Best Places to Shop Korean Skincare and Makeup in Hongdae, Seoul — Plus Nearby Prayer Spots for Muslim Travellers

Hongdae in Seoul is a paradise for Korean beauty lovers! Whether you're a skincare junkie, makeup enthusiast, or just curious about K-beauty, this vibrant area offers everything — from top global brands to hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Also read : Experience Seoul's Best Night Markets: Culinary Adventures, Budget Shopping & Halal Eats

If you’re planning to go shopping for Korean skincare and makeup, make sure Hongdae is on your list. Here are must-visit stores for your K-beauty shopping adventure:

Top Skincare & Makeup Stores in Hongdae

1. Olive Young Hongdae Town

Image credit : Olive Young | Official Website

Olive Young is Korea’s largest beauty drugstore. This Hongdae branch is the biggest one, offering skincare, cosmetics, beauty supplements, and more — all under one roof.

Address: 57 Hongik-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM

2. Medicube Flagship Store

Image credit : Medicube | Official Website

Famous for their Age-R skincare devices (viral on TikTok!), Medicube offers premium skincare solutions. The store is pink-themed and super Instagrammable — don’t forget to snap a photo with the pink bear!

Address: 2F, 27 Hongik-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Opening Hours: Daily, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

3. HEMEKO

Image credit : HEMEKO | Official Website

Looking for indie and trendy K-beauty brands? HEMEKO is your go-to place. Don’t miss AOU lip balms by celebrity makeup artist Jo Eun Bee, known for working with BLACKPINK and aespa.

Address: B1, 25 Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM

4. Etude House – Hongdae Club Branch

Image credit : Etude House | Official Website

Etude House remains a beloved Korean brand. Visit their dedicated store to explore the full product range, from cute makeup to effective skincare.

Address: 86 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM

5. Innisfree

Image credit : Innisfree | Official Website

Known for natural ingredients from Jeju Island, Innisfree is perfect for gentle skincare. The store is located right outside Exit 9 of Hongik University Station — super convenient!

Address: 119 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM

6. TONYMOLY

Image credit : TONYMOLY | Official Website

Affordable, cute, and accessible — TONYMOLY is great for gifts or souvenirs. You'll find skincare and makeup products with fun packaging that anyone will love.

Address: 1 Hongik-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM

7. Holika Holika

Image credit : Holika Holika | Official Website

Popular since the early 2000s, Holika Holika offers effective yet affordable beauty solutions. Look out for their exclusive deals and unique items.

Address: 40 Wausan-ro 23-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

8. OLENS

Image credit : OLENS | Official Website

A top choice for colored contact lenses in Korea, OLENS is trendy and backed by K-pop stars like NewJeans. You can even try on lenses in-store to find your perfect fit.

Address: LG Palace Building, 15 Yanghwa-ro 18-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM

Nearest Prayer Room for Muslim Travelers

If you’re a Muslim traveler, don’t worry — there are nearby places for you to perform your prayers in or near Hongdae.

Seoul Central Mosque – Itaewon

Image credit : Getty Image

While there’s no official prayer room in Hongdae, the Seoul Central Mosque in Itaewon is the closest large mosque and is only about 20–25 minutes away by subway or taxi.

Address: 30 Usadan-ro 10-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

How to Get There:

• Take Line 6 from Hapjeong Station or Hongdae Station → Itaewon Station (Exit 3) → 10-minute walk uphill

• Facilities: Male & female prayer areas, ablution rooms, halal restaurants nearby

Alternative: Cafés & Shops with Private Spaces

Image credit : Iftar_halal_kr | Instagram

Some Korean shops or cafés in Hongdae may allow you to use a small room for prayer if you ask politely. It’s best to bring a travel prayer mat and a compass app just in case.

Also read : Mosques in Seoul: Here’s Where to Pray

Hongdae is one of the best places in Seoul to explore Korean beauty trends. Whether you're shopping for yourself or doing a personal shopping service, you'll find plenty of treasures here. Don’t forget to leave extra space in your luggage for your skincare haul!

And for Muslim travelers — plan your prayer times and nearby locations in advance, so you can enjoy your beauty shopping stress-free.