Hongdae is a shopping area we visited in Seoul. We felt that it was a place where we couldn't buy everything from morning to night. There were many gourmet restaurants, coffee shops, nightclubs, etc., and there were young people coming on holidays. This residency performance has become a key business district that will be included in the itinerary when you come to Seoul for free travel for the first time. This article is written for novices to read. If you have any questions, you can leave a message and ask us.
Transportation: How to get to Hongik University (more commonly known as Hongdae)?
The Seoul Metro Line is well developed, but it is not as complicated and difficult to understand as Tokyo. You can take Metro Line 2 to Hongik Univ. (#239 홍대입구/Hongik Univ.), or take the Incheon Airport Express to Hongik Univ. (#A03 홍대입구/ Hongik Univ.), after exiting the station, it is within the business district, and it takes 12-15 minutes to walk to Hongik University School.
Related Reading ▶️💯2024 Popular Seoul Star Hotels: 10 Best Accommodation Recommendations in Hongik Business District
▲ Hongdae is a well-known art-related university in Korea.
Hongdae business district money exchange and currency exchange reminder
There are about 6 money exchange offices at the subway Hongik University entrance station and in the business district, two of which are near the subway station, and the other four are on the same road as the Tourist Infromation. The exchange rate is similar. If it is not a large amount of money exchange There is no need to compare the slight differences. It is recommended to see the direct exchange. Remember to bring your passport to the exchange office for the staff to photocopy and register.
In addition, well-known brands and stores in the Hongdae business district can be used to pay by credit card, but some small stores or clothing will charge an extra 3~5% credit card processing fee. I once bought a windbreaker jacket, and the boss just said that cash is OK. It's cheaper (there is room for bargaining), but if you want to pay with a card, you need to charge an additional fee. Because Hongdae is so easy to buy...If the cash is not enough, then you can change it.
The information about Hongdae Money Exchange by my friend Dafang is quite complete, and interested readers can watch it together.
Related Reading ▶️[Seoul Hongdae Money Exchange] Dafang recommended 3 major money exchange offices + luggage storage
▲There is a money exchange office near the tourist information center. It is recommended to get a free Chinese paper introduction, which is very helpful to novices.
▲ We chose this one to exchange Korean Won.
▲ I have seen a few money exchange houses, and the exchange rate is actually not much different.
▲ Change your cash and prepare to eat, drink, and buy things this day!
A small analysis of Hongdae business district structure
Searching for "Hongdae" on the Internet has a lot of bloggers, manufacturer articles, Hongdae shopping maps that share your views, X-room must-buy, shopping lazy bags, etc. It is practical and informative, but did you know... just add it to the store? In the small stalls, markets, etc., it is estimated that there are more than 500 shops (not including restaurants and coffee shops), so it is too hard and time-consuming for novices to find those shops according to the map.
The business district can be roughly divided into Hongdae campus, food area, shopping area, cafes, nightclubs, Hongdae Free Market, etc. Interspersed with mural street, barbecue fried chicken street, plus businesses outside the subway station Avenida, it has good feet. I am afraid that the people will not be able to walk all day, not to mention the novices, who have to look at the map and information before looking for the store, etc., the novices can dig into treasures if they don't insist on shopping at will!
▲ The Hongdae business district is mainly located between Hongdae Entrance Station and Sheung Shui Station, presenting a triangular living circle.
▲ Some website information will circle the food area, but in fact, there are food and drink everywhere!
▲ There are many shops of this type in it, which are worth checking out.
▲Want to choose the net beauty check-in coffee shop?Sometimes you will find treasure when you look up.
▲ In the evening, there will be more young people performing here.
Actual visit experience (aka shopping madness)
There are too many alleys in the business district, and those with a bad sense of direction are easy to get lost and repeat the way they have walked... (Hey ~ like an X-film trick), a few tips for your reference:
1. You can lock restaurants, coffee shops or famous afternoon tea shops
Like Coffee Prince’s No. XNUMX shop, I want to go on a pilgrimage, no problem!Because you only need to go to at most two shops, such as lunch + afternoon tea or coffee shop + dinner, instead of more than a dozen shops, you can kill yourself and your companions at once, and then they will open friends on Facebook. North travel companion.
2. After this village there is no other village, just start with what you like!
The products sold by stores in Hongdae business district are not repetitive. If you like the style of the product and the price is okay, take it back to Taiwan and use it; but if you are looking for a "long coat", you can see more In comparison, the on-site costumes are really diverse, and the prices are also very different, and you can always find the treasures of your heart.
3. Make-up products are recommended to buy in Myeongdong business district
Although there are many cosmetics shops here in Hongdae, and even the well-known brand 3CE has opened flagship stores, the number of brand-managed stores is still not as good as Myeongdong. Plus, when you buy more things, there are large and small gifts to get, and I often buy it. Readers of makeup and skin care products, don't spend time exploring here.
4. When you purchase a large quantity, you might as well visit Dongdaemun
Our shopaholic family expects to go to Seoul in late March. Four women can buy a lot. If you are traveling with friends or relatives of three or five, you can go to the Dongdaemun retail area first. A single store can make purchases. Larger places are suitable for those who purchase with small bourgeoisie.
※ List of clothing
※ List of cosmetic products
※ Flower small things
※ Shoes, bags
※ Mobile phone accessories
Tax refund procedures and reminders for shopping in Hongdae business district
Basically, most stalls and shops here do not provide tax-free or tax-free services. International brands, high-priced boutiques or 3C will have tax-free/tax-free services. Remember to ask before you buy. If it is the most convenient direct tax-free, the clerk will give it directly. Fill in the price and fill in the information; if it is mainly for tax refund, fill in the tax refund receipt and go to the airport to handle the tax refund with the receipt. Now, in order to save labor and time costs, they also have tax refund machines for tourists to operate by themselves, brush their passports, enter tax refund information, etc. It's finished.
Important reminder!The tax refund documents must be taken to the airport for processing. There is a tax refund machine at the airport to scan the relevant paper. You must pay it back, because the store will also remind you that if you don’t return the receipt, the credit card will be charged. .
▲ The tax refund machine has a complete description and a simplified Chinese interface.
🎞️Additional screening at the same scene: Hongdae Free Market
Hongdae Art Freemarket (Hongdae Art Freemarket) is located near Hongik University. It is open to citizens, artists, and students to sell goods and services every Saturday. Anya recommends to try out the hand-painted portraits of students. You can help yourself or your family. Make a special travel souvenir, it is worth arranging to go shopping and buy some hand-made goods on the same day.
Related Reading ▶️Hongdae Free Market: A gathering place for hand-made goods and paintings, it is worth a visit to dig treasures
▲ This candy pie is super delicious!Very fragrant...I miss it the most.
▲ At that time, Little Burger didn't know Dora A Dream, and now I take him to buy it, I must be very happy!
▲ A lot of food stalls, want to eat authentic Korean snacks... there are also here!
Accommodation and shops around Hongik University Station
We stayed at the hotel and chose "L7 Hongdae Lotte Hotel","Holiday Inn Express Hongdae"There are Line Friends Store and Kakao Friends Store on the main road between the two hotels, both of which are flagship store specifications. You can find a lot of cute and small items. There are also many shops on the road along the subway station, which seem to be cheap. Wearable biscuit shoes, backpacks, etc., I recommend everyone to choose to stay here, it is very convenient to go from morning to night, and you can also take the airport bus.
Related Reading ▶️Kakao Friends Store: Flagship Store Tour in Hongdae Business District, Seoul
▲ Finally finished writing Hongdae Business District (hu~), I hope you will like it.
