Hongdae : The Modern Melting Pot of Culture
By Ashley Whang, Amy Shin, Yoobin Lee
Edited By Dawn Kim
Design by Nicole Yang
Edited By Dawn Kim
Design by Nicole Yang
In a sea of iconic shopping districts in Seoul, Hongdae is one to take note of. Hongdae has been the melting pot of youth culture, urban art and indie music for Korea. From the dozens of fashionable and affordable clothing boutiques to the hippest clubs on the block, it’s no wonder how Hongdae is an extremely popular destination for young adults. Modern graffiti paints the walls and indie bands who perform after the sun sets are what bring Hongdae nights to life. The memories made at Hongdae are valuable and can be experienced by countless people to come.
The expensive malls are no match for the unique and cheap boutiques along the streets of Hongdae. The variety of choices allows foreigners to find an interest in the styles displayed along the streets. The different kinds of clothes are quite different from what the tourists are used to. Most of the styles that stores sell are heavily influenced by what the actors/actresses wear in Korean dramas. Next to the streets is Hongik University. Hongik University is the center of the Hongdae district and is famous for its School of Architecture and Fine Arts. Naturally, this kind of environment is bound to spark the inner artists of students in the University. The results were the famous Hongdae Art Mural near the University entrance. This art mural is a colorful collection of various public graffiti on the walls of an alley way. Many students express their creativity here for the public to enjoy. Just outside of the main road is the Milky Way Café. Among the many cafés, the Milky Way Café would be considered the most unique and most interesting to visit. Dimmed lights, floral decor and dark oak wood set the 70's and 80's mood perfectly in this quaint little cafe, complete with a corner of record of the hottest hits of those times.The nostalgic theme is what attracts so many people, especially those in their late thirties and forties. A student visiting claimed that, “The atmosphere in the cafe set by the music and decorations bring a feeling of the 80s culture, which is very interesting.” Over the past seven years, the café has made many memories which the customers have left behind. Hongdae’s distinctive and cultural aspects attracts the youth population of Seoul making it a popular destination for those who are looking for a fun time. |
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