The Hongdae Free Market is a fun and unique arts and crafts market where artists, performers, musicians, and visitors can interact face to face. Artists from all over Korea, and even from other countries, meet here each Saturday from March to November.
These artists display and show visitors their own works of arts and crafts. These unique works of art, many which are handmade, reflect on the passion and imagination of the artist. Visitors can talk face to face to artists, hear the stories behind each work of art, and ask questions.
Musicians, dancers, and performers can often be found performing on a small open stage. After their acts, performers will often stick around to talk to visitors and answer any questions you may have. No where else in Seoul can you find such an up close and personal experience with artists.
A workshop known as the A Living Art Workshop is available for those who wish to get involved and make their own works of art with guidance from artists.
Anyone who wants to share their creativity is free to participate in this market. To participate, send an email to artfreemarket@hanmail.net. You should receive a notification of participation email within 7 days with instructions.
Hongdae Free Market Information
Hours
Saturdays : 13:00-18:00 (March to November)
The market is closed from December to February.
Admission
FreeHow to Get Here
Take Subway Line 2 to Hongik University Station (Exit 9).
Continue for 160 meters to the first major street, Hongik-ro, and turn left.
Continue for 350m to the gate of Hongik University and turn right onto Wausan-ro.
Continue 75 meters to reach Hongik Children's Park on the right which is the location of the market.
Map
Additional Resources
Viator by TripAdvisor
Viator is a popular online platform that helps travelers book tours, activities, and unique experiences worldwide, including in Seoul. It connects users with a wide selection of options – from sightseeing tours to cultural events and outdoor adventures – all offered by local providers.
Klook
Klook offers discounted tickets and reservations for various attractions and services in Seoul, from theme parks and museums to tours and transportation options.
Rakuten
Save money while exploring Seoul with Rakuten's cashback program. Book your hotels or other services through Rakuten and enjoy cashback rewards and exclusive deals.
If you sign up using the link below, you could earn $30 cashback on your first purchase over $30.
Book Recommendations
For an immersive guide to Seoul, many travelers choose to bring a book along. Fodor's Seoul, for example, offers detailed recommendations on sights, restaurants, maps, and travel tips.
Nearby Sights
Hongdae (Hongik University Area)
Hongdae area is a vibrant, energetic, and youthful neighborhood and nightlife district popular for indie music, street art, galleries, cafes, and shops. The area is named after the nearby Hongik University (Hongik Daehakgyo), one of the most prestigious fine arts universities in Korea.
Korea Modern Design Museum
On the outskirts of Hongdae is the Korea Modern Design Museum, a little known museum that features a collection of over 20,000 Korean design history items. The museum, which opened in March 2008, features unique Asian and some European design items from the private collection of Seonmun University professor and museum director Park Arm-Jong, who has gathered items for over 20 years.
Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery
Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery is an international cemetery designated by King Gojong that holds the tombs and graves of many foreign missionaries. The cemetery is also known as Hapjeong-dong International Cemetery.
Jeoldusan Martyrs' Shrine
Jeoldusan Martyrs' Shrine is a Catholic shrine on the Han River dedicated to those who gave up their lives during the Byeongin persecutions of 1866. In late 1866, nine French missionaries were martyred. This caused two attempted invasions into Korea by a French fleet. After the attempted invasions, the Joseon government punished, targeted, and brutally murdered many French and native Korean Roman Catholics. The place became known as "beheading mountain."
Seonyudo Park
Seonyudo Park is a popular park and open space located on an island on the Hangang River that was formerly used as an industrial water treatment plant. The small island, located west of Yeouido, was opened in 2009 after city officials realized that the island could be better used as an urban park instead of an idle industrial plant.
Last Updated on Nov 11, 2021