On my next Korea trip, I'll probably stay in Hongdae. I tried it twice palang, one was just for a night, and the other was for work so I had no time to really go around. On my recent trip, I realized that there's still so much to see in this youthful neighborhood of Seoul (university area).
When all these finally come to an end, I will make sure to book my next guesthouse in Hongdae.
Read some of my Hongdae blogs here.
There are many reasons why I want to stay in Hongdae. First is that a lot of Korean dramas were shot here (Coffee Prince, Kim Bok Joo, I Am Not A Robot, etc). It also houses a lot of local cafes and indie shops. And of course, I heard of other hip neighboring areas like Yeonnamdong that I want to go to next time.
On my one afternoon in Hongdae, here are some of the things I was able to do. Feel free to add more Hongdae tips on the comment box below!
12nn: Bought Crash Landing on You Plushie in Bütter
I have to confess that I bought the plushie even before watching the drama, haha! Crash Landing On You was ongoing while I was in Korea. I can't watch during a trip coz I am usually too tired at night, or researching for the next day.
I was on my way out of Hongik University Station Exit 1 when I saw the store Bütter. It's a cutesy wasteland like Artbox which is my favorite stop in Garosugil, so I went in the store to look around.
The penguin plushies with flapping wings were displayed by the entrance, and they're selling them for KRW 15,000 (Php 600+). So happy that I got it after watching the series coz it's the perfect souvenir.
Hongik University Station Exit 1, before heading out.
1pm: Light lunch at BT21 Cafe Line Friends store
Went out late that day, so I was starving when I reached Hongdae. I was supposed to look for a vegetarian restaurant, but I cannot resist heading inside Line Friends first. I thought I can push lunch time for a little bit more so I can check out new BT21 merch. #Priorities 😅
Hongik University Station Exit 1, walk straight.
Was thinking of getting this Tata family set, but a lot of you voted NO in my Instagram Story poll. 😅
BT21 Ice Beverage offerings. It changed na pala from the last time I went to a BT21 cafe.
Busog sa mata, hehe!
Souvenirs from this visit, a Tata pen and small notebook:
Beauty Inside exhibit is located in Statice Museum Hongdae. I discovered it through Klook. It is like Dessert Museum or a super small Teamlab where you go to different rooms designed as photo zones. People were taking turns on each corner with their tripods and selfie sticks, hindi nakakahiya magpaka vain dito, lol!
My favorite room from Beauty Inside:
4pm: Watch Hongdae Street Performers
I randomly passed by this area while looking for a stationery store I've been meaning to visit. This street culture is just one of the things that made me fall in love with Korea 2 or 3 years ago. I live for the energy of the youth performing to Kpop. Even the audience were so supportive! Stopped to watch a busker sing Paul Kim's So Long, my Hotel Del Luna heart!!!
5pm: Shop merch from local creators in Object
If you watch Ondo vlogs, this is where the Korean vlogger sells her merch! Visited to take a look, but ended up creating a big dent in my pockets! It is similar to our Commonroom here in Manila.
My haul from Hongdae:
I really love this postcard I got in Artbox: "Pleasure of Ordinary Days". It defined my 20 days in Korea.
Watch more here:
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