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
★★★★
L7 Hongdae By LOTTE
Lotte Hotels always provide a delightful blend of homely comfort and great facilities and the L7 Hongdae is certainly no exception. Paying homage to the artistic vibes that flow through the Hongdae neighbourhood, this hotel is packed with chic artwork and beautiful designs that make this a wonderful accommodation.
One of the best features of this hotel is the rooftop pool. Chilling by the pool is the perfect summer activity after a busy day exploring Seoul.
Make yourself at home in one of the 336 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature hair dryers and bathrobes. All rooms have safes, desks, and daily housekeeping.
Address: 서울 마포구 양화로 141
Amenities: Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities including a fitness centre and a seasonal outdoor pool.
Dining: Enjoy a meal at Floating or snacks in the hotel’s coffee shop/cafe. Relax with your favourite drink at the bar/lounge or the poolside bar. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee.
Business Amenities: Featured amenities include a business centre, express check-in, and a 24-hour front desk. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
★★★★
Mercure Ambassador Hongdae
Located outside Hongik University Station, the Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae hotel offers an incredibly convenient place to stay at a great price. It’s located at the start of the Hongdae Shopping Street, which means you won’t have to go far when shopping for souvenirs, snacks, and gifts for yourself.
There are local performances nearby in the evenings. A highly rated, fun, modern hotel that offers a comfortable night’s sleep.
Make yourself at home in one of the 270 individually furnished guest rooms, featuring iPod docking stations and LCD televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms have designer toiletries and bidets. All rooms include phones, safes and desks.
Address: 서울 마포구 양화로 144
Amenities: Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as a fitness centre or take in the view from a terrace and a garden. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and shopping on site.
Dining: Enjoy a meal at SMT Lounge or snacks in the hotel’s coffee shop/cafe. Wrap up your day with a drink at the bar/lounge. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available for a fee.
Business Amenities: Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business centre, and express check-in. Planning an event in Seoul? This hotel has facilities measuring 689 square feet (64 square meters), including conference space. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
★★★
9 Brick Hotel
This stylish boutique hotel is nestled in the heart of Hongdae and features sophisticated rooms and interior design that makes it look much more expensive than it actually is. One of the top rated hotels in its price range, this is a great place to stay for couples and young travellers who want to walk outside and be straight into the action of Hongdae’s buzzing streets.
Make yourself at home in one of the 94 guest rooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers feature complimentary toiletries and bidets. Conveniences include safes and desks, and housekeeping is provided daily.
Address: 서울 마포구 홍익로5길 32
Amenities: Make use of convenient amenities, which include complimentary wireless Internet access and concierge services.
Dining: For lunch or dinner, stop by Time’s Lab Kitchen, a restaurant that specializes in Italian cuisine. Dining is also available at the coffee shop/cafe, and room service (during limited hours) is provided. Wrap up your day with a drink at the bar/lounge. Buffet breakfasts are available daily from 7 AM to 9:30 AM for a fee.
Business Amenities: Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Guests may use a bus station shuttle for a surcharge, and free self parking is available onsite.
★★★★
Amanti Hotel Seoul
With a stay at Amanti Hotel Seoul, you’ll be a couple of minutes walk from the bustling Hongdae Shopping Street and tranquil Gyeongui Forest Line Park, but far enough way to get some peace and quiet, too.
This tall, sleek hotel has large panoramic windows, offering you views over the low-rise buildings of Hongdae and Yeonnamdong. If the room doesn’t offer enough of a view, you can enjoy an evening in the rooftop garden, looking out in all directions.
Make yourself at home in one of the 150 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and LED televisions. Your bed comes with down comforters and premium bedding. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature deep soaking bathtubs and complimentary toiletries.
Address: 서울 마포구 월드컵북로 31
Amenities: Enjoy recreational amenities such as a fitness centre and seasonal outdoor pool. This hotel also features complimentary wireless Internet access, wedding services, and a banquet hall.
Dining: Enjoy a meal at Kitchen AMANTI (breakfast) or snacks in the hotel’s coffee shop/cafe. Quench your thirst with your favourite drink at the poolside bar. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available for a fee.
