Table of Contents
Introduction
As the sun sets over Seoul, the city transforms into a dazzling neon wonderland. From buzzing night markets to pulsing dance clubs, Seoul comes alive after dark with endless options for nighttime entertainment. Grab your friends and get ready to experience the mesmerizing city lights on a nonstop all-night adventure.
Night Markets
Namdaemun Market
One of the largest markets in Korea, Namdaemun stays open all night for those who want to shop and snack into the early morning hours. Under the bright lights you’ll find stalls selling everything from fashion to street food. Don’t miss the hotteok stands selling piping hot griddlecakes filled with cinnamon and brown sugar.
Dongdaemun Market
The massive Dongdaemun Market is a shopper’s paradise with over 30 malls and 30,000 specialty shops. Once the sun sets, the market transforms into a vibrant night scene. Young fashionistas flock here after dark to pick up trendy clothing at wholesale prices.
Gwangjang Market
By day, Gwangjang Market sells silk, satin and linens, but at night it turns into a bustling foodie destination. Koreans and tourists alike head here to feast on classic late night street eats like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and eomuk (fish cake skewers).
Neighborhoods
Hongdae
The Hongdae neighborhood comes alive at night with cool cafes, kitschy theme bars and pulsing dance clubs. On weekends the streets fill with buskers, dancers and other lively street performances. Don’t miss endlessly Instagrammable spots like the dazzling Zapangi Cafe and the quirky Myeongdong Topping.
Itaewon
Itaewon caters to a more international crowd with its Western-style bars and diverse culinary offerings. Hit up Craftworks taproom for artisan brews, Vatos Urban Tacos for Mexican fare or Bistro 1/43 for French classics in a casual bistro setting. After dinner, the night heats up with clubs pumping out EDM, hip hop and Top 40 beats.
Gangnam
Glamorous high-rise clubs clustered along the Teheran Street strip have given rise to the nickname the “Beverly Hills of Seoul.” To live it up like a local celebrity, book a table at one of Gangnam’s luxury clubs like Octagon, host to frequent celebrity appearances. Otherwise, проst! at street-side beer tents boasting cheap drinks and an always festive atmosphere.
Nightclubs
Octagon
Consistently rated one of the best clubs in Asia, Octagon boasts an elegant multilevel interior, world-class DJs and an exclusive VIP clientele. Grab a spot on the dance floor overlooking Seoul’s glittering skyline and dance the night away.
Cakeshop
By day it’s a record store, by night it transforms into an underground house and techno club. Cakeshop draws a hipster crowd dancing until sunrise to thumping electronic beats. Arrive early on weekends to avoid the notoriously long lines.
Faust
One of Seoul’s newest clubs, Faust has a stylish, upscale aesthetic with a program featuring techno, house and minimal electronic music. The two dance floors stay packed well into the early morning hours.
Rooftop Bars
Skygarden
Soak up panoramic views stretching from Namsan Tower to Dongdaemun from this leafy rooftop bar atop the Kyunglidan area. Sip craft cocktails under the moonlight and dance the night away to resident and guest DJs spinning vivacious beats.
Moonlight Garden
Set atop the Posco Building, Moonlight Garden offers a refined and romantic atmosphere under the open night sky. Savor premium whiskeys or classic cocktails alongside tapas-style bites as you admire the sweeping city views.
La Cima
For a taste of Mediterranean dolce vita, head to this trendy Itaewon rooftop aglow with twinkling fairylights. Savor Peroni and Aperol Spritzes while mingling on plush loungers, then hit the sleek dance floor as the scene livens up later into the night.
Han River Cruise
Experience Seoul’s sparkling cityscape from the tranquil vantage point of the Han River on a spirited evening cruise. Many tours include live DJ performances, dancing, drinks and snacks for a full night of floating fun. Watch the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain erupt into colorful displays in time with music and lights as you gently sail by.
Other Night Activities
Noraebang (Karaoke Rooms)
Belt out your favorite Korean pop songs alongside friends in a private noraebang room outfitted with mics, disco lighting and song libraries containing thousands of hits. Order snacks, drinks and ice cream as you take turns serenading one another well into the night.
VR Gaming Centers
Test your aim in immersive VR games and high-tech shooting simulators open 24/7 for next-level after dark entertainment. Amp up the adrenaline at futuristic venues like VR Monster or T.um, equipped with heart-pumping VR rides and activities.
24-Hour Spas
Recharge at one of Seoul’s many 24-hour jjimjilbangs (Korean-style spas) like the upscale Dragon Hill Spa, open all night for relaxing in mineral baths, sleeping in nap rooms or getting a vigorous exfoliating body scrub.
Transportation
Subway
Seoul’s ultra-efficient, extensive subway system runs regularly throughout the night, making it easy to stay out late and get home safely. Important lines connecting nightlife hotspots include the Green Line linking Hongdae and Gangnam, and the Yellow Line between Hongdae and Itaewon.
Taxis
Taxis are ubiquitous around nightlife districts, though English levels vary between drivers. Have your destination written in Korean to show the driver. Base fares start around ₩3,000. Get a Korean friend to call a taxi by phone for added safety and convenience.
Rideshares
Ridesharing apps like KakaoTaxi provide added transparency and reliability compared to regular taxis. You can view driver info, trip cost, and share your ride in real time, providing peace of mind for travel between night spots.
Safety Tips
- Stay in groups when barhopping and keep an eye on drinks.
- Only take registered taxi cabs clearly marked with official signage. Avoid taking unlicensed cabs.
- Know your alcohol limits and don’t overindulge when out at night.
- Carry the Korean address and phone number of your lodging for getting home easily.
- Familiarize yourself with the subway lines connecting your accommodations and nightlife areas.
- Ask your hotel concierge for recommendations on trusted transportation options.
Conclusion
When the sun sets over Seoul, a whole new side of the city comes alive, full of wonder, excitement and fun around every corner. From thumping nightclubs and nonstop shopping to scenic river cruises and mission-style barhopping between neighborhoods, Seoul offers endless options for an unforgettable night out. Follow these tips and recommendations to safely experience the dynamic after-dark energy and mesmerizing city lights unique to Seoul. The city awaits whenever you’re ready to seize the night!
FAQs
What is the best area for nightlife in Seoul?
Hongdae is one of the top nightlife districts, especially for the younger crowd, with its mix of bars, clubs, live music venues, street food and quirky cafes. Itaewon is also popular for its diversity of expatriate-friendly bars and mix of locals and foreigners. Gangnam has the most high-end clubs.
What is the closest subway stop to Hongdae?
Hongik University Station, Exit 9, places you right in the main nightlife strip in Hongdae. It’s on the Green Line.
What is a good night market to visit in Seoul?
Namdaemun Market is the largest and most popular night market, open 24 hours with great street food and shopping. Dongdaemun and Gwangjang Markets are two other famous night markets popular for late night eats.
What is the drinking age in South Korea?
The legal drinking age in South Korea is 19 years old. However, it’s relatively common for younger Koreans to drink alcohol in social settings.
What is the best way to get around Seoul at night?
Taking the subway is the most convenient and budget-friendly way to stay mobile at night. Taxis are also ubiquitous outside major night spots. Avoid unmarked taxis. Rideshares like KakaoTaxi are another safe option.