PHOTOS: The street art of Hongdae – Seoul’s funkiest neighborhood

By
Juno Kim
– November 9, 2013Posted in: Art, Destinations, Street Art

Today’s post is written by Downtown Traveler contributor Juno Kim, an adventurous blogger from Seoul and founder of the Asian Women’s Empowerment conference.

Hongdae is one of the few places in Seoul, South Korea where it’s OK for people express what they think of the world. Living in a conservative society, Koreans generally frown on outspoken or unique individuals. But not in Hongdae; it’s like the area is protected by a rainbow-colored shield and everyone can show his or her true colors.

The name Hongdae is short for Hongik University (Hongik Daehakgyo), which is home to one of the country’s few exceptional art programs. The whole area was built around individual expression. Don’t be surprised to see widely creative outfits, accessories, and street performers– that’s why people come here. A weekly Free Market is also popular, drawing visitors and locals alike. I don’t shop too often, but I go to Hongdae when I do. This is where I get my funky, “fun night out” jewelery. No surprises here.

On a recent afternoon, I set out to capture Hongdae’s lively street art scene. From political messages to artistic ideas, Hongdae is the best destination in South Korea for street art enthusiasts. I highly recommend walking down the little alleyways lined with independent cafés and small boutique shops. That’s where you will find the true laid-back Hongdae culture, and lots of interesting public art.

Hongdae street art Korea

Street art bearing the message, "Treat like a old person"

Hongdae street art Korea

A street art armadillo signed Dakib (or Dakir) in Rawar

Hongdae street art Korea

Local LGBT pride: The message reads "Legalize GAY"

Hongdae street art Korea

The Apple brand logo appears to be eating a man in this stencil

Hongdae street art Korea

This street art stencil reads "Save the human"

Hongdae street art Korea

This pants-free businessman isn't taking any prisoners

Hongdae street art Korea

Beautiful stencil designs in Hongdae

Hongdae street art Korea

This mural bears the mysterious inscription, "19 > ?! >> DISCOVERY"

Hongdae street art Korea

Perhaps this artwork is promoting intergalactic peace

Hongdae street art Korea

This little boy is really into his ice cream

Hongdae street art Korea

A zebra riding in a hot air balloon

Hongdae street art Korea

Street art of an origami paper crane

Hongdae street art Korea

Painting of a flying turtle

Hongdae street art Korea

A tic-tac-toe board of drowning stick figures

Hongdae street art Korea

This street portrait reads "goodbye childhood"

Hongdae street art Korea

"You're my everything" says this grinning cat

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About Juno Kim

"Runaway Juno" has backpacked her way across Asia, North America, New Zealand and Europe. Juno is a lover of craft beer, street art and science. Follow her on Twitter at @runawayjuno!