Hongdae Free Market (홍대 프리마켓)

Hongdae (홍대) in general is one of my favourite neighbourhoods in South Korea as I mentioned in my previous post. Besides street performances that usually take place at the Hongdae Walking Street, another reason that I love Hongdae so much is because of the Hongdae Free Market (홍대 프리마켓). Hongdae Free Market is an arts market cum festival which takes place every Saturday from 1:00 PM until 6:00 PM. However, it is only held from March to November. Cause let's be real, nobody has time to sit outside during the cold winter, right?

Wanted to buy the passport cover but I just bought a new passport cover a few months before T___T

I like going to Hongdae Free Market because I want to treat my eyes with those beautiful arts and creations. I am in no way an artsy person (well, I can't even draw proper stick figures) but I do love seeing cute and beautiful stuff. So, my heart always feels full and light whenever I'm at the Hongdae Free Market. However, one may have different opinions from me. I read a few reviews saying the arts and creations at Hongdae Free Market are just ordinary and there is nothing special about them. I guess, each to their own, right :)

It was pretty busy and crowded when I went to the Hongdae Free Market. I expected it to be less busier as I went there quite late, around 4 PM but oh boy, was I wrong. It seemed like everyone and their mothers (just kidding!) decided to go there around 4 PM too. I actually felt so overwhelmed that I was frozen for almost five minutes just to process all the things that were happening around me.


Tip: Go to Hongdae Free Market later in the evening if you do not mind being in the crowded place, as you may get a number of discounts from the sellers.

One of the two performers that I managed to watch. I believe they are called 2story.

I walked around the market for few times just to fully satisfy my inner desires and to mark a few things that I really wanted to buy. After walking around for the umpteenth time, I decided to sit and watch the Afternoon Stage. Few performers were performing at that time. I managed to watch two performers only which was not too bad. I did not really like their music as much as I like WeAreYoung's music but again, each to their own :)

Renci Candy

My highlight for this visit to Hongdae Free Market was to meet this lovely lady and to purchase her postcards. I liked almost all her products, be it fans, stickers, fridge magnets, wall decorations, or postcards. They were so cute and totally my style. I wanted to buy them all but couldn't do so due to my limited budget T___T

Tip: Be friendly to the art creators and buy a number of things for that you will get a friendly service and some free stuff.

Is Hongdae Free Market worth visiting and would I go to Hongdae Free Market again?
Yes, Hongdae Free Market is worth visiting if you like arts and cute stuff. If you are not into these, you should skip Hongdae Free Market.

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As much as I love Hongdae Free Market, I'm not sure if I want to go again. Yes, the arts, creations, and performances will be different each time so they might offer different experiences but I think I have grabbed the essence of it so it does not really excite me anymore.

Side note: I actually went to the Hongdae Free Market again during my recent layover but I guess that will be another story for another blog post :)