Explore the lively streets of Hongdae, the coolest neighborhood in Seoul
Explore the lively streets of Hongdae, the coolest neighborhood in Seoul
Explore the lively streets of Hongdae, the coolest neighborhood in Seoul
Explore the lively streets of Hongdae, the coolest neighborhood in Seoul
Explore the lively streets of Hongdae, the coolest neighborhood in Seoul
Explore the lively streets of Hongdae, the coolest neighborhood in Seoul
Explore the lively streets of Hongdae, the coolest neighborhood in Seoul
Explore the lively streets of Hongdae, the coolest neighborhood in Seoul

What you'll do

You’ll explore Hongdae, one of Seoul’s most vibrant areas filled to the brim with quirky stores, live music venues, cheap eats - it’s the city’s student hub, after all - and plenty of visual art to get your creative juices flowing.

Speaking of juices, your host could take you to an indie joint like The Henz Club, where you can sip on soju liquor with the who’s who of Hongdae, or you could opt for some traditional tea at Thanks Nature Cafe with a couple of sheep to keep you company - did we not mention Hongdae is known for its themed cafes?

You could catch an impromptu street performance along Eoulmadag Street, but you might end up spending all your time enjoying the nostalgia of arcade gaming at Zzang Games instead.

Where you’ll go

Leave the flurry of finance behind and enter a very different quarter of Seoul, one where creativity and quirkiness are the only qualities that count. Since the ’90s, this burgeoning suburb has been the heart of art in the city, fed by a constant stream of art students and fuelled by cheap rent, indie music, and vintage shopping.

Follow your host and explore street art-lined alleyways, and discover live music venues and themed cafes where you can mingle with the local cool kids. Catch musicians jamming out on a street corner or sipping tea at a themed restaurant, one of the area’s popular draws. You could even shop till you drop at Hongdae’s markets or in any of the vintage boutiques that add flavor to this unique slice of the city!

  • Private & 100% personalized tour

  • 3 hours

  • Matched to your ideal host

  • Walking tour (may use public transport)

  • Hosted in English (On request: French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish)

  • Meet at your accommodation or a central location

Experience outline

  • Explore one of Seoul’s most vibrant and expressive neighborhoods that’s popular among students and artists alike.
  • See an alternative side to hyper-modern Seoul with the guidance of your own local host.
  • Appreciate stunning street art and live performances as you wander Hongdae’s roadways.
  • Browse through quirky boutiques and shop for hand-crafted local creations.
  • Indulge in some tea and treats at a local themed cafe, or visit the area by night and sing your heart out at a karaoke bar.
  • Pick your host’s brain for the best spots to spend the rest of your time in South Korea’s capital.

Things to know

What’s included

  • Private and personalised itinerary
  • 3 hours with a host
  • Walking experience
  • Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

What’s not included

  • Food and drink
  • Tickets to any attractions
  • Transportation costs
  • Gratuities (optional)

Cancellation

  • Cancel 7 days before the experience for a full refund
  • Worry-free cancellation terms: book with peace of mind knowing that you can cancel for free up to a day before the experience and receive a full refund.

Photos taken by our hosts and guests

City Unscripted guests photos

Reviews

    It’s always good I like how he customised it to suit me because there’s a lot of good things to see Hongdae

    March 2020

    Gabriel P

    Our tour guide was Yujin and she showed us around Hongdae on our first morning in Seoul. She really helped us get our bearings, by helping us with the metro, showing us where to buy things and recommending a wonderful, cheap place for lunch. She was more than happy to help my daughter practise speaking in Korean. Yujin was very friendly and organised and she showed us places we would never have found on our own. We are really glad we booked a tour guide with City Unscripted.

    September 2019

    Karyn R

    .

    December 2018

    Alberto M

    So happy with our experience! Totally personalised and that made such a difference. Thankyou!!

    March 2018

    Jen G

See more reviews

Meet our local hosts in Seoul. One of them will tailor this experience to your wishes!

We’ll expertly match you to your best suited host based on your interests, personality and the experience vibe you’re after.

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