2 Best Performing Arts Venues in Hongdae, Seoul

A concert hall venue with a history that dates back to 1997, Rolling Hall hosts an array of local bands as well as international acts like Grimes, Rhye, and Deerhunter. While they mostly focus on rock, indie, and alternative sounds, it’s not uncommon for jazz quartets or smaller K-pop groups to play here. The venue is equipped with a high-tech lighting system and professional grade, VTX loudspeakers better than most in Seoul. Their occupancy maxes out at 700 guests, and many concerts here are standing room only.

Home to the theater company of the same name, Sanwoollim is one of the oldest and most established small theaters in the country. They opened the doors to this Hongdae location in 1985 with the Samuel Beckett play Waiting for Godot and have since developed a reputation for being unafraid to put controversial content on stage. Note that their plays are only in Korean. There is also a cafe that holds events on the first floor and an art gallery open to all on the second floor.