Hongdae (Hongik University Street) (홍대)

5.6Km 2025-04-14

20 Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Hongdae is a neighborhood known for its youthful ambience, with shops selling everything from clothing and cosmetics to living goods and books, as well as unique cafés and restaurants. The streets are also filled with buskers and dance performances, making a walk here quite entertaining. Special streets such as ateliers’ street (lined with private institutions for art students preparing for university entrance exams), Picasso’s Street, and Club Street are also must-go places for anyone hoping to fully experience the Hongdae area.

Bongwonsa Temple (봉원사)

5.7Km 2023-03-13

120, Bongwonsa-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-392-3007

Located on the outskirts of Ansan Mountain in Bongwon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Bongwonsa Temple, as the center of Korean Buddhism Taego, is a thousand-year-old temple with a long history and tradition. In 889 (3rd year of Shilla Queen Jinseong’s reign), Monk Doseon founded it at the ground of Yeonhui Palace (now Yonsei Univ.) and named it Banyasa temple. It was destroyed during the Imjin War in 1592, and later in 1748 (the 24th year of Joseon King Yeongjo’s reign), it was rebuilt and renamed “Bongwonsa” by two Buddhist monks, Chanjeup and Jeungam.

“Yeongsanjae,” one of the Buddhist rituals and also a National Intangible Cultural Property, takes place at Bongwonsa on June 6 every year wishing for world peace and the reunification of North and South Korea. It was designated as one of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009. During Yeongsanjae, visitors can enjoy the Buddhist arts such as Beompae (Buddhist temple music for rituals) and dancing. Also, during summertime, Seoul Lotus Flower Culture Festival takes place, where visitors can enjoy the beautiful lotus flowers which are a symbol of Buddhism.

Hongdae Nanta Theatre (홍대난타전용관)

5.7Km 2021-08-27

29, Yanghwa-ro 16-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-739-8288

Located in Hongdae, a signature of youth and cultural streets, Hongdae Nanta Theater has 323 seats and offers two performances daily.

G-line Book Street (경의선책거리)

5.7Km 2024-03-19

35 Wausan-ro 37-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3153-8353

G-line Book Street spans approximately 250 meters from Exit 6 of Hongik University Station to Wau Bridge, where the old train tracks remain intact. It serves as a prominent cultural hotspot in Hongik University, housing various bookstores and cultural spaces selling books on diverse topics. Independent bookstores, children's bookstores, specialty bookshops, and art galleries converge in this area, offering a rich tapestry of literary experiences.

Supsok Hanbang Land (숲속한방랜드)

5.7Km 2024-03-18

75-7 Bongwonsa-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Jjimjjilbang, a Korean-style sauna that combines a traditional bathhouse with a hot steam room, is often ranked high among the unique experiences in Korea chosen by foreigners. Taking a steam bath in a charcoal kiln discharges waste products from the skin through sweat and eliminates accumulated fatigue. Supsok Hanbang Land has several charcoal kilns for different temperatures. Using them in order from low to high-temperature rooms is good, but the highest-temperature room, “Kkottang,” has a risk of causing skinburn, so visitors are advised to wear socks and cotton gloves to enter the room. Another unique experience is to grill sweet potatoes or rice cakes on the brazier in front of the charcoal kiln.

M Playground - Hongdae Branch (엠플레이그라운드 홍대본점)

5.7Km 2024-09-05

94 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

M Playground is a casual boutique brand known for its signature exterior design of blue shipping containers. The shop does its best to present the latest fashion trends and the hip, street vibe found exclusively in Hongdae. Most visitors range in age between teens and young adults in their 30s, looking for trending clothing, accessories, and other products.