Where To Stay In Hongdae: From Hotels To Guesthouses & AirBnbs Too!
Hongdae is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Seoul not only for locals but also for tourists. There is the Hongdae shopping street, night life, fun, K-pop dancers and busking, street art, and restaurants, cafes, and… well the list could go on. I spent ten years living around the Hongik University and any time a friend or family came to visit Seoul, I helped them find a hotel to stay in Hongdae.
Is Hongdae a good place to stay when you visit? It sure it! Now you just have to decide where to stay. After that, here is a list of what to do in Hongdae from brunch to evening.
Where do you want to stay in Hongdae? Skip around and find a spot!
- Why You Should Stay In Hongdae When You Visit Seoul, Korea
- Hotels In Hongdae
- Guesthouses in Hongdae
- Airbnbs In Hongdae
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Why You Should Stay In Hongdae When You Visit Seoul, Korea
Hongdae is a young hip neighborhood with live music venues, clubs, bars, lots of cafes, busking on the street, street art, shopping and just generally a lot of fun. More than that, Hongdae is also really easy to get to from Incheon International Airport as it’s a stop on the airport train line.
Hongdae is also a great location as it is right on the green subway line which circles the city and will get you to all of the must-see places in Seoul. Another great thing about Hongdae is that except for the early morning, there’s always something open and something fun to do which is great if you’ve got jetlag after traveling and are up at odd hours and want to get food or just be outside.
Hongdae is vibrant and there is plenty to do there and nearby. For a few ideas on what you can do if you stay in Hongdae, here are some posts to help you:
- Brunch Spots Around Hongdae To EAT It Up!
- Cafes Making A Statement In Hongdae
- A Guide To Yeonnam-dong: The Hot Spot Near Hongdae In Seoul
- Visit Seonyudo Island
- See The Oil Tank Culture Park
- Have Fun At The Trickeye Museum
- Drink A Latte With Your Face On It At CaFace!
- Find Hongdae’s Street Art
- Learn at the War & Women’s Human Rights Museum
Here are some other ideas for things to do in Hongdae too:
- Yakdabang Bomdong Traditional Korean Herbal Footbath & Tea Experience
- Take photos at The Beauty Inside Exhibition
- Escape Rooms are fun no matter what country you’re in!
- Check out Nanta, the longest running show in Korean history is fun for all ages.
- Make your own couple rings or Korean inspired ring at the Hongdae Rings Village.
Hotels In Hongdae
In the past five years as Hongdae has gotten more popular, some really beautiful hotels have been built. When I first moved to Hongdae a decade ago there was only one hotel. Now there are plenty to choose from and they have different aesthetics to speak to whatever traveler you are.
Ryse, Autograph Collection Marriott
One of the chicest hotels in the area is Ryse, Autograph Collection. This stylish stay has an amazing staff and beautiful style and design from top to bottom. The contemporary hotel features spacious rooms with class and elegance. I have a friend that loves this place so much she stays here about once every six months even though she LIVES right here in Seoul.
Guests also get access to an on-site fitness center and library as well as 4 on-site restaurants. And don’t miss a visit to Side Note Club on the 15th floor. The rooftop bar and lounge overlooks Hongdae and hosts some excellent events with live music.
Book your stay at Ryse, Autograph Collection Marriott here on Marriott.com if you’re a Marriot Bonvoy Member or check rates on Booking.com. Or, check rates on Agoda.com
L7 Hongdae By Lotte
L7 Hongdae is one of the very few spots in Hongdae that features a pool and it’s a rooftop pool at that! This 3-star hotel is very close to the Hongdae Subway Station which is also where the train from the airport arrives. Owned by Lotte, the rooms have contemporary styling and floor to ceiling windows for great views of the district. The hotel features the pool as well as a fitness center, restaurant, and bar. It’s one of the best places to stay in the area for sure.
Book a stay at L7 Hongdae here on Booking.com or here on Agoda.com.
9 Brick Hotel
If you’re looking for a brick facade, some retro hipster vibes, and friendly staff, this is the hotel for you. The most loved aspect of the hotel is the epic views that can be had from the big bathtubs. This is a fashionable stay that also feels comfortable and cozy has some European vibes. Sit beneath the beautiful chandeliers and look out through the expansive windows to see the city.
Book your stay at 9 Brick Hotel here on Booking.com or here on Agoda.com.
Marigold Hotel
Marigold features a beautiful white and tan color palette throughout the premises. Marigold is a Benikea Premier hotel with great views of the surrounding area. I had friends stay here and found it really comfortable with great staff. The white and bright rooms that can become dark when the dark shades are drawn is perfect for those trying to get over… or just deal with jetlag.
Book a stay at Marigold Hotel here on Booking.com or on Agoda.com
Guesthouses In Hongdae
Guesthouses are usually a great budget friendly option and you can also meet other travelers in the communal spaces. There are a lot of guesthouses in Hongdae since there are a lot of students in the area as well. Check these ones out if you’re headed to Hongdae soon.
Orbit
This guest house has a white and pink palette and also has a swing and cool cafe on the premises as well. It’s got some serious Wes Anderson vibes and is the perfectly simple but chic stay in the Hongdae but on the hip Yeonnam-dong side with some great Instagrammable moments and spaces. Perfect for solo or a couple of travelers looking to have fun on a budget, this guesthouse has dorm style rooms and family rooms.
You can book a room at Orbit here on Booking.com or here on Agoda.com.
Urbanwood Guesthouse
I have heard about Urbanwood Guesthouse numerous times due to their colorful and unique decor. The wall art in each room is different and nature-inspired which gives the guests a unique but comfortable and cozy atmosphere of relaxation right in their room. The rooms are prepared for four to six people in each and there’s a nice clean shared kitchen on-site as well as a barbecue and lounge and computer that guests can use as at their leisure.
Book a stay at Urbanwood Guesthouse here on Booking.com.
KPop Stay
For the Kpop fanatic, why not stay in a Kpop themed guesthouse. This dormitory style stay features both private and shared accommodation options. Check out the walls and decor which features photographs and illustrations of all of your favorite Kpop groups and idols. It’s a great budget option with friendly staff, comfortable beds, and near the fun but with a lovely private garden.
You can book a room at KPop Stay here on Booking.com or here on Agoda.com.
AirBnbs In Hongdae
There are some great Airbnbs in the Hongdae area. If you want a spot where you can cook and have a bit more control over your own laundry and food, then these would be some great options.
H21
You’ll definitely feel like you’re on vacation when you stay in the oasis that is H21. This beautiful Airbnb has a queen and single sized bed, a kitchen, and seating area. It’s a great location, clean, comfortable and perfect for a couple or small family.
Find out more about H21 on Airbnb.com.
Luxury Staybang
This beautiful bohemian style stay is comfortable with a selection of handmade furniture and handwoven fabrics. It’s a beautiful space with an attentive owner willing to make your stay just perfect.
Find out more about the Luxury Staybang on Airbnb.com.
Wood Studio
This great stay has two queen beds and a lot of wooden accents. It’s a beautiful space with a calming aesthetic which is perfect is the bustling area of Hongdae. This is a new Airbnb in the area so check it out while you can.
Find out more about Wood Studio on Airbnb.com.
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