Seoul's Collegetown 홍대 Hongdae (Hongik University)

홍대 Hongdae (Hongik University) is probably the most happening area in Seoul. A bit of a ways from the city center – Hongdae features many pubs, bars, Hofs (beer houses), clubs, cafes, and restaurants. Located near Hongik University, the businesses thrive on the local student population.

Similar to collegetowns in the US, like Westwood near UCLA, Hongdae offers inexperience fun for young Koreans. Even in the cold winter night, there were still lots of young people parousing around. With karaoke bars featuring open bay windows for the open and the voyeours all alike. There is a famous rice cake food stand that turned into a full blown restaurant, with copycats just next door. The nightclub scene featuring the latest in house and electronica at NB1 & NB2 and Harlem.

But the thing is. . . Mr. B said that the US embassy and base warns US passport holders that Hongdae is probably the most dangerous area because of fights and drunkards. He told me that it is not wise to hang out there late at night. I’d believe it, too. I know some Koreans with short tempers . . . and their boyfriends with short ones as well. (LOL)

Outside of the fear of getting into fights, Hongdae is also a great date place. There’s a few cafes that offer great environments for couples.