THINGS TO DO IN THE MORNING IN HONGDAE

 

If you’ve ever been to, or lived in Korea, you probably know first-hand that Seoul has one of, if not, the most active nightlives. Every night. But, coming from an Australian background, I had never been used to this blooming night life.

You see, in Australia, people wake up by 6, maybe 7 or 8 at the latest, and finish work by 4:30/5pm. Shops therefore tend to close by 5pm, 9pm if you’re lucky.
So coming to Korea was a huge shock for me! Breakfast at a cafe? A smashed avo for brekkie like the Aussie millennial I am? I thought here it was nowhere to be found! If I wanted a meal, I’d have to wait until at least 2pm.

Well. I thought wrong. So on this article, I’ve comprised a list of cafes and places you can visit before 11am!

 

THINGS TO DO IN THE MORNING IN HONGDAE – The Bridge Café, 카페더브릿지

Situated in Seogyo-dong, Hongdae, the Bridge Cafe 카페더브릿지 is a personal favourite.
Opening at 10am, They have a brunch/breakfast menu, such as their waffles and bagels, and most importantly, an extensive drink menu to wake you up in the morning!
Located on the second and third storey of a terrace house, you get a gorgeous view from the window looking down on a quiet Hongdae street.
There are several private rooms where you can sit alone with a book, or talk with friends in your own little world, shut off from everything.
Books are available to read for free as well. This cafe has a homely and cosy atmosphere, and the staff are welcoming and kind.

The Bridge Cafe is a perfect spot for early morning relaxation. Relish with a nice coffee or a banana smoothie, and just relax!

 

THINGS TO DO IN THE MORNING IN HONGDAE – Florte Flower Café

Florte Cafe in Seogyo-Dong is another amazing cafe you can visit! Opening at 10:30 AM, this flower themed cafe offers a vibrant and exciting way to start your morning!
An Incredibly aesthetic and pretty atmosphere that will make you fall in love!
All their food and drinks are flower ‘themed’ and it’s located right outside exit 6 of Hongik university station, so it’s easily accessible!

 

THINGS TO DO IN THE MORNING IN HONGDAE – Gabie Café, 가비애

Gabie cafe(가비애) is a 24 hour cafe, with a calming atmosphere available to study, work or just chat with friends! Just like the other cafes mentioned, this one is located in Hongdae. A terrace overlooking Hongdae is a perfect place to become entranced into study or a book. Free wi-fi is available, and the drinks are great!

 

THINGS TO DO IN THE MORNING IN HONGDAE – King Sejong the Great Statue

My final recommendation is a bit away from Hongdae but I would like to mention it here since it’s not too far. It is to visit Myeongdong, and see the statue of King Sejong – a king who reigned over Korea from the period of 1418 to 1450, and is accredited with creating the Korean Hangeul alphabet, skyrocketing literacy and education within the country for the first time.

A very popular tourist destination, the statue is available for viewing 24 hours, and a museum about his life is accessible below his statue. In order to reach the statue, you can take lines 1 and 2 to City Hall, and take exit 3, or you can take the Gyeongbokgung Station line 3 and get out at exit 6 and 7. You can also take the Gwanghwamun station, line 5 and exit out of 1, 2 and 8.

 

 

THINGS TO DO IN THE MORNING IN HONGDAE – Take a walk!

And lastly! Take a walk! The serenity of Seoul in the morning is unmatched like any other. It’s quiet and peaceful in the mornings, and you’re able to take in the full experience of the scenery that the streets of Seoul can offer you!

Enjoy the calmness of a still winter morning, or experience the lovely blooming of the annual cherry blossoms during Spring. The Seoul weather is truly for ever changing, and at any point of the year you will experience a unique vision of Seoul.