Welcome to Seoul , a city that pulsates unstoppable energy as soon as the sun sets. From the streets illuminated to the neon of Gangnam to the lively alleys of Hongdae, the city offers an electrifying mix of trendy bars, exciting and welcoming local night clubs with live music, ready to be discovered. Whether you be lovers of music, social butterfly or eager to immerse yourself in local culture, Soul's nightlife has something special for you. This guide will accompany you on a night trip through the most iconic neighborhoods of the city, where you can enjoy a delicious Korean BBQ in the company of locals, sip sophisticated cocktails admiring the skyline and dance until dawn with world -renowned DJs.
Seoul nightlife
Seoul is an immense metropolis, where culture pulsates 24 hours a day. The streets of the South Korean capital are never deserted, even if during the late morning they are much more peaceful than at midnight. If you are planning a visit to the capital of South Korea, you cannot miss his nightlife. You will find an infinite number of clubs, ready to show you the best of the city after sunset. Below, an overview of the five most exciting Seoul neighborhoods once the darkness dropped.
The hottest neighborhoods of Seoul's nightlife
Hongdae
Hongdae is one of the nerve centers of world nightlife. The area, which surrounds the Hongik University, extends to the areas of Hapjeong, Sangsu, Sincheon and near the Ewha Female University, each served by its own metro station. Walking behind exit 9 of the Hongik station, you can attend the performances of street artists and entertainers who attract crowds both day and night. Hongdae offers countless bars, clubs and restaurants suitable for all tastes. The largest night clubs are located along the roads that connect the Hongik and Sangsu stations, including Cocoon and Noise Basement stand out. For a rock and indie atmosphere, Gogo's, with its subterranean club FF, offers music until the early hours of the morning. In addition, the Children's Play Park, in front of the University's main building, is a well -known meeting point for young people, while celebrations can buy cheap drinks from the convenience stores and attend Korean rap freestyle battles.
Gangnam
Returned globally by PSY's "Gangnam Style" song, the Gangnam district is an obligatory stop for each visitor. Close to exit 11 of the Gangnam station, a huge tribute to the famous single attracts numerous tourists for unforgettable photos. The parallel roads, around exits 10 and 11, host most of the bars, restaurants and clubs in the area. Here, clubs such as Mass and Noise Basement (a branch of the Hongdae club) are very popular. Many expert clubs advise to explore also clubs located in prestigious hotel, which offer exclusive experience.
Itaewon
Itaewon is the international neighborhood par excellence of Seoul, frequented by expatriates of all nationalities. If you are interested in following international sporting events, here you will find Irish pubs and American -style sports bar that broadcast live. Itaewon is also the ideal place to taste international cuisine, with restaurants offering authentic dishes prepared by chef expatriates, as well as premises that offer Corean and international cuisine fusion. A popular example is Vatos, the Korean-Messican melting restaurant, where, however, it is advisable to wait a little to be served. In addition, the area houses numerous clubs that offer more eclectic musical styles than the typical EDM of other Korean areas.
Dongdaemun
If you get tired of spending the evenings between bars and discos, Dongdaemun offers you a different experience: night shopping. In this area, many stores remain open until 3:00 or beyond, allowing you to shop until late at night. Very frequented by Chinese and Japanese tourists attracted by trendy clothing at competitive prices, the area requires contracting to obtain the best prices. A distinctive element of Dongdaemun is represented by live shows set up outside the large shopping centers, where k-pop groups in the rise perform in front of large crowds.
Cheongdam
While Gangnam is known to be refined, Cheongdam is further distinguished as the preferred destination from the wealthy Korean young people. In this exclusive neighborhood there are some of the most luxurious clubs in Seoul, frequented by a selected audience. Wait to spend more on the drinks, but the experience will live up to your expectations, offering sophisticated evenings and an unparalleled luxury atmosphere.
The best bars, discos and night clubs of Seoul
La Luz
The Luz is an imposing new place that has three large floors, offers very popular arcade games, an illuminated neon basement, ping-pong tables, a whiskey bar and circus-themed bar, all at affordable prices. The pizza costs $ 3, the $ 5 beers and admission is free.
Hongdae Pub Crawl
If you are new to Seoul, I highly recommend you participate in the Soul Pub Crawl organized by Absolute to familiarize themselves with nightlife and current clubs. It costs only $ 17, including numerous free shots: 4 bar and 1 disco in 6 hours of epic fun!
Retro Game Bar
The retro game bar is often the starting point of the Soul pub crawl, ideal for heating playing by playing video games on a wide range of classic consoles, such as Dreamcast and PlayStation. The beers cost $ 4 and 7 dollar cocktails, making it an excellent place to start the evening.
Zen
Zen is very popular with young international and Korean students who want to socialize with foreigners. If you don't satisfy you Zen I, you can always try Zen II, located right next to it.
Mike’s Cabin
A much loved stage of the Seoul Pub Crawl in Hongdae, Mike's Cabin attracts a unbridled crowd and offers a really fun festive atmosphere. It is the ideal place to make new local friends. Beers and wine cost $ 4, while 5 dollar cocktails.
Club FF
Located on the famous Hongdae club road, 와우산로 17 길 (Wauson-de 17-gil), Club FF is a festive and relaxed place where music ranges from the K-pop to the 1980s retro. Admission is free and the beers cost only $ 3.50.
