page_title: Hongdae, Seoul
section_title: Characteristics
hierarchical_section_title: Hongdae, Seoul / Characteristics
caption_attribution_description: English: Goonam playing at Club Freebird (2014)한국어: 구남과여라이딩스텔라, 프리버드 (2014)
context_page_description: Hongdae is a region in Seoul, South Korea near Hongik University, after which it is named. It is known for its urban arts and indie music culture, local shops, clubs and entertainment. The area is located in Mapo-gu in the western end of Seoul, stretching from Seogyo-dong to Hapjeong-dong.
context_section_description: Under the influence of Hongik University (Hongdae) which is well known for its prestigious art college, the neighborhood was built on a foundation of artistic souls since the 1990s. In the early days, thanks to then-cheap rent, budget musicians and street artists started moving into the ateliers of the Hongdae area. In the true sense of the word, the Korean Indie scene started from the two bands, Sister's Barbershop and Crying Nut at Hongdae in the mid-1990s. Before that many cover bands were playing near Shinchon and Idae. Later, other bands like Jaurim, Peppertones and Idiotape started to play at venues in Hongdae, and the area begins to have a reputation as the mecca of urban arts and underground club culture. Now the area provides street art festivals and performances, as well as music concerts by independent artists and mainstream entertainers.
  Many come to Hongdae for its aesthetically unique characteristics. There are many graffiti murals painted all over the streets of Hongdae. One of the well known areas for these murals is Hongdae Mural Street (also known as ‘Picasso’s Street’).
  Like other multi-cultural metropolitan areas, this street is undergoing gentrification. However, despite the recent explosion of upmarket brand shops that pushes artists to move toward the southern area near Hapjeong Station, 
  the street still enjoys a reputation as the city's prime spot for indie musicians. Many live music venues and festivals draw revelers from a wide range of visitors. 
  YG Entertainment, the major K-pop agency is also located near the street.
  Apart from indie art culture, Hongdae is also home to independent clothing stalls and vintage shops. As well, there are kitschy and eclectic theme cafes for characters and pets. In 2016, Hongdae was ranked one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world.
caption: An indie band playing at a local club
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