Business Amenities: Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
★★★
Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae
The Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae is a good option for travellers looking to explore all over Seoul. Located above Hongik Uni Station, travellers can jump into the subway and zoom to other parts of the city. The hotel has many attractions nearby, such as the tranquil Gyeongui Book Line. If you want a comfortable stay in Hongdae, this modern hotel will provide a peaceful night’s sleep and leave you refreshed, ready to explore Hongdae’s charms.
Make yourself at home in one of the 294 guest rooms featuring refrigerators and LED televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access is available. Private bathrooms with showers feature rainfall shower heads and bidets. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.
Address: 서울 마포구 양화로 188
Amenities: Make use of convenient amenities, which include complimentary wireless Internet access and shopping on site.
Dining: Enjoy a satisfying meal at Great Room serving guests of Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae, an IHG Hotel. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM.
Business Amenities: Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff.
★★★
DW Design Residence
Budget travellers will love the DW Design Residence hotel in Hongdae. You can sleep in clean and cosy rooms and be just 2 minutes from the many entertainment options of Hongdae Shopping Street.
This charming accommodation was created by a couple who spent a year travelling the world on their honeymoon. They came back to Korea and set up this hotel and now enjoy sharing their stories with international travellers who visit Seoul.
Make yourself at home in one of the 14 guest rooms featuring refrigerators and LED televisions. Prepare your meals in the shared/communal kitchen. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.
Address: 서울 마포구 동교로25길 35
Amenities: Take in the views from a terrace and a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless Internet access. Additional features at this hotel include concierge services and a television in a common area.
Dining: No dining facilities available at the DW Design Residence. However, there are numerous dining establishments and cafes in the vicinity.
Business Amenities: Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a computer station, and express check-in. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
★★
Neat House Hongdae
If you want a more homely stay in Hongdae, then the Neat House Hongdae could be for you. This is one of the larger guesthouses in the area and offers a quiet, peaceful night’s rest in the residential part of Hongdae. It’s still close to the lively parts of Hongdae and you can eat Korean BBQ, sing at a noraebang, and be back at the hotel within 10 minutes. A convenient hotel that’s like a home away from home.
Make yourself at home in one of the 13 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have showers and complimentary toiletries. Conveniences include electric kettles, bottled water, and housekeeping is provided on a limited basis.
Address: 서울 마포구 양화로15안길 7
Amenities: Take in the views from a rooftop terrace and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless Internet access and tour/ticket assistance.
Dining: No dining facilities available at the Neat House. However, there are numerous dining establishments and cafes in the vicinity.
Business Amenities: Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services and luggage storage.
★★★
Hotel The Designers Hongdae
Hotel The Designers Hongdae is a located close to Hapjeong Station in the southern part of Hongdae, close to the river. This area has some of the best restaurants in Seoul, offering a mix of Korean and international dishes. If you are just looking for a cheap room to stay in while you’re out exploring all day long, this hotel will be ideal for you. The hotel is clean, comfortable and has a lot of budget-friendly rooms that offer views over the surrounding area.
Make yourself at home in one of the 80 individually decorated guest rooms, featuring refrigerators and LED televisions. Your room comes with a memory foam bed. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and digital programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and bidets.
Address: 서울 마포구 양화로 86
Amenities: Make use of convenient amenities, which include complimentary wireless Internet access and concierge services.
Dining: Grab brunch at Humming Bella, a restaurant that specializes in Modern European cuisine. You can also grab snacks at the coffee shop/cafe. Continental breakfasts are available daily from 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM for a fee.
Business Amenities: Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff, and luggage storage. Free valet parking is available onsite.
★★
Hongdae Style Guesthouse
Hongdae Style Guesthouse has been designed with travellers in mind. This 3-storey house has a beautiful garden with terrace, and provides guests with a cozy place to relax and unwind. If you want to spend time relaxing inside in the evenings, this friendly guesthouse will be perfect for you. The guesthouse is close to Hongik Station and has many stores, restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops nearby.
Treat yourself to a stay in one of the 8 individually decorated guest rooms, featuring heated floors and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Conveniences include desks and separate sitting areas, and housekeeping is provided on request.
