Discover Local Seoul: What to Do Around Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae

At Mercure, we believe you shouldn't need a guidebook to feel like you belong somewhere. That's the idea behind Discover Local: since 1973, every Mercure hotel has been built around its neighbourhood, not just dropped into it — from the décor on the walls to the flavours on the menu. Step into any Mercure and our teams are on hand with the kind of tips you won't find in a guidebook: the market stall locals queue for, the bar where nobody speaks English, the walk that skips the crowds. They live here. They know. Discover Local isn't a generic city guide — it's a short, honest list of the restaurants, markets and neighbourhoods our own hotel teams actually recommend to guests, updated as the city changes around us. Below, you'll find our picks for Seoul, an interactive map to help you find your way, and answers to the questions travellers ask us most. So — where will Discover Local take you?

Seoul in 5 picks

Hongdae street performances

The streets around Hongik University turn into an open stage most evenings, with buskers, dance crews and indie musicians performing for tips. Weekends bring the biggest crowds and the best acts.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Seoul's largest royal palace, with the changing of the royal guard ceremony held in the courtyard at set times through the day. Rent a hanbok (traditional dress) nearby and you get in for free.

Bukchon Hanok Village

A hillside neighbourhood of traditional hanok houses squeezed between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces. Keep your voice down on the upper lanes — people still live in these houses.

Gwangjang Market

One of Seoul's oldest markets, and the place for bindaetteok — crispy mung bean pancakes fried to order on huge flat griddles. Follow the smoke and the queues to find the best stalls.

Seochon Village

West of Gyeongbokgung Palace, this is Hongdae's quieter cousin — Hanok-lined streets with independent shops, small galleries and cafes that don't have a line out the door.

Where to eat
Gwangjang Market is the classic stop for bindaetteok and mayak gimbap (tiny seaweed rice rolls), eaten standing at the stall. Around Hongdae itself, the streets fill after dark with late-night eats — tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) carts and Korean fried chicken joints that stay open well past midnight.
Hongdae's youthful energy
This neighbourhood built its reputation on Hongik University's art school crowd, and it shows — indie music venues, street fashion and small galleries pack in around the main entrance. It's louder and younger than most of Seoul, and it doesn't really get going until evening.
Right outside your hotel
Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae sits right next to Exit 9 of Hongik University Station, putting you steps from the neighbourhood's indie music venues, clubs and street art scene. Local markets, galleries and cafes are all within easy walking distance.
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FAQ

Hongdae is Seoul's arts and indie music district, centred around Hongik University. It's known for street performances, independent galleries, clubs and a younger, creative crowd.

Bindaetteok (crispy mung bean pancakes) is the market's signature dish, fried fresh on large griddles. Mayak gimbap, small bite-sized seaweed rice rolls, is another local favourite worth queuing for.

It's well connected by metro to central Seoul, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, though it sits a bit further west than the palace district itself, so plan for a short subway ride rather than a walk.

Where to sleep

See Mercure hotels in Seoul, all within reach of these picks.

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Where to sleep

See Mercure hotels in Seoul, all within reach of these picks

View hotels