The Background of Hongdae, center of Youth In Seoul!

In this article we will share to you the history of hongdae, the center of youth in Seoul areas. All of us know that Hongdae is one of the must visit areas for many foreigners and locals to visit as we travel Seoul. However, little did we know about the history behind Hongdae, so let’s dig in.

Hongdae Background

Hongdae is the short abbreviation for ‘HONGik DAEhakgyo’ which means hongik university. It all began as Hongik university move to Mapo district in Seoul back then in 1955. Since then, the way people communicate and pointed the place surrounded hongik university area as ‘Hongdae’ areas.

Art Culture

As more people start enroll in and Hongik University grew, the more people acknowledge the university. Hongik University is well known for it’s art department due to military coup in 1961 that force all department to close, except art. Thus, art department grew mightily in Hongdae.

After Hongik university getting more recognition for it’s art department, the more art talented student enroll in and thus bring on many art academy nearby, which later on called Hongdae art academy street. These academy help the student to prepare them facing the art entrance exam.

Other than filled with art academy, these street also start attracting art shop that sells all kind of art materials for them to buy. Some students even set up an art workshop nearby known as 108 workshop, where many art students gathered.

Club Culture

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In 1990’s, as the more youth enroll in and fill the areas, another type of arts, dancing and music, start penetrating the areas, which attract ‘live club’ to come to this areas.

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After live clubs start getting more famous and recognition among youth living in seoul seeking to express their passion where there is no judgement, Hongdae became the art and culture playground for youth living in Seoul.

Hongdae Commercialization

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Not long after clubs start filling hongdae, more business start to coming in, hype cafe, restaurant and others, that just makes this place even more vibrant and attractive.

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Since the areas has been highly commercialized and attract more business, the rent price is also increase dramatically, which ended up bangkrupt the live clubs and small business that was initially started the hype of this area.

Hongdae, Trendy Spot in Seoul

It’s all the history of modern Hongdae that now serve as one of the must-visit area in Seoul. have you ever visit hongdae as you travel korea? Let us know in the comment sections!

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