Hongdae: the creative edge of culture

THE ORIGINAL ESSAY

Looking for the edge of inspiration? Wondering where the youth of Korea go to party? Where the trendsetters flaunt their stuff and the avant garde associate? You can see them strolling the streets and crowding the cafes in front of Hongik University.

Known simply as Hongdae to most Koreans, the area represents all that is fresh and new in Korean society. Throngs of college kids flood the streets, intellectuals have caffeine-induced outbursts, and everyone is encouraged to express themselves. It doesn’t matter what you wear, as long as you have a free and passionate mind.

Twice a month, the area in front of Hongik University becomes a world of the night. Besides being the de facto heart of design within Seoul, Hongdae is also pub-crawl central and on the second and last Fridays of every month, it comes alive with a special night of passionate playfulness. We refer to these as “Club Night” and “Sound Day.”

With such events held twice a month to bring the merrymakers from all over, the focus of the youth in Seoul is on Hongdae. The dance, music, and performances by popular and up-and-coming bands of the underground music scene make the night as bright and festive as day.

Club Day is well known not only among Korean youth, but among foreigners as well. A 15,000 won ticket will get you into any of the 13 clubs in the Club Night association to enjoy the music and dance the night away. Students and others scurry in and out of club after club and converse on the avenues and alleys afterward before vying for a taxi home.

Sound Day differs from Club Day in that it features live performances by rock bands and well-known DJs at the ten clubs involved. This event offers performances in various genres, allowing you to pick the performances that best meet your taste.

To enjoy these Friday night festivals to the fullest, plan on a late night. Performances start from around 8pm on Sound Day but most music lovers finally arrive around midnight. Seoulites believe that a bit of debauchery is good for the soul, and such nights help relieve the stress of city life with a long night of dancing, music, friendship and fun. What is fascinating about the Hongik University area is the attitude of pure individuality and anti-commercialism. The various performances, unique cafes, and exceptional artists reveal it as the “The Creative Edge of Culture,” for the young and the free.

From Peter’s supplied Seoul guidebook introduction, chapter 10. Original observations and historical framing are retained. PDF line-break and spacing repairs are recorded separately from factual updates. Guidebook photography and venue directories are not republished.