Hongdae (Hongik University Street) (홍대)

4.1Km 2025-04-14

20 Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Hongdae is a neighborhood known for its youthful ambience, with shops selling everything from clothing and cosmetics to living goods and books, as well as unique cafés and restaurants. The streets are also filled with buskers and dance performances, making a walk here quite entertaining. Special streets such as ateliers’ street (lined with private institutions for art students preparing for university entrance exams), Picasso’s Street, and Club Street are also must-go places for anyone hoping to fully experience the Hongdae area.

Namdaemun Market Gourmand Alley (Kalguksu Alley) (남대문시장 먹자골목(칼국수 골목))

4.1Km 2023-11-06

42-1, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Namdaemun Market is a massive market in Seoul filled with history and traditions. In the market, there is a place where people can dine without worrying about time or money, in an unmistakably Korean atmosphere, and that is the Gourmand Alley (Kalguksu Alley). The alley is lined with stalls selling similar fare, and people sit down in front of them, shoulder to shoulder, to enjoy their meal. Namdaemun Market’s Gourmand Alley specializes in noodle soup and steamed barley rice sets. The latter is a mixture of rice and barley, which is then steamed together. Its call to popularity is the nutty flavor imparted by barley. It has a healthy taste like no other, so make sure to check it out. Each order often comes with two or three separate menus (noodle soup, steamed rice, cold buckwheat noodles, etc.), along with a sumptuous array of side dishes like kimchi. Because this spot is beloved by diners of all ages, one often has to wait to get one’s turn during meal hours or on weekends. Keep in mind that the alley’s age often manifests itself in its crowdedness and lower attention to hygiene.
Another thing to note is that first-time visitors often find it difficult to find the entrance to the alley. The entrance is the transparent plastic door right next to “Segye-ro Eyeglasses Shop,” which can be found right across from Exit 5 of Hoehyeon Station on Seoul Subway Line 4. The door is rather small and difficult to find, but once you enter the doorway, you will immediately see the stalls unfolding in front of your eyes.

TV program “Life Masters (2005-)”
TV program “A Walk Around the Neighborhood (2018-2022)”

Gaehwa (개화)

4.1Km 2021-03-26

52-5, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-776-0508

Located a short walking distance away from Myeong-dong's Chinese Embassy, Gaehwa boasts 50 years of tradition as the 3rd Chinese restaurant chain in Korea. Gaehwa's jajangmyeon (noodles in black bean sauce) and palbochae (stir-fried seafood and vegetables) are extremely popular. This is a great place for a quick meal, as it serves plenty of food at affordable prices. Gaehwa has been using the same traditional cooking style and unchanging service values to create a comfortable atmosphere like visiting home.

Choeun Optical - Hoehyeon Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (조은안경 회현)

4.1Km 2024-04-22

Joeun Eyewear, 42, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Choeun Optical [Tax Refund Shop] (조은안경)

4.1Km 2024-06-27

42, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Tteok Museum (떡박물관)

4.1Km 2021-09-29

71, Donhwamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-741-5447

The Tteok Museum displays over 2,000 Korean kitchen utensils and tteok (rice cake) related items, arranged by various themes. The displayed utensils are handmade household necessities that are ingenuous, yet reveal the lifestyle of the working class. The elderly may relive fond childhood memories and the younger generation can experience the wisdom of ancestors through the rare kitchen utensils.

Jilsiru -Rice Cake Café (떡카페 질시루)

4.1Km 2020-04-24

71, Donhwamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-741-0258

Jilsiru is a modern cafe serving a panoply of traditional snacks. Customers may enjoy the wide variety of tteok (rice cake), hangwa (Korean traditional sweets & cookies), and traditional organic beverages at this cafe with a sophisicated interior.

Eun&Jeong Myeongdong Dakgalbi (은앤정명동닭갈비)

4.1Km 2024-03-11

2FL, 19, Myeongdong 7-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-778-1988

Situated on Myeongdong Street, Eun&Jeong Myeongdong Dakgalbi specializes in dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken). They have a variety of menu options such as spicy stir-fried chicken and cheese and stir-fried chicken with garlic and soy sauce, so patrons can choose according to their preferences. In addition, rice cakes, sweet potatoes, noodles, and fried rice can be cooked together for a richer experience. In addition, customers have the option to other delectable dishes including budae jjigae (sausage jjigae), makguksu (buckwheat noodles), and samgye tang (ginseng chicken soup).

Queen Plaza (퀸프라자)

4.1Km 2021-06-19

29, Namdaemunsijang 6-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-775-8400

Queen Plaza offers diverse items for people of varying ages from children to seniors. Consisting of many shops, it is particularly popular among families. On the third floor, designer clothing and accessories can be found.

Seoullo 7017 (서울로 7017)

4.1Km 2024-10-29

432, Cheongpa-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-120

Originally opened in 1970, Seoullo 7017 was an elevated road that crossed over the Seoul Station railway, but when it became dilapidated and unusable for traffic, it was converted into a park in 2017. It is about 17 metres above the ground and offers a panoramic view of the Seoul Station Railway and the city of Seoul. It is directly connected to Seoul Station.

Hongdae (Hongik University Street) (홍대) - Area information - Korea travel information