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Approached by a cult ?
I was visiting hongdae street just like I did last year to eat drink and shop around , while walking down the street I had a… So I am Seoul for for the last few days , flying back to India on Tuesday
I was visiting hongdae street just like I did last year to eat drink and shop around , while walking down the street I had a couple approach me and initiating friendly talk , they were like going on and on about Korean customs and started saying they study Korean customs and wanted to invite me to a tea ceremony , which I thought was very fishy as nobody usually approaches you on the street and suddenly take a interest in you, they were like it will only take 30 mins of my time
Being from Mumbai , India , I am aware of these sweet talking tactics so I made up an excuse of not being free and told them I had to be elsewhere .i had to share my kakao talk is so they could leave me to myself .
I looked it up and Reddit says this is a common tactic among cults , is this true , what happens if some innocent person actually follows them? Do they get robbed /scammed ?
ngl that whole thing is super sketchy. i've heard from friends that some of those cults even try to get your kakao to keep messaging you after, so good call on giving them a fake one. honestly just pretend you dont speak english if they try again, works like a charm
It's a cult, plain and simple. They've been doing this exact routine in Hongdae for years. The tea ceremony is just bait to get you into a private room where they pressure you for money, sometimes hundreds of dollars for "donations" or "classes."
If someone actually goes, they won't get physically robbed but they'll be guilt-tripped into giving up their card or cash. I've heard stories of people being kept for an hour or more in a small office near the Hongdae walking street. They target tourists because they know you're less likely to make a scene or go to the police.
Just keep ignoring them. If they push, a firm "aniyo" and walking away works every time. Don't even bother making eye contact.
You were right to trust your gut. That's the same cult recruitment pitch that's been going around Hongdae and Myeongdong for years. They usually bring people to a "cultural center" or a basement room where the tea ceremony turns into a high-pressure donation request, sometimes for thousands of dollars.
If someone actually follows them, they won't get robbed physically, but they'll be emotionally manipulated and pressured to give money. The cults are known to target tourists and foreigners specifically because you're less likely to report them or stick around to follow up.
If you see them again around Hongdae just keep walking and ignore them. They tend to hang out near the main street by Hapjeong station exit 3.
Seoul on a Budget: Tips 2026
Stay in guesthouses or hostels in Hongdae or Myeongdong for as low as 20,000-40,000 won per night. For a private room, try a goshiwon (student housing) starting at 300,… 🏠 Affordable Accommodation
Stay in guesthouses or hostels in Hongdae or Myeongdong for as low as 20,000-40,000 won per night. For a private room, try a goshiwon (student housing) starting at 300,000 won per month. Book directly with the property or use local platforms like Yanolja for discounts.
🍜 Cheap Eats
A bowl of bibimbap or kimchi jjigae at a local restaurant costs 6,000-8,000 won. For budget meals, visit convenience stores like GS25 or CU for triangle kimbap (1,200 won) and instant ramen. Street food like tteokbokki (3,000 won) is filling and cheap.
🚇 Transportation Savings
Use a T-money card for subway and bus rides at 1,400 won per trip, with free transfers within 30 minutes. A day pass costs 5,500 won for unlimited rides. Walk between nearby attractions like Gyeongbokgung and Insadong to save even more.
🎫 Free Attractions
Many palaces, including Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, offer free admission on the last Wednesday of each month. Cheonggyecheon Stream and Namsan Park are always free to explore. Visit Bukchon Hanok Village for a glimpse of traditional Seoul without spending a won.
💰 Local Money-Saving Tips
Locals often use apps like Coupang Eats for discounted meal deliveries or visit traditional markets like Gwangjang Market for cheap, fresh food. Avoid tourist-heavy areas for souvenirs; instead, shop at Daiso for affordable Korean snacks and gifts.
🎭 Free Cultural Experiences
Watch a free traditional performance at the Korea House or at the Namsangol Hanok Village on weekends. Many museums, like the National Museum of Korea, have free permanent exhibitions. Check out Hongdae street performances for live music and dance.
🍺 Nightlife on a Budget
Join a free walking tour of Hongdae or Itaewon to discover cheap bars and pubs. Many places offer happy hour deals from 5-7 PM with 50% off drinks. For a unique experience, visit a pojangmacha (street tent bar) for soju and anju under 10,000 won.
📱 Essential Apps
Download Naver Map for accurate transit directions and KakaoTaxi for affordable rides. Use Mango Plate to find restaurant discounts and coupons. For free Wi-Fi, connect to the city's public network at subway stations and parks.
this is a solid list, one thing i'd add is that the t-money card also works for the airport railroad express (arex) and you can get a discount if you buy a "climate card" from the subway machines for like 62,000 won a month, unlimited rides on seoul metro and buses. also, for free stuff, the seoul city wall hiking trail from naksan park gives you amazing views of the city and bukchon without paying a thing, plus it's way less crowded than namsan. gwangjang market is great but go for the sundubu (7000 won) at the stalls in the back, not the front ones near the entrance which are pricier for tourists
honestly the guide nails it, one thing i'd add is that the t-money card deposit is refundable at any convenience store when you leave, most people forget and just toss it. also for free stuff, the seoul philharmonic does free outdoor concerts at seoul plaza in spring and fall, just show up with a blanket. if you're near hongdae on a friday night, the playground area has buskers that are genuinely talented, way better than the overhyped clubs
i live here and a few things this guide nails. one tip that saves me money is the "climate card" for 62,000 won a month, unlimited subway and bus, even works on the airport express if you're staying a while. for cheap eats, skip the main streets in hongdae and go into the alleys behind the art center, there's a place that does dwaeji gukbap (pork soup) for 7,000 won and it's way better than the tourist spots. also, the seoul city wall trail from naksan park is free and gives you killer views without the namsan tower price tag, way less crowded too