Hongdae
Indie music and youth culture hub
The heart of Seoul's indie music scene and youth culture, featuring street performances, trendy cafes, and vibrant nightlife.
Highlights
Beekend
Beekend is a cozy neighborhood cafe near Mangwon Market that has become famous throughout Seoul for serving some of the best brioche French toast in the city. This small, light-filled cafe with minimalist wood interiors offers various French toast flavors including Crème Brûlée, seasonal fig and peach, matcha, chestnut, and sweet potato. The cafe's laid-back atmosphere and exceptional brunch items have made it a destination spot, drawing weekend crowds willing to queue for their signature French toast.
Coffee Libre
An award-winning independent coffee shop that started as a small hole-in-the-wall in Yeonnam-dong and has become a beloved destination for specialty coffee enthusiasts. Coffee Libre's dedication to quality and simplicity has earned them annual Blue Ribbon awards, making them one of Seoul's most respected coffee destinations.
Deep Blue Lake Coffee
A striking blue three-story roastery cafe in Mangwon-dong, renowned for Nordic-style light roasting and specialty coffee. The distinctive exterior matches the bright, minimalist interior where coffee enthusiasts can enjoy "tea-like" light roasted beans. Located near Mangwon Market, this neighborhood favorite embodies the trendy Mangridan-gil cafe culture.
Hongdae Club Street
Seoul's most famous clubbing district with venues for every music taste, from hip-hop to EDM to indie rock.
Hongdae Playground
The heart of Hongdae's street performance culture, where indie artists, buskers, and dancers showcase their talents every weekend.
Ichizen
A beloved tendon specialist in Mangwon-dong's trendy Mangridangil street, Ichizen has built a devoted following since opening in May 2017. This small, 14-seat restaurant serves authentic Japanese-style tendon (tempura rice bowls) that rivals anything you'd find in Japan itself. The restaurant's commitment to quality has made it one of Seoul's top two tendon destinations, drawing long queues especially during meal times.
Koriko Cafe
Step into the magical world of Studio Ghibli's "Kiki's Delivery Service" at this officially licensed themed cafe in Yeonnam-dong. Koriko Cafe meticulously recreates the enchanting atmosphere of the beloved animated film across three whimsical floors, making it a must-visit destination for Ghibli fans and cafe enthusiasts alike.
Laika Cinema
Seoul's hidden gem for cinephiles, this intimate 40-seat art house cinema opened in 2021 in the quiet residential neighborhood of Yeonhui-dong. Unlike commercial multiplexes, Laika Cinema specializes in curated independent, experimental, and international art films that rarely get theatrical releases in Korea. The cinema is located in the basement of Space Dog, a cultural complex, creating a cozy, underground film club atmosphere.
Cafe Layered Yeonnam
One of the most massive and popular cafes in Yeonnam-dong, Cafe Layered has become a destination for scone lovers and vintage French aesthetic enthusiasts. This spacious cafe features charming vintage French-style decor with warm wooden elements, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels like stepping into a Parisian patisserie.
Nishimuramen
A Michelin Bib Gourmand ramen restaurant from Fukuoka that uniquely blends Japanese ramen with French cooking techniques. The signature Kyokai Paitan ramen features a rich chicken-based broth, tender char siu, and aromatic seaweed oil.
Perlen HAUS
Perlen HAUS is a unique dessert omakase cafe in Yeonnam-dong offering an elevated coffee and dessert pairing experience. The minimalist interior and concept store atmosphere create an intimate setting for their signature Perlen Pairing Course, where carefully selected desserts are matched with specialty coffee. This reservation-recommended cafe appeals to those seeking a more refined cafe experience beyond typical coffee shops, combining design aesthetics with culinary craftsmanship.
Saeraul
A serene garden cafe housed in a beautifully renovated traditional Korean home in the quiet Yeonhui-dong neighborhood. Saeraul (새라울) offers a peaceful escape from Seoul's bustling streets, with a charming bamboo garden where you can listen to the soothing sound of flowing water while enjoying your coffee.
TYPE Coffee Hangang
A sophisticated Han River view cafe located on the 5th floor of a building in Sangsu-dong, Mapo-gu. TYPE Coffee Hangang offers a serene escape with panoramic views of the Han River, Yeouido, and the surrounding cityscape. The cafe is particularly stunning during sunset (after 5 PM) when the golden light transforms the Han River into a canvas of warm colors visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Yeonnam-dong
A trendy neighborhood next to Hongdae known for its cozy cafes, indie bookstores, and the beautiful Gyeongui Line Forest Park.
Tips
Visit on Friday or Saturday evening to enjoy busking and street performances!