Seoul (South Korea)
09 July 2025
Hongdae, short for Hongik
University, is described as one of Seoul’s most dynamic neighbourhoods, known
for its youthful energy, creativity and nightlife. The area thrives on the
influence of the nearby art and design university, giving rise to a vibrant mix
of indie music, street performances, quirky cafés, and underground clubs.
Murals and street art line narrow lanes, while boutique shops and themed
restaurants cater to the district’s eclectic crowd. By day it’s a hub for
fashion, food, and art lovers, and by night it transforms into a buzzing
hotspot of live music, dance, and nightlife that captures the spirit of modern
Seoul. My research often identified Hongdae as the youthful hub and for some
reason pushing the area as being slightly insular as opposed to Itaewon which
was said to be open and welcoming to all.
I spent a late afternoon and evening
in Hongdae and found it to be far more appealing that Myeong-dong and Itaewon.
Certainly youthful in spirit and vibrancy there was a great atmosphere the
afternoon that I arrived. The streets buzzing with young 20 somethings, all
just commencing their respective journeys to success or destruction – there was
an exuberance and a sense of excitement. It was nice to walk around the area
and experience the raft of restaurants, trendy cafes and hipster style shops.
For me, it ranked above Itaewon and a long way in front of Myeong-dong, but still
well below Ikseon-dong, Euljiro and Insa-dong. And that exactly what was great
about Seoul, each of those areas had its own identity and feel, all influenced
by its own construct. An area that in part is a blend of gritty, colourful
streets, some of the narrow alleyways were lined with murals, graffiti and
various installations. There was something a little Melbourne-esque about it,
which is cool in its own right.
A cultural playground, a
late-night festival, charged with the raw electricity of youth – the bold
fabric of this district is woven from individuality, spirit and the audacity to
take risks. Its certainly worth a visit.
Moving out of Hongdae, I made my
way back to Jongno 3(sam)-ga station – which as a I’ve already mentioned, along
with Euljiro, became my most loved parts of Seoul. This area suited me perfectly.
Free and easy, pubs, restaurants and food stalls intermingled together in a
wonderful carefree blend of feel good nightlife.
A few nights into my Seoul
adventure, I have to say that there was a lot to like. There was diversity,
energy, vibrance, tradition, a synthesis and harmonisation of a variety of
elements. There was a sense of balance but at the same time, an inertia and
momentum. Much to like, for sure.
