Hongdae Night Roamer
Follows the busking sounds until you're in the front row.
- Stops for every busker
- Future record-shop regular
- Leaves the last train to fate
What kind of traveler you are
You hear a guitar two blocks away and your feet are already moving. Lively streets, live music and the rush of a crowd gathering around a performer are your natural habitat. You collect sounds and moments rather than sights, and you never plan the night past the next song. The last train? Fate can decide. Somewhere between the busking, the record crates and a late bowl of soup, you'll find exactly the night you were hoping for.
Happiest when…
- Ending up in the front row of a street performance
- Pulling a forgotten album out of a dusty crate
- A steaming bowl of soup after a long night out
Travel taste
Your Seoul itinerary: Hongdae Underground Night
- 19:00Hongik Univ. Stn. Exit 9
Start at Hongik University Station, Exit 9, the gateway to the Hongdae area. Step out, listen for music and let the night choose your direction.
- 19:30Busking street
Find the busking street, where singers and dance crews perform for gathering crowds. Clap along, drop a little appreciation in the case and stay as long as you like.
- 21:00Record shop
Dig into a record shop for K-indie, city pop or classic Korean albums. Crate-digging here is a great way to bring home the sound of Seoul.
- 23:00Late-night gukbap
Wrap up with late-night gukbap, a hearty rice soup that locals swear by after a night out. It is warm, filling and ideal before heading home.
Kkuki's travel tips
Busking is liveliest on weekend evenings.
- Busking is liveliest on weekend evenings, so plan your Hongdae night then.
- Check the last subway time on Naver Map or KakaoMap before you lose track.
- Keep some cash handy to tip the buskers whose sets you really enjoy.
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Travel match
With a Neighborhood Regular, spend a slow market day on their turf, then show them how Hongdae sounds after dark.
Might argue over plansPojangmacha RoverWith a Pojangmacha Rover, take turns choosing the night's main stop, so one gets music and the other gets street tent stories.
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