Myeongdong vs. Hongdae: Where to Stay in Seoul, South Korea

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When planning a trip to Seoul, selecting the right neighborhood can significantly influence your experience. So, where to stay in Seoul, South Korea?

Seoul is a sprawling city with various districts, each offering unique vibes and attractions. Among the most popular areas for tourists are Myeongdong and Hongdae, both known for their distinct charm. In this post, I’ll compare these two neighborhoods to help you decide where to stay during your visit to Seoul.

Introduction to Myeongdong and Hongdae

Seoul is a city that effortlessly combines its rich historical heritage with modern innovation. During my month-long stay, I split my time between Myeongdong and Hongdae, each offering its own unique appeal. Understanding the pros and cons of these neighborhoods can help you decide which suits your travel style best.

Myeongdong: The Heart of Shopping and Entertainment

Pros of Staying in Myeongdong

Myeongdong is one of Seoul’s most famous shopping districts, bustling with activity and lined with countless stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.

If you love to shop or are a food enthusiast, Myeongdong is a paradise. The area is a shopper’s dream, offering everything from high-end brands to unique Korean cosmetics and fashion.

Additionally, its central location makes it convenient for exploring other parts of Seoul, thanks to excellent public transportation links.

The street food scene here is incredible, with a wide variety of Korean snacks and dishes available at every corner.

I also found that Myeongdong is a lot more English-friendly. Compared to Hongdae, more signs and menus are available in English here.

Cons of Staying in Myeongdong

However, Myeongdong has its downsides. The area can be overwhelmingly crowded, especially on weekends and holidays, which might detract from your experience. Due to its popularity, accommodation and food can be more expensive here compared to other areas in Seoul. Finally, the neighborhood’s tourist-centric nature might not appeal to those seeking a more authentic Korean experience.

Hongdae: The Hub of Youth Culture and Creativity

Pros of Staying in Hongdae

In contrast to Myeongdong, Hongdae, short for Hongik University Street, is known for its vibrant youth culture, indie music scene, and artistic vibe.

Hongdae is a neighborhood that never sleeps, filled with street art, indie shops, and unique cafes. While this vibrant atmosphere is exciting, it can be challenging to find anything open early in the morning. The area truly comes alive at night, with a dynamic nightlife scene that features an array of clubs, bars, and live music venues.

I loved how compared to Myeongdong, Hongdae offers a more authentic local experience. There seemed to be hardly any tourists in our area, and you could tell that businesses catered toward locals, not tourists.

Another benefit of staying in Hongdae is the affordability of accommodation and dining options. I definitely noticed this when looking around for accommodations online. Prices are usually a lot more expensive in Myeongdong.

Cons of Staying in Hongdae

On the flip side, Hongdae’s vibrant nightlife can lead to noisy nights, which might be bothersome for those seeking a quieter stay.

While the neighborhood is well-connected to public transportation, it’s slightly less central compared to Myeongdong, making travel to some of Seoul’s main tourist attractions a bit more time-consuming.

Additionally, fewer signs and menus are available in English, which can pose challenges for non-Korean speakers (I had to pull out and use Google Translate quite often).

My Personal Experience: Myeongdong vs. Hongdae

Starting in Hongdae

During my five weeks in South Korea, I spent the first two in Hongdae, where I quickly grew attached to Seoul’s vibrant atmosphere. My Airbnb was just a 10-minute walk from the Han River, which was great because the riverfront has walking and biking paths lined with parks and free workout equipment. One day, my friends and I rented tandem bikes and rode along the water, stopping at cafes along the way – I highly recommend if you have time.

The nightlife in Hongdae was another highlight, with numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues. Evenings were spent bar hopping and trying delicious Korean street food, which made for some memorable nights. The area’s youthful energy, thanks to the nearby university, made it feel lively without being overly touristy or stuffy.

When I return to Seoul, I’ll definitely choose to stay in Hongdae over Myeongdong, but that’s just my preference, I am not much of a shopper haha.

Moving to Myeongdong

After two weeks, I moved to Myeongdong, which offered a stark contrast to the laid-back vibe of Hongdae. Myeongdong was always busy with streets packed with shoppers, tourists, and selfie-takers. The constant crowds felt overwhelming, and the higher prices for accommodation and food were noticeable.

I also noticed that the variety of restaurants was very low. In the area that we were in more than half of the restaurants served over-priced Korean barbeque. My apartment in Myeongdong was less comfortable (pretty much had no windows lol) and more expensive compared to Hongdae.

With all that being said, the shopping here was truly unbeatable, so if you’re into retail therapy, than this is your spot.

Myeongdong vs. Hongdae: Which is Best for You?

Step 1: Define Your Priorities

Deciding between Myeongdong and Hongdae depends on your priorities and travel style. First, define what matters most to you: shopping, nightlife, local experiences, or convenience. If your primary goal is shopping and easy access to other parts of Seoul, Myeongdong might be the better choice. If you prefer vibrant nightlife, creative energy, and a more local experience, Hongdae could be more suitable.

Step 2: Consider Your Budget

Next, consider your budget. Hongdae generally offers more affordable options for accommodation and dining, which might be ideal if you’re traveling on a budget.

Step 3: Evaluate Your Language Comfort

Think about your comfort level with language. If you prefer ease of communication, Myeongdong’s English-friendly environment may make your stay more comfortable.

Step 4: Think About Crowds and Noise

Consider whether you’re comfortable with large crowds and noise. Myeongdong tends to be more crowded and touristy, while Hongdae offers a more relaxed, albeit lively, atmosphere.

Step 5: Decide on Your Activities

Finally, think about the activities you enjoy. If you love shopping and street food, Myeongdong is your spot. If nightlife and a creative vibe are more your speed, head to Hongdae.

Conclusion: Myeongdong vs. Hongdae

Choosing between Myeongdong and Hongdae depends on what you’re looking to get out of your trip. Myeongdong is perfect for those who want to be in the heart of the action, surrounded by endless shopping and dining options. On the other hand, Hongdae offers a more relaxed and authentic experience, with vibrant nightlife and a creative atmosphere.

Both neighborhoods have their unique appeal, and if you have the time, I recommend experiencing both. By exploring different areas, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Seoul’s diverse culture and energy.

When deciding where to stay in Seoul, consider what aspects of the city you want to immerse yourself in. Whether you choose Myeongdong or Hongdae, you’re in for an unforgettable time in this dynamic city.