Ultimate Guide to Kondae (Konkuk University Area)

Kondae, situated around Konkuk University Station, comes alive with vibrant energy, particularly after sunset. Renowned as a hotspot for the younger crowd, it offers insights into dynamic trends spanning fashion, beauty, dining, and entertainment. From trendy boutiques to chic eateries and lively nightlife, Kondae caters to diverse interests, promising an engaging experience for visitors. Whether you’re a local resident or a curious traveler, here’s your ultimate guide to navigating the captivating charm of Kondae.

Things to do in Konkuk University area

Explore Kondae Taste Street

• Address: Dongil-ro 22-gil, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul

Kondae Taste Street, running from exit 2 to exit 1, is packed with diverse dining options, including Korean favorites and trendy Western cuisine. You’ll also find dessert cafes and bars open late. Alternatively, street food vendors near exits 3 and 4 of Konkuk University Station offer delicious snacks like chicken skewers, waffles, churros, and more, including Japanese treats like udon and takoyaki. The enticing smells are hard to resist.

Check in Common Ground

• Address: 200, Achasan-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 광진구 아차산로 200 (자양동)
• Open hours: Shops: 11:00-22:00 | Pubs: 11:00-2:00
• Website: www.common-ground.co.kr

Common Ground is Korea’s first pop-up store made from 200 large shipping containers. Its vibrant blue containers have become a hit for Instagrammers seeking the perfect backdrop. Apart from taking pictures, you can also visit various shops and restaurants here.

It’s divided into two sections: one with cafes, restaurants, dessert shops, and clothing stores, and the other with different brands. At night, the place lights up beautifully. It’s located near Exit 6 of Konkuk University Station, just a 3-minute walk away, and you can easily spot it from afar because of the blue color.

Shop til you drop at Kondae Rodeo Fashion Street

Walk behind Common Ground and you’ll find Kondae Rodeo Street, near exit 6 of Konkuk University Station. Here, you’ll discover lots of cheap independent shops, as well as affordable hair salons and nail bars. It’s a local spot where you won’t see many foreign tourists, offering a unique experience of Seoul.

Visit Konkuk University

• Address: 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
• Website: www.konkuk.ac.kr

Konkuk University, a prominent South Korean academic institution, offers a scenic campus highlighted by the tranquil Ilgamho Lake. Visitors can delight in leisurely strolls around the picturesque lake and explore the campus’s historic allure. 

A must-visit is the Konkuk University Museum, housed in an enchanting red brick building. You can enjoy free viewings of various artifacts on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Interestingly, this museum was featured as a filming location in the drama Goblin. With its picturesque campus, Konkuk University frequently serves as a backdrop for Korean dramas. It would be nice to wander around Konkuk University looking for locations from your favorite dramas!

Try Local Chinese Foods at Konkuk University Yangkkochi Alley

• Address: 6-21, Jayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Explore the bustling Konkuk University Yangkkochi Alley in Seoul, home to numerous restaurants specializing in yangkkochi. These establishments offer a wide variety of grilled skewers, allowing diners to indulge in their favorite meats and vegetables cooked to perfection. Additionally, many of these restaurants are operated by Chinese locals, providing an opportunity to savor authentic Chinese cuisine alongside the yangkkochi delights. With such diverse offerings, visitors can embark on a flavorful culinary journey through both Korean and Chinese culinary traditions at Konkuk University Yangkkochi Alley.

Best restaurants in the Konkuk University area

Hwagiaeae Main Branch 화기애애 건대본점

• Address: 8-37 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu
• Opening Hours: 16:00 – 23:00 weekdays | 13:00 – 23:00 weekends | Closed on Mondays
• Contact: +82 10-2177-7290
• Price range: From 4,500 won per dish
• Instagram: hkee_ku

It’s a full-fledged charcoal-grilled restaurant known for its reasonable prices and excellent value for its price. The meat is of high quality and incredibly tender, resulting in delicious flavors. The restaurant maintains a clean environment with a cozy atmosphere, making it ideal for gatherings. What sets it apart is the inclusion of basic offerings like Kimchi stew and steamed eggs. Those two are unlimited and delicious too.

Gogigub Boy 고기굽는놈

• Address:  8-29 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: 11:30 – 22:00 daily
• Contact: +82 2-462-8821

This BBQ joint is a hit among Kondae students, boasting two floors and plenty of seating for group get-togethers. The indoor dining area is spotless, and on breezy days, you can crack open the windows for fresh air—a nice touch while enjoying your meal. The star of the show here is the grilled ribs, marinated to perfection with just the right balance of flavors and top-quality meat. Alongside the famous ribs, you’ll find a diverse selection of meats on offer, including traditional samgyeopsal, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every appetite.

Song-rim Restaurant 송림식당

• Address: 79 Jayangbeonyeong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: 10:00 – 22:00 on weekdays | 9:00 – 22:00 on weekends
• Price range: 8,500 – 10,000 won
• Contact: +82 2-457-5473

Songrim Sikdang is a popular gisa sikdang in Seoul. Gisa sikdangs are known for serving quick, convenient, and affordable meals to taxi and bus drivers. The price is so cheap but the food here is really delicious. Even if you’re not a driver, this is still a worthwhile location. 

