Hongdae

서울 (Seoul) is a vibrant city with something to do every hour of the day. One of the most unique places in Seoul, is the area of 홍대 (Hongdae). Hongdae is the arts district and is home to the top art university, 홍긱 대하교( Honggik University), in Korea. These students have carved out an area of Korea, making it like nothing else in the entire country.

Hongdae is home to a place where graffiti is encouraged, daily free live music shows plays, artists sell their own homemade crafts, yummy foods, unique cafes, and vibrant night culture.

Hongdae is perhaps best visually known for its stunning street art. Some of the most famous pieces of street include the Tiger Rabbit (which is now sadly gone), a playground covered in graffiti, and the month of October. The month of October is a special time in Hongdae. This is when Converse comes and holds a contest; encouraging students to paint the most unique Converse shoes are the Hongdae area. October also marks the month where the street artists display and sell their best work. It is an event not to be missed!

Saturday is a big day in Hongdae. This is the day where the Saturday market is open. The streets are flush with artists selling their crafts, from paintings, to watches, to earrings; the street market has it all. 

Food in Hongdae, like all of Korea, is everywhere. But in Hongdae, competition is stiff, so unique places pop up. One of the most famous restaurants is not actually a restaurant; it is a food stand called Bob’s Barby. For Australians, it’s a little piece of home offering Mutton Pies, but it is also famous for having the best hot dogs in Hongdae. For me as Texan, Mexican food is an integral part of my diet. Thankfully Hongdae has me covered with some very tasty Mexican food at the restaurant, Dos Tacos. And for those that really want a piece of home, there is also a Taco Bell. 

 One should know how important cafes are to Koreans. This being said, Hongdae, like everything else, has made cafes in its own ways. Hongdae offers a huge variety of cafes from the cutesy Hello Kitty Café, cat cafes (where you can play with cats while you enjoy your coffee), to a butler café.

Hongdae though is perhaps best known for its pulsating night scene. The streets of Hongdae are littered with bars, Hofs (a place to drink beer and soju), as well as small and large clubs. On Friday and Saturday nights, the streets are packed with the young people of Seoul out to take a break from the strains of university classes and have a great time.

The best night for going to the clubs in Hongdae is the last Friday of the month. This is Club Day. Club Day is where you pay 15,000 원 (won), or roughly $15, and you get into a select list of 15 or so of the best clubs in Hongdae. Be warned though, because while fun, the clubs immensely crowded on this night, and some of the patrons can be a little rowdy.