![Hongdae (Hongik University Street) (홍대)](/2022-08-02-1659454977408/2656577_image2_1.webp)

 
## Overview

> Hongdae is a neighborhood known for its youthful ambience, with shops selling everything from clothing and cosmetics to living goods and books, as well as unique cafés and restaurants. The streets are also filled with buskers and dance performances, making a walk here quite entertaining. Special streets such as ateliers’ street (lined with private institutions for art students preparing for university entrance exams), Picasso’s Street, and Club Street are also must-go places for anyone hoping to fully experience the Hongdae area.

 
## Intro

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|infocenter:|• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-2-323-2240|
 
## Detail Info

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|Interpretation Services Offered:|Tourist Information Center (Available in English, Japanese, and Chinese) +82-2-323-2240|
 
## Detail Image
![/2022-08-02-1659454977408/2656578_image2_1.webp](/2022-08-02-1659454977408/2656578_image2_1.webp)
![/2022-08-02-1659454977408/2656579_image2_1.webp](/2022-08-02-1659454977408/2656579_image2_1.webp)


 
## Contact

- [☎️+82-2-323-2240](tel:+8223232240)
- [🏠www.mapo.go.kr](https://www.mapo.go.kr/site/culture/content/culture010204)


```googleMap
latitude: 37.5543713280
longitude: 126.9227542239
title: 20, Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
```

Hongdae is a neighborhood known for its youthful ambience, with shops selling everything from clothing and cosmetics to living goods and books, as well as unique cafés and restaurants. The streets are also filled with buskers and dance performances, making a walk here quite entertaining. Special streets such as ateliers’ street (lined with private institutions for art students preparing for university entrance exams), Picasso’s Street, and Club Street are also must-go places for anyone hoping to fully experience the Hongdae area.

Hongdae (Hongik University Street) (홍대)

Tapgol Park, a designated Historic Site, was the first modern park to be built in Seoul. The park is located at what was originally the site of Wongaksa Temple, built during the 13th year of Joseon King Sejo's reign. However, the temple was destroyed and the site did not become a park until 1897 due to a proposal made by Englishman John Mcleavy Brown, an advisor to King Gojong. The park is also important for being the starting point for the March 1 Independence Movement in Seoul. The original name of the park was Pagoda Park, but was changed to the current Tapgol Park on May 28, 1992. The park contains several monuments and heritages, including the Ten-story Stone Pagoda of Wongaksa Temple Site (National Treasure), Stele for the Construction of Daewongaksa Temple at Wongaksa Temple Site (Treasure), and Palgakjeong Pavilion, where the Independence Proclamation was first declared; the independence movement relief plate; and the statue of Son Byeong-hee.

Tapgol Park (탑골공원)

Designated as a Historic Site, Taereung & Gangneung Royal Tombs is comprised of two tombs. Taereung Royal Tomb houses the burial mound of Queen Munjeong who was the second queen of King Jungjong, the 11th King of the Joseon dynasty, and Gangneung Royal Tomb houses the burial mounds of King Myeongjong, the 13th King of Joseon dynasty, and Queen Insun. King Myeongjong ascended the throne after his elder brother, King Injong, when he was twelve years old at Geunjeongjeon Hall in Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1545. The king’s mother, Queen Munjeong ruled behind the scenes, acting as guardian for eight years.

Taereung and Gangneung Royal Tombs [UNESCO World Heritage] (서울 태릉과 강릉 [유네스코 세계문화유산])

Along with the other great mountains near Seoul, Suraksan Mountain has its own unique beauty throughout the year. Its cluster of small peaks is reminiscent of Seoraksan or Wolchulsan Mountains and among its valleys and peaks, a number of treasures unfold. These include Geunnyu, Eunnyu, and Ongnyu Waterfalls, Heungguksa, Naewonsa and Seongnimsa Temples, and Gwesanjeong Pavilion. One of the most popular hiking courses on Suraksan Mountain is the one that starts from Danggogae Station (Seoul Subway Line 4) and passes Hangnimsa Temple and Yongguram Hermitage. In the springtime, the ridge between Suraksan Mountain and Buramsan Mountain is covered with gorgeous royal azalea blossoms.

Suraksan Mountain (수락산)

Sungnyemun Gate is Korea’s National Treasure No. 1, and its unofficial name is Namdaemun Gate. Sungnyemun Gate is the largest castle gate stone structure with an arched entrance in the middle. There’s a column on top of a platform, raising the roof, distinguishing the upper stories and lower stories of the building. Passageways for traffic are located at the east and west ends of the gate. Different from the other gates, Sungnyemun Gate’s tablet has its name written vertically. On February 10, 2008, Sungnyemun was destroyed by fire. After a 5-year reconstruction work, the gate was re-opened to the public again as of May 4, 2013.

Sungnyemun Gate (Namdaemun Gate) (숭례문)

Of the Four Great Gates (Sukjeongmun, Namdaemun, Dongdaemun, and Seodaemun), established by King Taejo in 1396, Sukjeongmun is called the north gate. Located to the north of Seoul, this gate, with Gyeongbokgung Palace in the center and Changaemun (Jahamun) to the right, make up the wings of the north gate. Due to the possible danger of the area being damaged from all the pedestrians, the king in 1413 planted pine trees and prohibited passing this area. Henceforth, Sukjeongmun became a scenic walkway until the North Korean Communist infiltration of 1968, which prohibited the passing of all civilians. The reopening of Sukjeongmun in April of 2006 has led to the opening of Bugaksan Mountain in April of 2007 and is in the process of dividing it into 3 courses. Bugaksan Mountain has been kept well-preserved due to a long period of restriction in this area, and if you climb the mountain, you will be able to see all of Seoul.

Sukjeongmun Gate (북악산 숙정문)

The Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin was erected at the front of Gwanghwamun Square on April 27, 1968, in honor of the brave spirit and leadership of the Admiral. At 17 meters tall, the bronze statue stands firmly with a sword in his right hand, representing protection and patriotism. In front of the statue is a miniature turtle ship that the Admiral built, and at each front corner are two drums that were used to increase the morale of soldiers going to the battlefield.

Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin (충무공 이순신 동상)

Ssamzigil, a shopping mall specializing in crafts that opened on December 18, 2004, has been called the New Insa-dong within Insa-dong. The many shops gathered here sell everything from luxury traditional crafts to modern artworks that still manage to convey Korean charm in their designs. The mall also has a food court with restaurants and cafes selling popular Korean dishes.