Address: 서울 마포구 월드컵북로4길 23-3
Amenities: Take in the views from a terrace and a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless Internet access. Additional features at this guesthouse include concierge services, a communal living room, and a picnic area.
Dining: No dining facilities available at the Hongdae Style Guesthouse. However, there are numerous dining establishments and cafes in the vicinity.
Business Amenities: Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and luggage storage. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours).
Guesthouses In Hongdae
These 10 best hotels in Hongdae mostly includes large hotels. I’ve added these as they’re more likely to have available accommodation for when you’re looking to travel. Hongdae isn’t a large, built up area like Gangnam or Myeongdong, and instead of mega-hotels, there are small guesthouses to stay in.
If you’re looking for a cosy, friendly atmosphere and the chance to meet other travellers or talk to the guesthouse hosts, then certainly book a room (if they’re available). There are a wide range of guesthouses available in Hongdae that will definitely suit budget travellers.
I often stay in guesthouses in Hongdae and Myeongdong as they’re a cheap place to crash for the night and are perfect for a Weekend Away In Seoul. However, I probably wouldn’t book them for long stays as they often lack some of the facilities you need to make a long-term stay comfortable.
Here’s a list of the top 10 guesthouses in Hongdae, in case you’d rather stay in smaller, friendlier accommodation with a kitchen:
- Wow Hills Guesthouse Stay
- Orbit Cafe & Guesthouse
- Time Travelers Party Hostel
- Dream House
- Heima Guesthouse Hongdae
- TwoTwo House
- Hotel Baroato
- DAOL Guesthouse
- The Blossom Yeonnam Guesthouse
- Stitches House
Not sure if Hongdae is right for you? Here are two more hotel guides in Seoul’s other popular tourists locations. If you’re a first time traveller to Korea and looking for easy access to the top tourist sites, I’d checking out one of these cool hotels in Myeongdong.
If you’ve visited Korea before, or want to check out Korea’s designer clothes stores and upmarket restaurants, then Gangnam would probably suit you more (guide coming soon).
Traveller’s Guide To Hongdae
Hongdae is Seoul’s answer to Harajuku in Tokyo, with lots of unique fashion, hairstyles, and a wide range of boutique stores. The streets are packed with clothes shops, artsy goods, souvenirs, and, best of all, lots of Korean snacks to sample!
There’s a strong art influence in Hongdae here from the nearby Hongik University (Korea’s top Art School). Hongdae is best for backpackers, young travellers, those who want to party, or anyone who wants to experience modern Korean culture.
Packed full of unusual cafes, international and Korean restaurants, famous nightclubs, cool bars, and imaginative culture, Hongdae is a really fun place to stay. I’ve had some of the best coffee and Italian pizza in Korea whilst in Hongdae, and lots of other scrumptious delights.
What To See In Hongdae
One of the big draws of Hongdae is the vibrant youth and art culture on display in various forms. There are often public performances in the pedestrian area outside Hongik University Station where dancers, musicians, and singers show off their talents to crowds of locals and tourists.
This is the start of Hongdae Shopping Street, an area in the heart of Hongdae that’s packed with markets, shops, boutiques, arcades, cafes, and foods of all different types. As Hongdae is a student area, the prices are some of the best and this is a great place to pick up souvenirs and snacks.
Hongdae is like a big maze, with a warren of streets branching off the main area, leading to artistic murals on buildings, themed cafes, small galleries, and some of the best restaurants in Seoul. The best way to explore Hongdae is to walk around and head off the main streets to see what you can find.
If you want a break from the shops, follow the Gyeongui Line – abandoned rail tracks that pass through Hongik University Station to the east and west. West of the station you’ll find Gyeongui Line Forest Park – a hip green area with small cafes and bars along the side.
To the east, you’ll find the Gyeongui Line Book Street – another green area that has art installations dedicated to books and the pleasure of reading.
What To Do In Hongdae
Hongdae is an area that’s built to entertain and there’s no shortage of things to do in this area. If you want a peaceful afternoon cuddled up to cats, check yourself into a cat cafe – preferably an ethical one that houses abandoned cats.