Their specialty is dwaeji bulbaek (Pan-fried Crispy Pork), a spicy pork and kimchi stew. Dwaeji bulbaek is often served as a set meal. This means it comes with a variety of side dishes in addition to the main pork bulgogi dish. These side dishes might include kimchi (spicy fermented cabbage), pickled vegetables, soup, and rice.

Cheongchun Deungpan 청춘등판

• Address: Seoul Gwangjin Gu dong-illo22gil 34 1st floor Cheongchundeungpan
• Open hours: 12:00 – 23:30 daily
• Contact: +82 2-3409-7706
• Instagram: cc_deungpan

This restaurant specializes in galbi jjim, a Korean braised short rib dish, and is highly recommended by celebrities and featured on TV. They offer original and rose sauce flavors, and you can choose your preferred level of spiciness. Each meal comes with a complimentary buckwheat pancake, which is delicious on its own or with the grilled short ribs. The galbi is tender and easy to separate from the bones. Enjoy it with Kondre Rice and a sweet and spicy sauce for a delicious meal.

Best cafes in Konkuk University area

KiLab Board Game Cafe

• Address: 49 지층 Achasan-ro 33-gil, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: Mon-Fri 13:00-22:00 | Sat-Sun 12:00-22:00 
• Contact: +827080987300
• Website: www.kilab.or.kr

This cafe isn’t your typical spot—it’s a board game cafe, just as its name suggests. Popular among Korean university students, board game cafes offer a unique hangout experience. Here, you can enjoy playing games while indulging in desserts or sipping on coffee. With a wide variety of board games available, boredom is out of the question. Upon ordering a drink at the counter, you’re free to choose any game to play. The cafe even offers private rooms catering to groups of two to eight people, allowing you to enjoy board games without any disruptions.

Geujache Bakery 그자체 베이커리

• Address: 33-43 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: 12:00 – 21:00 daily
• Instagram: g_jache_bakery

Geujache Bakery is renowned for its cakes. Located on the second floor, the entrance might be a bit hard to find, but look for the cafe’s sign or consult the map. They specialize in cream cakes and cheesecakes and offer a variety of drinks, including milk tea and coffee. The cozy interior, with wooden furnishings and bamboo accents, provides a charming ambiance. You can snap stunning photos at any corner here. Be sure to try their strawberry cream cake and Earl Grey milk tea, they are the two most favorite.

Tuttotonto 투또톤토

• Address:  Seoul, Gwangjin-gu, Neungdong-ro, 125 1 층
• Open hours: 8:00 – 22:30 on weekdays | 10:00 – 22:30 on weekends
• Contact: +82 50-71334-0145
• Instagram: tuttotonto

Tuttotonto is a bustling espresso bar known for its diverse selection of coffee and non-coffee beverages, along with over 10 dessert options. Their offerings include breads, sandwiches, scones, cookies, madeleines, and tarts, all of which are not only visually appealing but also delicious. Don’t miss their refreshing Grapefruit Pomegranate Soda and delightful Shine Muscat Tart, featuring crispy baked bread topped with fresh grapes and creamy custard.

Nearby Attractions from Konkuk University

Ttukseom Hangang Park

• Address: 139 Gangbyeonbuk-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: 24/7
• Website: hangang.seoul.go.kr

Ttukseom Han River Park, situated near Konkuk University, is one of many parks along the Han River in Seoul. Easily accessible via subway Line 7 Ttukseom Resort Station, it offers stunning views of the Han River. One highlight is the Jabeolle or J-Bug, a unique cylindrical cultural complex, providing panoramic vistas of the river.

Skateboarding enthusiasts can enjoy the park’s skateboard area, where both beginners and experts can practice tricks. Additionally, you can utilize the free climbing wall and bike paths, making it an ideal destination for outdoor exercise enthusiasts.

Children’s Grand Park

• Address: 216 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: 5:00 – 22:00 daily
• Contact: +82 2-450-9311
• Website: www.sisul.or.kr

Close to Konkuk University, you’ll find Children’s Grand Park, just a short subway ride away. In spring, the park is adorned with beautiful cherry blossoms, creating a perfect setting for picnics. While smaller than Lotte World and Everland, it still features amusement park rides and a zoo, providing plenty of fun for kids. Additionally, it’s less crowded than larger parks, allowing for a more enjoyable experience.

Seoul Forest Park

• Address: 273 Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
• Open hours: 24/7
• Admission: Free
• Website: parks.seoul.go.kr

Seoul Forest Park is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, featuring over 400,000 trees and 100 different animal species. Situated in the heart of Seoul, it offers a serene retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. Nearby cafes and rental shops provide everything for you to have a relaxing picnic. You can also explore the park on Seoul City Bikes, available for rent at the Seoul Forest Management Office.

The park itself is a fantastic site to visit in Korea. There are five sites to visit: Culture & Art Park, Educational Experience Park, Eco-forest Park, Riverside Park, and Ecological Forest. Whether you’re searching for a quiet retreat, an outdoor activity center, or a family-friendly attraction, this park has you covered!

In conclusion, the Kondae area is a vibrant and eclectic destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie, fashionista, culture enthusiast, or nature lover, you’ll find endless opportunities for exploration and discovery in this dynamic district. Come and experience it yourself!

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