When talking about nightlife in Seoul, Hongdae is where everyone goes whether it’s for clubbing, food, bars, or just to hangout and go shopping with some friends. During my time in Seoul, I am staying in Hongdae for the large majority of my stay. Having been here for a month now, I believe I am pretty qualified to talk about what night life is like here. Although I haven’t gone into a club just yet (they’re kind of intimidating), I have been to a handful of bars and definitely have walked around on the streets late at night.
As an Asian American coming from the U.S, I 100% feel infinitely more safe walking around at night here in Korea, especially Hongdae, in comparison to back at home. Not only am I surrounded by other Asians which inherently makes me feel somewhat safer, Hongdae is also a huge tourist spot which makes having to communicate in urgent situations easier as someone who’s Korean is very much at an elementary school level (probably even lower to be honest).
Here in Hongdae, nightlife starts as soon as the sun sets. Usually, people will come out to just shop earlier in the night but once it hits around 10:30-11PM, the clubs and bars start to get busy. Many of the clubs will have bouncers walking on the streets trying to scout people and direct you towards their clubs. Most, if not all, are super friendly and will leave you alone if you simply say no to their offer but Hongdae would not be Hongdae without them.
The large streams of people past 11PM, especially on the weekends, give me an odd sense of comfort. Being able to roam around in the streets of Hongdae knowing everyone there is minding their own business and doesn’t care much about you (in the best way possible) gives me a sense of individuality and belonging at the same time? Similar to the way people say the tall buildings and bustling streets of New York make them feel a sense of freedom and insignificance in comparison to the world as a whole, walking around Hongdae at night makes me feel the same way. Everyone is in their own bubble but is also willing to help you with directions at any point in time. Seeing friend groups and couples spend time together as you shuffle past them makes my heart warm.
Even though there are many aspects of Hongdae’s nightlife that I have not experienced yet, it is still one of my favorite places to be at night.