If cats aren’t your thing, there’s also the unique Thanks Nature Sheep Cafe which has two well-groomed fluffy sheep inside. The sheep have their own pen and at times you can go and feed them and pose for pictures with them.
If you want a cup of coffee without an animal, you can visit 943 King’s Cross – a Harry Potter themed-cafe, or the bizarre looking Greem Cafe (Yeonnam-dong 223-14) – a black & white themed cafe that looks like a cartoon. There’s no shortage of interesting cafes in this area to discover.
Other highlights in Hongdae include the Coconut Box VR / AR Tropical Cafe & Gallery, The Love Museum (with Trick Art), dozens of Escape Rooms, noraebangs (singing rooms), galleries, museums, bars, restaurants, and lots more. There’s always something new popping up that it’s impossible to keep track of everything.
I’ve included a lot of Hongdae’s attractions in my guide to indoor activities in Seoul – check it out if you want more details about these places.To be honest, the best thing to do in Hongdae is just to walk around and explore the area for yourself.
What To Eat In Hongdae
A trip to Hongdae has to end with dinner (and drinks). There’s so much food on offer in Hongdae that you’ll never have trouble finding something to eat. I visit for the international food, including Gusto Taco and Spacca Napoli – two of my favourite restaurants in Seoul for (foreign) comfort foods. There are also many gourmet burger shops in Hongdae, making it a popular spot for expats in Korea.
Most travellers to Hongdae go for the Korean foods on offer. You can stuff your face with Korean street snacks and comfort food for student prices, including tteokbokki, chimaek (chicken and beer), dakgalbi (stir fried chicken) and other fried Korean treats covered in spicy sauces and cheese!
Whatever food you fancy, you’ll find it in Hongdae. From fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants, to sweet churros and skewered meats, there’s no shortage of dining options in Hongdae
A general rule when looking for food in Hongdae – the hipster cafes and restaurants are close to Hongik Uni Station, the fancy restaurants and bars are near to Hapjeong Station. Both areas are amazing!
More Information About Seoul
If you want to find out more about what to do, see, and explore in Seoul, then check out some of my other articles about Korea’s capital. Find out the 25 best free activities in Seoul, how the Discover Seoul Pass can save you a whole load of money on premium attractions in the city.
If this is your first time in Seoul or Korea, I recommend a T-Money transportation card to pay for travel. It’s an essential accessory that works across Korea. Also check out these articles about where to stay in Seoul and my review of the 5 star hotel JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square.
Hotels In Hongdae FAQs
Finally, here are a few FAQs about hotels in Hongdae, in case the above information didn’t cover enough for you. If you have any other questions you’d like to ask, feel free to leave a comment.
Where is a good place to stay in Seoul?
Hongdae is a good place to stay in Seoul for first time and return travellers. There is a good selection of hotels and a vibrant cultural scene the showcases youth culture, Korean fashion, and modern technology. There are also a lot of restaurants, theme cafes, and shops in Hongdae.
Does Hongdae have many hotels?
Hongdae doesn’t have as many hotels as other districts of Seoul, such as Myeongdong and Gangnam, but there is still a good selection of hotels available. Accommodation options range from hostels and guesthouses to mid-range hotels and a few luxury hotels. Due to Hongdae being a largely residential area, most hotels are small, apart from a few large hotels around Hongik University subway station.
Are there any hostels in Hongdae?
There are a lot of hostels available in Hongdae, thanks to the area being a largely residential area with many houses being converted into small guesthouses and hostels. Prices in Hongdae are very reasonable and Hongdae has some of the best value accommodation options in Seoul.
Is Hongdae a convenient place to stay in Seoul?
Hongdae has a lot of attractions nearby and is a convenient place to stay in Seoul. It is connected to Incheon Airport via the all stop train line and also other parts of Seoul thanks to several subway stations and connections within the Hongdae area.
Is there a subway in Hongdae?
There are several subways stations in the Hongdae area. The main subway station in Hongdae is the Hongik University subway station. Hongdae is a portmanteau of Hong-ik Dae-hagyo (Hongik University). The other subway stations in Hongdae are Hapjeong Station and Sangsu Station.
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