B1
Next to Club FF is B1, known for its solid selection of rap, hip-hop and R&B. With an underground atmosphere, it is very popular among young people and foreigners.
Zigzagg
Famous for his high energy parties during weekends, Zigzagg makes K-Pop and Hip-Hop music resonate. Even the billiard table acts as a dance floor. Admission is free, but wait for a row after 00:00 on weekends.
Sinkhole
Sinkhole is a dive Low-Key specialized in Hip-Hop and R&B. Although it is a slightly smaller place than others, it offers a relaxed atmosphere and is perfect for socializing.
NB2 (Noise Basement)
Faced with Sinkhole, NB2, also known as Noise Basement, has been active since 1999 and develops on two floors, offering a wide range of musical genres, from modern pop to hip-hop. The clientele is mainly Korean.
La Bamba
If you want Latin vibrations, go to La Bamba! Located on a road level and often crowded at midnight thanks to its strategic position, admission is free.
Club Aura
Among the large Edm clubs in Hongdae, Club Aura is the most popular, thanks to exceptional line-ups every weekend, frequented mainly by Koreans. If you want to unleash you, this is the right place!
Coley
Along the same road as the White Rabbit Taphouse is Coley. It is a slightly expensive place, but perfect for socializing with foreigners. The second floor, very welcoming, is ideal for enjoying quality cocktails.
Ugly Society
Ugly Society is a rooftop hidden with the most surprising views of Itaewon, located in a lesser known road for the holidays, 보광로 59 길 (Bogwang-Ro 59-Gil). It is perfect for a romantic appointment, even if it can be difficult to find - download the map!
Night Sounds
Night Sounds, also on 보광로 59 길 (Bogwang-Ro 59-Gil), is famous for its spicy burlesque events on weekends, with a crowd of energy charged. The shows begin on Friday and Saturday at midnight and a half. Admission is free.
The Parlour Seoul
For more peaceful hip-hop events, visit The Parlour, located a few isolated from Night Sounds. Admission is free.
Itaewon Pub Crawl
If you are new in Seoul, you must participate in the Itewon Pub Crawl organized by Absolute, to know the nightlife and the most current clubs. It costs only $ 17, including numerous free shots: 4 bar and 1 night club in 6 hours of epic fun!
Jack’s Bar
My favorite bar in Itaewon is Jack's Bar, located on the most famous road of the party, 이태원로 27 가길 (ItaEWon-Rro 27-Ga-Gil). It offers arcade games such as Initial D, Mega Jenga, DDR and retro games such as Street Fighter II. The beers cost $ 5000 (about 4 dollars) and 7000 won cocktails (about 5 dollars).
Fountain
Fountain is by far the most popular disco in Itaewon. An imposing place on multiple floors, with incredible furniture, arcade games and solid rhythms ranging from top 40 to the 1980s retro, frequented by a young and energetic audience. The beers cost $ 5, the 7 dollar cocktails.
Off The Record
Off the Record is a fantastic vinyl bar that accepts requests, especially in vinyl format, and is an excellent place also for a romantic appointment.
Le Style Bar
Near Euljiro, the Style Bar is located on the top floor of the Ibis Styles Hotel. It is one of the best seoul rooftops, with breathtaking views of the city and the N Seoul Tower. Ideal for admiring romantic sunsets, admission is free, even if the purchase of drinks is expected, which start from 9 dollars. I recommend booking in advance.
Club Volnost Seoul
Club Volnost Seoul, initially known for its "wooden cave" style interiors, has turned to embrace the ultra -modern generation into its new location. It is an excellent night club to listen to Techno Korean, hosting the most popular DJs of Seoul and guaranteeing an unforgettable evening for those who love to celebrate. The restaurant has a small area of seat and friendly staff who serve very cold drinks.
Address: 136-1 ITAEWON-RO, Yongsan-Gu, Soul, South Korea
Telephone: +82 10-3389-6955
Hours: Thursday: 22: 00-04: 00; Friday & Saturday: 23: 59-07: 00; Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: closed
All That Jazz
All that jazz, the oldest jazz bar in the city, attracts residents and tourists until late at night. It is a spacious place with an exceptional atmosphere, the staff is friendly and helpful, and offers a large selection of wines and finger food. It is the ideal place to enjoy sparkling drinks and listen to live performances, with regular high quality musical performances. Perfect for those who want to get away from the walked city and enjoy a jazz evening in a welcoming environment.
Address: 12 ITAEWON-RO 27GA-GIL, ITAEWON 1 (IL) -DONG, Yongsan-Gu, Soul, South Korea
Telephone: +82 2-795-5701
Hours: from Monday to Thursday: 18: 00-01: 00; Friday & Saturday: 18: 00-02: 00
SOHO
Soho is one of the best clubs and gay bars and seoul lesbians, characterized by trendy interiors and soft lights that create an ideal atmosphere for dancing. It attracts a vast international public LGBT, especially in the age groups between 20 and 30 years old, and has a pleasant external patio overlooking the city. The DJ plays dance music that includes k-pop and western successes, and the place offers a variety of cocktails to be enjoyed in company.
Address: 10 Usadan-Dro 12-Gil, ITAEWON 1 (IL) -DONG, Yongsan-Gu, Soul, South Korea
Telephone: +82 70-8958-3414
Hours: Friday & Saturday: 22: 00-05: 00; Sunday-game: closed