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If you've ever been to Seoul on your own, you might find yourself no longer fixated on the so-called “must-visit” tourist spots. Instead, you may come to prefer strolling leisurely through alleyways, taking in the city at your own pace. Hongdae is exactly that kind of place. Step out of Hongdae Station and head north toward Yeonnam-dong — the air there carries the inviting aroma of coffee. From there, walk south in the direction of Hapjeong, and you'll discover a world full of handcrafted goods and curiosities. When traveling alone, there’s no need to prepare too much. Just take your time, wander the streets, and let the day unfold naturally.

■ First Stop: Hippo – A Perfectly Quiet Space

At 9 a.m., just as the city was waking up, I stepped into Hippo.

This quiet, two-story space feels like a private hideout. Out front, a few chairs sit in a garden, where you can enjoy brunch under the sunlight on a nice day. As you eat, a breeze occasionally blows by, as if it’s quietly keeping you company.

What I love most here is the color palette. The retro red brick walls and the royal blue menu board, when touched by sunlight, look like a scene straight out of a movie. As a Blue Ribbon-certified restaurant (Korea’s version of Michelin), the food here is beyond excellent. I ordered one serving of toast and cream pasta — a perfectly sized portion, not too much to eat alone. Here, I could enjoy the kind of leisure that makes solo travel so fulfilling. You can quietly have your meal, or just sit there without saying a word — and that’s more than enough.

Shop Name: Hippo Brunch Haus

Address: 85, Seongmisan-ro 17-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Hours: 09:00–21:00

■ Second Course: A Bit of Solo Shopping

Made By

You might feel the same way — for me, shopping alone at a lifestyle store always feels the most peaceful and sincere. No one’s urging you to buy anything, and there’s nothing you absolutely must have. You can simply linger among the postcards and clothes and feel the warmth of life in the quiet moments.

Just a 3-minute walk from Exit 3 of Hongdae Station, you’ll find a small, all-white store. The entrance is modest and peaceful, but once inside, it feels like stepping into a designer’s secret base.

A wall covered in postcards greets you at the entrance. Throughout the space, around 200 artists from various regions have their works displayed — stickers, tapes, letter sets, glass cups, perfumes, and small books. In a small room tucked in the back, you can even create your own personalized keychain.

That day, as I sat crouched in the corner picking out stickers, I found myself thinking, “The world feels so comfortable today.”

Shop Name: Made By

Address: 271 Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Hours: 12:00–22:00

KT&G Sangsangmadang

This is a three-story cultural complex. From the street, you’ll spot its trendy white exterior — a stylish landmark that stands out in the neighborhood. Each floor is uniquely curated:

Shop Name: KT&G Sangsangmadang

Address: 65 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Hours: 11:00–21:00

Hookka Hookka Studio

If you’re a fan of cute and charming items, this 2.5-story store is a place you’ll want to stay awhile. Located along the corner of a staircase, it’s easy to miss unless you’re looking closely. The cream-colored walls are decorated with stickers, and the entire space is done up in soft macaron tones, creating a whimsical, childlike atmosphere.

Inside, you’ll find phone cases, earphone cases, thermoses, canvas bags, capsule machines, and more — all arranged in a way that invites you to think, “I could enjoy all of this, just by myself.”

Shop Name: Hookka Hookka Studio

Address: 2.5/F, 13 Donggyo-ro 46-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Hours: 13:00–19:30

■ Third Stop: Afternoon Dessert Time

As you walk the streets of Hongdae, you’ll find cafés around every corner. While they may not be big-name chains, their interiors and dessert details are sure to impress.

Cafe Layered

I first came across the “puppy cake” photo on Xiaohongshu (小红书). But when I later visited on my own, I realized that this place wasn’t just about cute items — it was a store with a vintage London vibe.

The cakes are placed on wooden stands, and you can bring your chosen slice to your table on a tray. I picked out a slice of red velvet puppy cake and sat by the window, watching as night slowly began to fall.

Under the soft glow of warm yellow lights, the cake looked even more tender, and the view outside the window grew quieter. At that moment, I thought, “Even a night spent alone can feel warm.”

Shop Name: Cafe Layered

Address: 161-4, Seongmisan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Hours: 10:00–22:00

■ A Quiet Evening Alone

If it’s still early, walking by one of Hongdae’s street performance stages can be a lovely way to end the day. The evening breeze may brush past your face, and you might hear the sound of a guitar coming from a distance. You may not know who’s singing, but the songs they sing can offer a small comfort. I believe these are the best moments — the ones where you feel something without needing words. This, to me, is the rhythm of life I enjoy most when I’m staying in Seoul alone.