Street performances, Yeonnam-dong cafes, the Sinchon university area and Mangwon Market
Hongdae is the area around Hongik University Station. Yeonnam-dong and the Gyeongui Line Forest Park are a 10–15 minute walk northwest, and the university districts of Sinchon and Ewha are a few minutes away on Line 2. Mangwon Market and Mangwon Hangang Park are reached on Line 6.
Hongdae runs on a later clock than most of Seoul: afternoons for cafes and shopping, early evening for street performances, late nights for clubs. The main streets get loud after 7 PM, which is why the hotel guide below points light sleepers toward Yeonnam-dong. On Saturdays from March to November, the Hongdae Art Market Free Market runs near Hongik Culture Park.
Below, the guides are grouped by neighborhood, followed by where to eat, one-day routes, hotels in the area and the stations you will actually use.
| Main stations | Hongik University (Line 2, AREX, Gyeongui-Jungang), Sinchon (Line 2), Ewha Womans University (Line 2), Mangwon (Line 6) |
| From Incheon Airport | AREX All-Stop train to Hongik University Station, about 52–60 minutes |
| How long | One day covers Yeonnam-dong, Hongdae, Ewha and Sinchon |
| Quietest time | Weekday mornings; on weekends, reach Yeonnam-dong before 10 AM |
Must-see
Hongdae Seoul Guide: Things to Do Near Hongik Station
Things to do, the exits to use, the best times and getting there from the airports.
Yeonnam-dong Gyeongui Line Park: 7 Things to Do
The Yeonnam-dong stretch of the park, which exits to use and quieter times.
Mangwon Market Food Guide: What to Eat Near Mangwon Station
What to eat, the walk from Mangwon Station Exit 2 and a half-day route.
7 Must-Visit Spots in Sinchon: Your Ultimate Travel Guide Near Sinchon Station
Seven spots around Sinchon Station, plus budget eats and shopping.
Neighborhoods
Hongdae
Exits 8 and 9 of Hongik University Station put you closest to the main streets. Indie cafes, vinyl shops and murals are usually one block off the main road.
- Hongdae Seoul Guide: Things to Do Near Hongik Station
- Experience T1 Base Camp Hongdae: A Fan’s Ultimate Guide
- Hongdae vs Gangnam: Your Ultimate Seoul District Battle Guide
Yeonnam-dong
The Yeonnam-dong section of the free, 6.3 km Gyeongui Line Forest Park starts near Hongik University Station Exit 3, and Gyeongui Line Book Street is by Exit 6. Restaurants and cafes fill the alleys off the park.
- Yeonnam-dong Gyeongui Line Park: 7 Things to Do
- The 7 Best Restaurants in Yeonnam-dong Near Hongik University Station
Sinchon & Ewha
Sinchon and Ewha are a five-minute walk apart: Sinchon is livelier and cheaper, Ewha calmer. Both are on Line 2.
- 7 Must-Visit Spots in Sinchon: Your Ultimate Travel Guide Near Sinchon Station
- The 10 Best Restaurants in Sinchon Near Sinchon Station
- Where to Stay Near Sinchon Station & Ewha: 5 Best Hotels
Mangwon & Sangam
Mangwon Market is about 5 minutes from Mangwon Station Exit 2, and you can carry your food to Mangwon Hangang Park. Haneul Park, by World Cup Stadium Station, is free; only the eco-shuttle cart up the hill charges a fare.
- Mangwon Market Food Guide: What to Eat Near Mangwon Station
- Haneul Park Silver Grass Festival: Hours & Station Guide
Yeouido & the Han River
Across the river from Mapo, Yeouido is a business district. The Hyundai Seoul, Yeouido Hangang Park and 63 Square each take 2–3 hours, and the area goes quiet after about 8 PM outside the malls. Bikes can be rented by the hour at the Han River parks.
- One Day in Yeouido: The Hyundai, Han River & 63 Square
- Ultimate Guide to Your Perfect Han River Picnic in Seoul
Eat here
Restaurant roundup
The 7 Best Restaurants in Yeonnam-dong Near Hongik University Station
Restaurants and cafes in Yeonnam-dong, a short walk from Hongik University Station.
Restaurant roundup
The 10 Best Restaurants in Sinchon Near Sinchon Station
Korean BBQ and international food near Sinchon Station.
For market food, Mangwon Market is about 5 minutes from Mangwon Station Exit 2. More areas are on our Where to Eat in Seoul page.
Itineraries through this area
- One Day in Hongdae, Yeonnam-dong, Ewha & Sinchon Itinerary: Yeonnam-dong, Hongdae, Ewha and Sinchon in one loop, each under 15 minutes apart by subway.
- Mangwon Market Food Guide: What to Eat Near Mangwon Station: Mangwon Market with a half-day route along Mangridan-gil.
- Seoul 3-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors: Day 3 of this three-day plan ends with Hongdae nightlife.
Where to stay in this area
Area stay guide
Where to Stay in Hongdae: Best Hotels near Hongik Station
Hongdae hotels by budget, with AREX airport access and quieter streets nearby.
Area stay guide
Where to Stay Near Sinchon Station & Ewha: 5 Best Hotels
Five hotels near Sinchon and Ewha by budget and traveler type.
Area stay guide
6 Best Hotels Near Gongdeok Station for AREX & Mapo
Hotels near Gongdeok Station with direct AREX airport access.
Getting there
- Hongik University (Line 2, AREX, Gyeongui-Jungang Line): Exits 8 and 9 for the main streets, Exit 3 for Yeonnam-dong
- Sinchon (Line 2): Sinchon’s restaurants and shops
- Ewha Womans University (Line 2): the Ewha campus area
- Mangwon (Line 6): Exit 2 for Mangwon Market
- World Cup Stadium (Line 6): Exit 1 for Haneul Park
- Gongdeok (AREX): hotels with direct airport-train access
New to the subway or buses? Seoul Subway Guide: T-money Card, Fares & How to Ride · How to Ride Seoul Buses: Colors, Fares & T-money Guide · How to Take a Taxi in Seoul Using the Kakao T App
Photos on this page: Korea Tourism Organization (visitkorea.or.kr), Korea Open Government License Type 1.