Hongdae, Itaewon or Seongsu: which Seoul neighbourhood for going out or staying?
Hongdae for music and youth, Itaewon for an international crowd and world food, Seongsu for cafés and pop-up stores. A portrait of each neighbourhood.
Machine translation from French, being reviewed. Read the French version (reference)
Contents
Three neighbourhoods come up in every traveller's conversation. They are very different: here is who each one suits.
Hongdae (홍대): music, students and nights out
Around Hongik University, Hongdae lives on youth culture, music and experimental fashion1. You will find flagship stores such as Musinsa and Gentle Monster, markets and pop-up stores. Red Road, a pedestrian street with buskers, is best explored on foot; KT&G Sangsangmadang hosts concerts and exhibitions1.
At night, clubs draw many Koreans in their twenties and foreign visitors, especially at weekends. Cafés and restaurants stay affordable2.
Who is it for? Young travellers, concert and nightlife fans.
In DariHotels in Hongdae for your datesItaewon (이태원): the most international
Itaewon grew with foreign residents and the former US military presence12. It is the neighbourhood for world food, tailors, vintage shops and antiques. The bridges near Noksapyeong Station offer a much-photographed view1. Bars and clubs are varied: hip-hop, jazz, electronic2. Right next door, Hannam-dong has more upmarket cafés and restaurants2.
Who is it for? People who want varied food, an international night out or halal restaurants near the mosque.
In DariHotels in Itaewon for your datesSeongsu (성수): cafés, design and pop-up stores
A former area of workshops and factories (leather shoes in particular), Seongsu is sometimes called "Korea's Brooklyn"12. Factories have become pop-up stores, cafés and galleries, such as Daelim Changgo, a former warehouse. Yeonmujang-gil street is a good starting point1.
Who is it for? Café, fashion and design lovers, mostly during the day.
In DariHotels in Seongsu for your datesAt a glance
| Hongdae | Itaewon | Seongsu | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Young, music, street | International, varied | Cafés, design |
| At night | Clubs, concerts | Varied bars and clubs | Quieter |
| By day | Shops, markets | Vintage, world food | Pop-up stores, galleries |
This week's events
Concerts, parties and events change every week: check what is on before choosing where to spend your evening.
In DariThis week's nights out and clubbingFrequently asked questions
Which Seoul neighbourhood is best for partying?
Hongdae for clubs and music with a young crowd; Itaewon for more international bars and clubs2.
Is Seongsu worth a visit?
Yes if you like cafés, fashion and pop-up stores set in former factories1.
Sources
- The Korea Times, « Guide to Seoul's trendiest autumn fashion districts: Seongsu, Itaewon, Hongdae » (31/10/2025) · checked on 26 October 2026
- Creatrip, quartiers de Séoul (20/10/2022) · checked on 26 October 2026