Hongdae Faces A Cultural Crisis: Will South Korea’s New Rail Project Destroy Its Tourism Appeal?

Published on December 31, 2025

Hongdae, South Korea, with its lively and vibrant streets full of young people, is now facing a dilemma because of the proposed Daejang-Hongdae Line terminus which might completely change the street culture and the area’s overall tourism appeal. The subway line, which is set to connect the southwestern Gyeonggi Province to western Seoul, has already evoked mixed reactions, some people are celebrating it while others are protesting against it.

A Revitalised Transportation Network or a Cultural Loss?

The Daejang-Hongdae Line, a 20-kilometre metro project, will connect key locations in Bucheon and Goyang in Gyeonggi Province with Seoul’s Yangcheon and Gangseo districts, ultimately reaching Hongdae, a hub of artistic expression and youth culture. Slated for completion in 2031, the line is expected to dramatically reduce travel time between Daejang-dong and Hongdae, from 50 minutes to just 27 minutes. This would provide much-needed subway access to the western regions of Seoul, currently underserved by the rail system.

However, the terminus for this new line, set to be located on the iconic Red Road near Hongik University, has sparked fierce opposition from local businesses and street performers. This pedestrian strip is home to Hongdae’s vibrant busking culture, where young performers showcase everything from music to dance and experimental art. Merchants and buskers argue that the construction will irrevocably change the dynamic of the area, turning the lively street into a construction zone for at least six years.

The Economic and Cultural Impact on Local Businesses

Hongdae’s Red Road has become a symbol of Seoul’s dynamic youth culture, attracting both locals and tourists to its bars, eateries, and street performances. However, the area’s popularity has also led to congestion, particularly during peak seasons like Halloween and the end of year holidays. This has prompted Mapo District authorities to designate it a high-density crowd management zone. As such, merchants and performers worry that the construction of the Daejang-Hongdae Line terminus will exacerbate the situation, turning Hongdae into a less pedestrian-friendly area and ultimately leading to a loss of tourism revenue.

Choi Cha-soo, a restaurant owner in Hongdae for 24 years and a vocal leader of the emergency protest committee, warned that the proposed terminus could jeopardise pedestrian safety and undermine Hongdae’s thriving street culture. He argued that construction would force shops to close and drive away the very crowd that supports Hongdae’s lively atmosphere. According to Choi, the project risks “erasing the cultural street” that has long been a draw for international tourists.

A Changing Landscape for Tourists

Tourism plays a crucial role in the vitality of Hongdae. The area’s appeal lies in its walkability, offering visitors a chance to explore the district’s rich street culture, cafes, and small bars. Hongdae’s tourism ecosystem is based on its organic, vibrant atmosphere, a place where tourists can wander, discover new performances, and interact with local artists. With the construction of the new subway line, the risk is that Hongdae could lose the very essence that makes it attractive to visitors from around the world.

The protest against the rail plan highlights the fear that Hongdae could lose its charm and become just another commercialised part of Seoul. While the new subway line promises improved transportation and reduced travel times, there is growing concern that the area could no longer serve as the cultural destination it once was. Tourists may be deterred by the disruption, and even if they still visit, the experience may be far from the unique cultural immersion they expect.

Officials Weigh in on the Debate

Despite the concerns, local officials and government planners argue that the subway line is essential for the growth of the region. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the construction consortium behind the Daejang-Hongdae Line have stated that the terminus site was chosen after careful consideration of transportation needs. They explained that the current location was selected based on technical feasibility and proximity to other public transport systems. The ministry emphasised that moving the terminus to the main Hongik University intersection would create significant logistical challenges and delay the project.

Yet, Mapo District has raised concerns that the current plan could have unintended consequences, particularly during peak seasons. Local officials commissioned a study in July, which found that placing the terminus on Red Road would exacerbate congestion, increasing the risk of accidents and complicating crowd management efforts.

The Future of Hongdae and the Daejang-Hongdae Line

As the debate continues, the future of Hongdae’s busking zone remains uncertain. While the new rail line promises significant benefits for local commuters and the overall transport infrastructure, its potential to disrupt one of Seoul’s most iconic cultural spots cannot be overlooked. For now, merchants and performers are determined to push for a revised plan, hoping to preserve the street culture that has made Hongdae one of Seoul’s most beloved neighbourhoods.

The question of whether the Daejang-Hongdae Line will manage to strike a balance between the urbanization and the cultural heritage preservation still stands. Although the intended end point can favor the people who use the train, it also has the potential of getting rid of a lively cultural spot that has been loved by both tourists and residents for a long time.