A Guide to South Korea's Nightlife – The Best Nightlife for Foreigners

The nights in Korea are more vibrant and diverse than the days.

From clubs blasting K-pop to traditional pubs, night markets, and Han River picnics!

We introduce the best nightlife experiences foreigners can have in Korea.

1. Top 5 Must-Try Nightlife Experiences in Korea

1) Hongdae & Itaewon Club Tour – A Passionate Night with K-Pop

Hongdae and Itaewon are areas with the hottest clubs and bars in Korea. Hongdae is known for its young and free atmosphere, while Itaewon is famous for its mix of various foreigners and global culture.

✅ Recommended Clubs & Bars
• Hongdae: Club M2, FF Club, Playground Rooftop Bar
• Itaewon: Club MWG, Cakeshop, The Fountain

Local Tip:
• On weekend nights, it can be very crowded, so it’s better to go early or use the guest list!
• Some clubs have dress codes, so neat attire is recommended.

2) Traditional Pojangmacha & Soju Bars – Experience Korean Drinking Culture

When drinking in Korea, you can’t miss Pojangmacha (street pubs). It’s a uniquely charming Korean night culture where you can enjoy soju and snacks in a heartwarming atmosphere.

✅ Recommended Pojangmacha Hotspots
• Euljiro Pojangmacha Alley – Atmospheric old-style pocha
• Gangnam Nonhyeon-dong Pojangmacha Alley – A hot place with various Korean snacks
• Mangwon-dong Soju Alley – Unique soju bars and a sentimental atmosphere

Local Tip:
• Somaek (Soju + Beer) is popular in Korea!
• At many pojangmachas, you need to order ‘anju (food)’ along with your drinks, so keep that in mind.

3) Coin Karaoke & Room Karaoke – Sing K-Pop Yourself!

Karaoke is one of Korea’s representative cultures. There are coin karaoke rooms where you can enjoy it without pressure and room karaoke where you can enjoy it with friends.

✅ Recommended Karaoke Styles
• Coin Karaoke – You can choose 2-3 songs for 500-1000 won
• Room Karaoke – A space where you can rent a room with friends and sing K-Pop
• Luxury Karaoke – Premium karaoke with high-quality interior and sound systems

Local Tip:
• In Korea, if you adjust the microphone effects and add ‘reverb’ in karaoke, it sounds much better!
• It’s more fun if you practice popular K-Pop songs beforehand.

4) Han River Picnic – Night Culture with Night Scenery

Seoul’s Han River Park is more beautiful at night than during the day. You can enjoy chicken and beer (Chimaek) while enjoying the night view, or relax and have a picnic with your friends.

✅ Recommended Han River Spots
• Ttukseom Han River Park – A place where you can enjoy the night view with rooftop cafes
• Yeouido Han River Park – A large lawn and a famous Han River night view spot
• Banpo Han River Park – A beautiful night view of the ‘Moonlight Rainbow Fountain’

Local Tip:
• On the Han River, you can enjoy a picnic by buying simple drinks and snacks at a convenience store.
• In summer, outdoor movie screenings and various performances are held on the Han River!

2. Recommended Hot Bars & Lounges in Korea

1) Hip Cocktail Bars – Creative Cocktails in a Trendy Atmosphere

Korea’s bar culture is rapidly developing, and recently, bars offering stylish interiors and unique cocktails have become popular.

✅ Recommended Cocktail Bars
• Alice Cheongdam (Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam) – A famous bar where you can enjoy creative cocktails in a fairytale-like atmosphere
• Le Chamber (Apgujeong, Gangnam) – A sentimental bar in a secret speakeasy style
• Zest (Itaewon) – Special cocktails using fresh ingredients are popular

Local Tip:
• Some speakeasy bars have secret entrances, so it’s fun to look them up before visiting!
• If you ask the bartender for a custom cocktail recommendation, you can have a more special experience.

2) Wine Bars & Tasting Lounges – Places to Enjoy Premium Wines

For those who love wine, cozy wine bars and high-end wine tasting lounges are a good choice.

