Seoul - Bars & Nightlife

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Bars & Nightlife

Seoul

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Asia South Korea Seoul Bars & Nightlife

Overview

Bars & Nightlife The guide was updated: 2024-06-18

Nighttime entertainment in Seoul is really more about the neighbourhood than a particular establishment. Each area is known for its very specific vibe, and knowing what you're looking for might be a good idea before deciding on a location.

The go-to areas include: the stylish Hongdae district (popular with professionals), the bohemian Gangnam district (favoured by young, trendy twenty-somethings), and Itaewon (a location most favoured by internationals). Other popular haunts include low-key Myeongdong and Daehangno, as well as upscale Apgujeong-dong or Sinsadong.

Most clubs and bars remain open late into the night but one genre of entertainment really stands out after hours for those looking for an authentic experience of sorts, karaoke. Fall into one of the many Seoulian "noraebang" bars which are popular with locals to show off your pipes and have a sing-song.

Club Octagon

Club Octagon

One of the most popular clubs in Seoul's stylish Gangnam district and a nightlife venue renowned worldwide, Octagon is where the party doesn't stop until the early morning. With DJs playing house and electro all night long, all in a trendy interior featuring an indoor pool, it is very easy to lose track of time here.

Living Room

Living Room

Cool, chilled and crazy are three ways one could describe Living Room. This bar serves drinks and cocktails until late and frequently hosts DJs. Colourful artwork covers the walls (sometimes there are even temporary exhibitions) creating a very pleasant, almost bohemian atmosphere.

J.J. Mahoney's

J.J. Mahoney's

Located within the Grand Hyatt Seoul hotel, J.J. Mahoney's is an establishment that has something for everyone. Live music is played here frequently and the high-quality sound system makes for great dancing conditions. There is also a billiards and darts room for those who are up for a bit of friendly competition.

Lobby Lounge Bar

Lobby Lounge Bar

Enjoy a quiet drink at the Lobby Lounge Bar on the 41st floor of the Sheraton Seoul D Cube City Hotel. The staff serve a good variety of mouth-watering food, drinks, and delightful desserts. Live entertainment is often on display and the sweeping views of Seoul add to the ambiance.

Club FF

Club FF

This indie bar is a favourite underground haunt for alternative music enthusiasts and party people. Club FF offers an all-inclusive bar service at certain hours of the night, which is normally followed by a huge dance party with DJs, dry ice and flashing lights.

Club Evans

Club Evans

Music is taken very seriously at Club Evans, an absolute must visit destination for jazz lovers the world over. Mondays are reserved for spontaneous jam sessions whereas professional jazz bands fill the air with gloriously complex harmonies almost every other night of the week. The venue attracts a mixed crowd of locals and internationals of all age groups.

Su Noraebang

Su Noraebang

‘Noraebang’ is the Korean-version of karaoke and Su Noraebang is known as the place to go for those willing to sing all night long. In roomy glass-mirrored booths, you can choose your favourite songs to make up an English or Korean playlist and start the night with a bang. Prices vary depending on the time of day or night, but tend to be highest from 8pm onwards.

Theatre

Theatre

There are plenty of venues to catch a show in Seoul, some of the best ones include: National Gugak Center (for traditional Korean music and dance shows), Jeongdong Theater (for musicals), Nanta Theatre Jung-gu (which puts on non-verbal performances with music and comedy) and the National Theatre of Korea which covers everything from Shakespeare to contemporary plays.

The Bungalow

The Bungalow

Guests arriving at The Bungalow must not forget to lose their shoes and socks as the floor is covered in sand. The venue itself was designed to emulate the atmosphere of a tropical beach bar. The drinks list features colourful cocktails and relaxing music is played in the background, making it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, if only for a while.

Glam Lounge

Glam Lounge

Fit for an evening drink any night of the week, Glam Lounge is a sleek, stylish bar in Itaewon, the kind this particular neighbourhood isn't exactly known for. The interior was crafted to emulate old European designs, with well-dressed business minded professionals frequenting its glamorous halls.

Cakeshop

Cakeshop

One of the trendiest clubs of the moment, Cakeshop is where many international DJs and bands play when passing through Seoul. The crowd here is mostly made up of savvy music lovers, those with a penchant for the latest electronic and hip hop releases. The club has an ever-so-slightly grungy feel to it, perfect for a long night of adrenaline fuelled skanking.

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