Seoul by Night

While other cities offer more distractions than Seoul, Korea’s largest city has an lively and energetic nightlife. In addition to all the nightclubs and bars that find their ways into any modern Asian metropolis, there are numerous local haunts where one can spend an evening.

Beer halls and Korea barbecue restaurants are customary meeting spots for many Koreans. A bout of eating and drinking can stretch into the wee hours. As the evening wears on, the atmosphere at many of these establishments becomes more jovial (and noisy). While excessive drinking is not uncommon, the confrontations usually associated with such drinking is relatively rare. Many patrons are friendly and foreign visitors are made to feel welcome, sometimes even being invited to join the festivities at another table.

Many bars in the city are frequented by American soldiers. There is a large section of the bar industry that caters to Western customers. Itaewon is Seoul’s expat and army neighborhood. Bars like Seoul Pub and Wolfhound Irish Pub are two of the better choices in this area, especially Wolfhound, which has a superior selection of beers.

To get a more Korean flavor, there are several nightlife areas near Seoul’s Universities. The Hongdae area is best on weekends and is considered by many to be the hippest area in town. Clubs are overflowing with young Koreans on weekend nights. House and Trance music is the norm, with several hip-hop flavored venues also in the mix. Sinchon is another area frequented by college kids blowing off stream on the weekends.

If pretentious clubs are attractive to you, you’ll find the Gangnam area to your liking. This is where the young upper-crust members of Seoul society go to get their kicks. Keep in mind that foreigners are not always welcome here. Some of the clubs are rumored to charge a higher cover for foreigners. However, it is great to hang out, even outside the venues, and watch people who are doing their best to be seen.

Namdaemun is a market that really gets energetic in the evening hours. Many eateries pop up along the street and the atmosphere uniquely Korean.

For gamblers, late summer means night races at Seoul Racetrack. The track is typical for such facilities. It lacks the atmosphere of Hong Kong’s Happy Valley, but pony players will find the venue acceptable.

Korea has a well established pop and rock music scene as well as a respectable movie industry. Concerts are held in clubs and arenas around the city.

Another uniquely Korean scene occurs at some upscale bars. Patrons sit at tables and order overly expensive drinks, perhaps hoping to impress someone of the opposite sex. These places can be interesting, if not outrightly fun. They can be quite expensive though.

Seoul’s nightlife, at least in certain areas, has great energy. Everyone can find a venue to their liking somewhere in this vast but welcoming city. If all else fails, wandering among the beautifully lit areas of downtown Seoul is a great way to experience the urban scenery.