✅ Recommended Wine Bars
• Vinga (Hannam-dong) – A wine bar where you can enjoy premium wines from various countries
• Bar Pino (Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam) – Wine tasting lounge with classic interior
• La Cave (Hongdae) – A place where you can enjoy various wines with a high-class cheese plate

Local Tip:
• At some wine bars, you can experience a sommelier’s recommended wine pairing course!
• Making a reservation allows you to spend private time in a better seat.

3) Cocktail Classes & DIY Bars – Your Own Cocktails

In Seoul and Busan, DIY bars and cocktail classes where you can make your own cocktails are becoming popular.

✅ Recommended Cocktail Classes & DIY Bars
• The Mix Lab (Itaewon) – An experiential bar where you can make your own cocktails
• Bar Mixology (Hongdae) – A cocktail class where you learn from professionals
• Mule Factory (Haeundae, Busan) – A special place to experience bartending

Local Tip:
• At DIY bars, it’s more fun because you can make cocktails to your own taste!
• It can be a more special night when you’re with friends.

4) Live Jazz Bars & Classic Bars – A Night with Sweet Music

Live jazz bars and classic bars, where you can enjoy drinks while listening to music in a calm atmosphere, are also part of Korea’s hot nightlife.

✅ Recommended Live Bars
• Once in a Blue Moon (Apgujeong) – Seoul’s best live jazz bar
• All That Jazz (Itaewon) – A traditional jazz bar popular with foreigners
• Blue Moon Lounge (Gwangalli Beach, Busan) – A sentimental jazz bar with a beach night view

Local Tip:
• On days with live performances, making a reservation in advance allows you to enjoy it from a better seat!
• Whiskey and classic cocktails go especially well at jazz bars.

5) Gangnam Rooftop Bars – Cocktails with a View of Seoul’s Skyline

Gangnam has many stylish rooftop bars and lounges, making it a great place to enjoy cocktails with a night view.

✅ Recommended Rooftop Bars
• L7 Rooftop Bar – A hot place with a panoramic view of Seoul’s night scenery
• Oriole Hannam – A sentimental bar with a Han River view
• Le Chamber – A bar in a secret speakeasy style

Local Tip:
• Reservations are required for some rooftop bars, so check beforehand!
• Some places have dress codes, so neat attire is recommended.

3. Korean Nightlife Preferred by Men

Korean nightlife reflects diverse tastes, and there are many special places that men particularly enjoy. There are spaces where you can enjoy games, sports, and a sentimental atmosphere, allowing for more diverse experiences.

1) Sports Bars & Indoor Baseball Stadiums – Thrilling Nights with Games

Korea has various sports bars and indoor baseball stadiums, providing many opportunities to watch or participate in sports with friends.

✅ Recommended Sports Bars & Baseball Stadiums
• Pub 210 (Gangnam) – Live broadcasts of EPL, NBA, etc., on large screens
• Strike Zone (Hongdae/Itaewon) – Indoor baseball stadium where you can practice batting like the real thing
• Dart Bar (Itaewon) – A casual bar where you can enjoy darts with a beer

Local Tip:
• During baseball season, sports bars that show live games are very popular!
• It becomes more exciting if you bet with friends while enjoying the games.

2) Hideout-Style Lounges & Men’s Pubs – Drinks in a Comfortable Atmosphere

After a busy day, there are many sentimental bars and lounges that men prefer. It’s a good place to enjoy whiskey and cocktails in a quiet atmosphere or to have a light conversation.

✅ Recommended Sentimental Lounges & Bars
• Roomba (Gangnam) – A comfortable atmosphere with soft music
• Bar Soho (Hongdae) – Bartender’s recommended signature cocktails are popular
• Modern Jazz Bar (Itaewon) – A wonderful place to enjoy live jazz music

Local Tip:
• Some lounges allow VIP room reservations, so you can have some private time.
• You can choose from various concept bars such as classical music, jazz, and hip-hop, depending on the mood.