So you have analyzed your options and are considering Hongdae as your base camp during your Seoul vacation? However, you don’t exactly know where to stay in Hongdae and are looking for some worthy options?
We have gathered the best hotels in Hongdae in one place so that you don’t have to do the research. We did it for you!
And we have lived for one year in Seoul, relatively close to Hongdae, becoming very familiar with the area, its hotels, and all the fun activities worth having there.
No matter if you are traveling with your teen kids, or you are simply looking for a fun area to stay in, well connected to the city center and Seoul’s main things to do, Hongdae is the place for you!
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Read also: Getting around Seoul – your complete guide
How to get to Hongdae
One of the best-connected areas in Seoul, it is not only easy to reach it from Incheon or Gimpo Airport, but you will also be a few bus stops away from the city center.
Traveling from the airport is easy, fast, and cheap, with a direct line linking both airports to Seoul’s fun neighborhood.
Read the full guide here and choose your preferred option for traveling to the airport, depending on your budget, time, and travel style.
If you don’t feel like going through the whole comparison, here are your options in a nutshell:
| Means of Transportation | Cost | Duration |
| Subway | 4,650 KRW (Transit Card) 4,750 KRW (Ticket) | 52 minutes |
| Bus (number 6002) | 10,000 KRW | roughly 1 hour |
| Taxi | approx. 50,000 KRW | roughly 1 hour |
| Private Transfer | From 72 USD/ 3 pers | roughly 1 hour |
Extra tip: Before you go by subway, get your T-Money Card + Data SIM
You will use your T-Money card to get around Seoul (or anywhere else in South Korea) by public transportation, so you will need it throughout your trip.
Why choose to stay in Hongdae
Hongdae is located in Mapo-gu and is relatively close to the city center.
It is very well linked to the major tourist attractions both by bus and by subway – Hongik University Station on the Inner Circle Green Line is a few stops away from the City Hall and the main city center area.
In the area there are a few of the most important universities in town, thus you’ll find also plenty of restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops with affordable prices. But also some of the most Instagrammable places in town.
Cons: The area is literally packed with people (mostly students and tourists) at every time of the day and night. So if you are looking for a more laid-back area, this is not the place for you.
Where to stay in Hongdae: Best hotels in Hongdae
If you have made your decision, and this area is for you, it is worth knowing that here you will find plenty of cool and modern hotels. However, that doesn’t mean that you cannot choose to stay on a budget or in a traditional place.
Here are some of the best hotels in Hongdae.
Luxury Hotels in Hongdae
A 4* hotel, steps away from the subway station, set on the main boulevard. The hotel has a stunning rooftop restaurant and bar from where you can admire the city, but also a rooftop swimming pool for the hot days of summer.
Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae
right across the street from L7 Hotel, this international chain hotel won’t disappoint.
It is perfectly located extremely close to the subway and bus station, rooms offer stunning city views, and you will find currency exchange for guests at the reception desk.
RYSE, Autograph Collection Seoul
While you will have to walk a little bit to this hotel since it is located between Hongik subway station and Hapjeong subway station, you will still be in a great location.
The interior design is extremely stylish, and guests have loved the breakfast served here, but also how helpful the concierge was (especially in making restaurant reservations).
By staying here you will have everything within walking distance, and guests can access a fitness center, a business center, and a library.
Mid-Range Hotels in Hongdae
Only a bit further away from the melting hot pot, this hotel will offer a relaxing stay in Hongdae. Guests can access the rooftop pool and the fitness center without any additional fee.
Rooms have a simple design but are comfortable, and guests have found the staff extremely friendly and helpful.
Another nice mid-range hotel that is located close to everything you might need in the area. The rooms are comfortable and guests have enjoyed the bathtub and the view they got from the room.
If you are planning for a longer South Korea itinerary, you might want to reach out to this hotel and ask if they can store your luggage for a few days, they might be open to that.
Budget accommodation in Hongdae
Tucked away relatively closer to Sangsu Station, this guesthouse offers accommodation in simple traditional rooms. You will be close to cafes, restaurants, and the streets with public performances.
It is also worth knowing that a simple breakfast is served daily, computers are available for use, and luggage storage is together with fax/photocopying services. This is the perfect place to stay when traveling on a budget.
If you like pink and girly things, you will fall in love with this pretty guesthouse.
Apart from its design and price tag, the location is perfect, very close to the Hongik University subway, a mall, and a huge Daiso, and just in front of the famous Gyeongui Line Forest Park where many k-dramas were shot.
If you are a k-pop fan, then you should book this place! A bit further away from the Honkink subway station, but only a few steps away from Mangwon subway station, you will see that this area is quite as cool and hip as the one around Hongdae.
No matter if you are traveling alone or with a group of friends, you will find this place to be safe and comfortable. While Mangwon is one of our favorite areas in Mapo-gu, you will see that it is more low-key and less hectic, but still packed with cool cafes and restaurants.
Apartments in Hongdae
A beautiful penthouse apartment with a stunning rooftop terrace where you can start and end your days in Seoul.
The place is perfect for a larger group or a family because it has 3 bedrooms with double or single beds.
Its location is also one of the best, along Gyeongui Line Forest Park, one of the prettiest areas to discover, packed with cafes and cool restaurants.
This is another great 1-bedroom apartment located seconds away from the subway station. If you would rather have a whole place to yourself, including access to a kitchen, or you are spending more time in town, renting an apartment is a better idea than staying at a hotel.
Other useful Travel Resources
General Travel Information for South Korea
Driving in South Korea – a complete guide
Choose the best area to stay in Seoul or stay close to Seoul Station
Plan your Seoul Itinerary: 2 days, 3 days, 4 days in Seoul
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