Where To Stay In Hongdae: Best Hotels, and Guesthouses in Seoul!
Last Updated on March 17, 2026
Hongdae is one of the best areas to stay in Seoul if you want easy airport access, lively streets, shopping, cafes, and nightlife all in one neighborhood. Centered around Hongik University, it’s popular with both tourists and locals, and after living around Hongdae for more than a decade, I’ve helped plenty of visiting friends and famil figure out where to stay here.
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!
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Is Hongdae a good place to stay in Seoul?
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 best for:
- First-time visitors to Seoul
- Young travelers
- Solo travelers
- Friends traveling together
- Travelers who want nightlife, cafes, and shopping in walking distance
Hongdae may not be best for:
- Travelers who want quiet nights
- Luxury travelers wanting a classic 5-star district
- Families with very young kids who want a calmer base
Best Hotels In Hongdae
Having lived in the Hongdae area for more than a decade, I have seen it grow and adapt. If you’re looking for the best hotels in Hongdae Seoul, these are the stays I’d recommend first based on location, atmosphere, and overall travel experience.
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
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 a rooftop pool open seasonally as well as a fitness center, restaurant, and bar. We’ve stayed here a few times.
Book a stay at L7 Hongdae here on Booking.com or here on Agoda.com.
Here are some awesome things to do in Hongdae:
- Join a K-pop dance class and get your groove on.
- See the Nanta Show at the Hongdae theater.
- Join a handmade ring making workshop at Hongdae Rings Village.
- Experience a K-pop photoshoot with K-beauty makeup and hair styling.
- Make your own personalized perfume at .NOTE.
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
Local Stitch Creator Town Seogyo
Coming to Seoul for work? Work study? Content creation? The Local Stitch Creator Town brand is a fantastic option that features a 3-star hotel experience with a public kitchen, working spaces, and other amenities that make it ideal for digital nomads and other workers/creators who are traveling while working. They also allow pets which is a bonus from some of the other hotel options in the area.
Book a stay at Local Stitch Creator Town Seogyo on Booking.com or on Agoda.com
Best 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.
Colliv Yeonnam
Great for the family travelers that want to be near Hongdae, but not right in the noise. The rooms are bigger than a lot of places in the area and they have a kitchen and laundry that is free to use. This is a great place for families to stay in Hongdae.
Book a room at Colliv Yeonnam on Booking.com or on Agoda.com.
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.
Huayuanhouse HQ
Now that I live down on Jeju Island, I make the trip up to Seoul regularly for work and when traveling solo opt for quick and compact knowing I’ll be out and about so much. That’s why I picked Huayuanhouse. The rooms are comfortable and they have family rooms if you’re not solo. There’s a nice lounge as well. Comfortable and cozy.
Book a room at Huayuanhouse HQ on Booking.com or on Agoda.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.
FAQ
What is the best hotel in Hongdae?
If you want a stylish upscale stay, RYSE is one of the best hotels in Hongdae. If you want convenience right by Hongik University Station, L7 Hongdae is one of the easiest choices. If you want a boutique-style stay, 9 Brick Hotel is a strong option.
Is Hongdae better than Myeongdong for staying in Seoul?
Hongdae is usually better for travelers who want nightlife, cafes, shopping, and a younger atmosphere. Myeongdong is better for travelers focused on sightseeing convenience, mainstream shopping, and airport bus access.
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