Why Every Exchange Student Wants to Live in Hongdae (And How to Find a Room)
Ask any incoming exchange student where they want to live in Seoul, and 9 out of 10 will say: "Hongdae."
Itβs the epicenter of youth culture, indie music, fashion, and nightlife. Itβs walking distance to Hongik University and a short subway ride to Yonsei, Ewha, and Sogang.
But is living in the middle of the party actually a good idea? Here is the honest guide to finding housing in Hongdae.
The Vibe: Why Hongdae?
Hongdae (Hongik University Station) is never boring. You have buskers performing on the streets, 24-hour cafes, endless shopping, and the best clubs in Korea.
Pros: You never need a taxi home after a night out. English is widely spoken. Convenience stores are everywhere.
Cons: It can be loud. Very loud. Drunk people on the streets at 4 AM are common.
Rent Prices in Hongdae
Because of its popularity, Hongdae is not the cheapest area.
Average Rent (Dan-gi / Short-term): 600,000 ~ 900,000 KRW/month
Deposit: 1M ~ 3M KRW
Pro Tip: If you want cheaper rent, look at Hapjeong or Mangwon. They are right next to Hongdae but quieter and slightly more affordable.
How to Find a "Quiet" Room in Hongdae
If you want to study, avoid the main "Walking Street" (Eoulmadang-ro). Look for houses in:
Yeonnam-dong (μ°λ¨λ): The trendy "Central Park" area. Quieter, full of cafes, but expensive.
Donggyo-dong (λκ΅λ) : The residential side near Exit 3. Much more peaceful.
Conclusion
Living in Hongdae is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Just make sure you check if the building has soundproofing! If you want to find rooms around Hongdae area, check listings on LiveAnywhere app!