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Spring is the season of youth, the icon of radiance and passion. Hongdae is where radiant youth let their personalities shine. Hot, new trends are born in Hongdae, boasting a unique vibe crafted by distinct locations and the crowds of visitors. Hongdae is the optimal place for those who want to have fun as they please. Want to hang out in an area packed with trendy locations? In this edition of Seoulites’ Picks, we bring you a curated selection of fun activities for you to let loose and enjoy yourself in Hongdae.

“Made possible not only by the film producers but also through the sponsorship and participation of individual moviegoer, Indiespace has become a communal space for the audience and those working in the film industry. ”
- Seunghwan WON, Director, Indiespace

The first dedicated theater for indie films in Korea recently relocated to Hongdae. Indiespace screens Korean independent films all year round. Located near Hongik University Station, exit 8, Indiespace doesn’t seem to be much different from other movie theaters when seen from the outside. A few posters with primary-colored circles, triangles, and squares barely indicate that you are at Indiespace. However, once stepping into the lobby, a bulletin board comprised of the emblem of Indiespace and indie film posters, which are not found in large theaters, assure you that you have arrived in the right place. The moment you open the doors of the theater, its identity as an indie film-only theater finally comes into view. The theater seats are labeled with the names of the sponsors for Indiespace. Film directors, actors, and even individual moviegoers, have provided sponsorship as a sign of their affection for Indiespace. It is quite touching to read the names labeled on each seat as each name represents their love for indie films and their hope for the indie film industry to continue onward.

“Hongdae, the symbol of indie culture, is an area with a close-set indie film audience.
If connections are successfully made with other cultures and blend well with the local community, it may be able to add more diversity to Hongdae's culture.”

Indiespace operates various programs, such as Indie Doljanchi, a program that re-screens films that have been screened more than a year ago by asking the audience to vote for films they wish to watch again (Doljanchi is derived from dol, which refers to a baby’s first birthday celebration in Korea), and Speaking of Films, a program where critics introduce films to the audience and give lectures on film criticism.

This is part of a significant effort made by Indiespace to ensure good films are remembered for a longer period of time while helping the audience go beyond the act of simply watching movies and better understand them with a broader perspective.

“Unlike commercial films, independent films enable us to discover our different tastes.
I hope Indiespace can serve as a “space of discovery” where you can find some hidden gem-like films and discover what thoughts are on your mind, what you like, and how you are going about filling up your life.”

Dreaming of a world where people with different tastes and unbiased thoughts look forward to the present day and wonder what tomorrow will bring, Indiespace awaits you with indie films echoing different voices.

Among the different types of music performances, busking is one of the leading activities defining Hongdae. Busking at Hongdae has been banned due to the pandemic, but with the recent ease of preventive measures, busking has resumed for the first time in 16 months. Only two of the four outdoor performance stages at pedestrian-friendly street in Hongdae are open; nonetheless, the slots for busking outdoors were fully booked in April, proving that many have been passionately waiting for the performances.

Not only songs but also dances, instrumental shows, and other various performances are awaiting. The performances are staged only in the evenings on weekdays but begin from noon on weekends. Come and watch the busking performances where you can enjoy K-pop and K-culture right before your eyes. The sweet melodies playing on a spring evening will turn into the perfect background music for your romantic date, and the vigorous K-pop and dance performances are sure to make you feel as if you're attending a vibrant Hallyu concert in person. The streets of Hongdae are indeed a place to enjoy such diversity.

The fragrance of flowers stimulates our hearts, while the green plants help us center ourselves. As if invited to a floral world teeming with life, the interior is filled with everything that tell of spring's arrival.

The café Colline consists of two floors. The first floor is a sunroom where customers can leisurely enjoy their time among flowers regardless of the season or weather. The second floor is an open terrace that makes you feel as if you're out on a picnic on a sunny day.

As a place that looks like a secret garden offering a sense of happiness through its arrangement flowers and plants, Colline has already become well-known as the film location for K-dramas, including Vincenzo, Nevertheless, and True Beauty, and entertainment programs, such as Show Me the Money 9 and Sporty Sisters.

Among the various beverages, bread, and cakes available at Colline, popular menus, in particular, include soft persimmon over bingsu, or shaved ice, and a cotton latte, where latte is topped with mouth-filling, giant cotton candy.

At Hongdae, shopping is a must. Colline happens to run a flower shop, so feel free to shop for some special flowers. Beautiful flowers and cute heart-shaped cactuses are awaiting a new home. The café and flower shop are open from 10 AM to 11 PM, so why not head to Colline for a picnic? It's the perfect pick for a romantic Hongdae experience spent among the flowers where you're sure to leave satisfied.