Update: Bars & clubs are constantly closing and reopening, so I want to clarify that this list was made as of May 22nd, 2024. I will update this guide if I find new places I enjoy!
I love to party and Seoul has some of the most fun areas to party in all of the world. Seoul is massive so I need to break up my recommendations by the area. I’ve seen some other articles on Seoul nightlife touch on Gangnam, Itaewon, and Hongdae and I will cover those but I also want to add Euljiro, and Jonggak. Kondae is another fun area for a night out but I did a separate post on that area. My goal is to provide you with the most comprehensive nightlife guide possible so I am going to share all of my favorites.
I’ll give an overview of the area and then provide recommendations for pochas, pubs, bars, and clubs. I’ll try to provide the Google Maps, Instagram, and Naver links. In some cases, I may just provide one if I can’t find the others but I will always provide the directions for each location. I’ll give my price estimates for each establishment going from $ which means cheap to $$$$ meaning very expensive.
A night out in Seoul will include hopping around pochas, pubs, and bars, and if you are having a wild night you’ll end up at a club. You may be wondering what a pocha is. The word stems from Korea having outdoor food and drink stalls. Now these are mostly indoors where the focus is drinking and you get something to munch on. You’ll notice I don’t include pochas, pubs, bars, and clubs in some areas with that out of the way let’s get started!
Itaewon Nightlife
This is the international hub of Seoul and happens to be my personal favorite spot for a night out. Itaewon is also where you’re likely to come across the highest concentration of foreigners. It boasts a diverse array of attractions, including bars, clubs, and even late-night street food vendors, not to mention plenty of kebab shops. There’s nothing quite like grabbing a kebab at 5 am to help absorb all the alcohol from a night of debauchery.
Pochas in Itaewon
Itaewon is primarily known for its bars and nightclubs, but if you’re looking to enjoy beer, soju, or somak (beer and soju mixed), I can recommend two pochas for you.
Seoulbam
If you’ve ever watched “Itaewon Class,” you’ll recognize this as the location of Park Saeroyi’s first DanBam restaurant. I’ll be honest—the food isn’t exactly life-changing. However, if you’re in the mood for some soju, soft tofu stew, or spicy braised pork, it’s a good spot to visit after dinner.
Price: $$
Location: 57 Noksapyeong-daero 40-gil, Itaewon 1(il)-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Directions: Go to Noksapyeong Station (녹사평역), on Seoul Subway Line 6, and then take Exit 1.
Pubs in Itaewon
Yeokjeon Grandma’s Beer (역전할머니맥주 )
This is one of my all-time favorite pochas, with locations all over Seoul and a recent addition in Itaewon. It’s renowned for its ice-cold beer and delicious snacks, including fried chicken, soups, dried pollack, fried squid, and more. It’s also a great spot to kick off your night.
Price: $
Location: 168-3, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Directions: Go to Itaewon Station (이태원), on Seoul Subway Line 6, and then take Exit 1.
Shenanigans Irish Pub
This was the first pub I visited in Itaewon. It’s a reliable spot to enjoy a Guinness or a draft beer while chatting with other patrons. The staff is friendly, and the pub offers billards and darts. Additionally, it’s conveniently located above Yeokjeon Grandma’s Beer.
Price :$$
Location: 168-3, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Directions: Go to Itaewon Station [이태원], on Seoul Subway Line 6, and then take Exit 1
The Craic House
Here’s another Irish pub to add to the list! I included this one because it offers something a bit different from Shenanigans—it broadcasts numerous live sports events. Personally, I’m a fan of UFC, and this place screens every PPV card. Additionally, they showcase football (soccer), rugby, select American football games, and various other sports.
Price: $$
Location: 4th Floor, 72-32 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Directions: Go to Itaewon Station (이태원), on Seoul Subway Line 6, and then take Exit 4
Bars in Itaewon
Nothing beats the bars of Itawon, these are my favorites to visit on a night out.
Fountain
What an impressive bar! It features a massive modern design with high ceilings and a large fountain in the center. The music mostly consists of pop songs and their music videos are displayed on a jumbo four-sided screen hanging from the ceiling. The bar is consistently crowded but always a lot of fun.
Price: $$$
Location: 116-6 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Directions: Go to Itaewon Station (이태원), on Seoul Subway Line 6, and then take Exit 1
Casa Corona
The vibes at this place are popping! They feature funky electronic music, delicious cocktails, and refreshing Coronas. With a spacious patio area, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy nice weather. The atmosphere is cozy, and the staff is very friendly, creating an outstanding pub experience where you can meet people and enjoy quality drinks. The music is pleasant and not too loud outside but can be loud inside making it more suitable for dancing.
Price: $$$
Location: South Korea, 4F Bogwang-ro 60-gil, 7 KR 서울특별시 용산구
Directions: Go to Itaewon Station (이태원), on Seoul Subway Line 6, and then take Exit 3
Prost
This spacious bar offers a mix of hip-hop and pop music, making it a great spot to enjoy drinks with friends. The bartenders are talented, but the alcohol selection is mid-level, lacking top-shelf options.
Price: $$$
Location: 26 Itaewon-ro 27ga-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Directions: Go to Itaewon Station (이태원), on Seoul Subway Line 6, and then take Exit 1
Thursday Party
This bar exudes an American vibe and is ideal for socializing with other patrons. The lively atmosphere offers sports on TV and plenty of room for dancing and partying. The long island ice tea, served in an ice-cold mug, is a standout option, always tasty and a great deal. Additionally, there are fun games like beer pong, darts, and foosball spread around, adding to the eclectic and lively crowd seeking a good time.
Price: $
Location: 6 Itaewon-ro 27-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Directions: Go to Itaewon Station [이태원], on Seoul Subway Line 6, and then take Exit 2
Clubs in Itaewon
Paper
This club is a techno and house music lover’s paradise. With two floors, the bottom floor features a dark room blasting techno beats, while the top floor offers a more relaxed atmosphere with captivating house music and a stunning view overlooking Itaewon. It’s not just any rooftop club; it’s the only one in Seoul, offering trendy house tunes, a beautiful vista, and an unbeatable crowd. Highly recommended for an amazing experience.
Price: $$$
Location: South Korea, Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Itaewon-ro 27ga-gil, 37 루프탑
Directions: Go to Itaewon Station (이태원), on Seoul Subway Line 6, and then take Exit 1
Badass
This hip-hop lounge in Itaewon is my favorite spot. While the interior is a bit compact, the DJs are skilled and spin fantastic tracks. The cover charge is 10,000 won, but you receive a drink coupon upon entry, making it a fair deal overall.
Price: $$
Location: 119-10, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Directions: Go to Itaewon Station (이태원), on Seoul Subway Line 6, and then take Exit 1
Hongdae Nightlife
This appears to be the most popular nightlife district, known for its casual and affordable vibe. It attracts a large number of Korean university students, resulting in a younger crowd. The area boasts numerous pochas, bars, and clubs. Additionally, it’s home to one of the best dakgalbi restaurants in Seoul, which I will also provide a link to.
Pochas in Hongdae
Battery88
This is a fantastic spot to kick off your evening! They offer good music and food, creating a fun atmosphere. Additionally, they have a nice rooftop area.
Price: $$
Location: South Korea, Seoul, Mapo-gu, Wausan-ro 19-gil, 6 1층
Directions: Go to Hongkik Station (홍대입구), on Seoul Subway Line 2, and then take Exit 9 or Go to Sangsu Station (상수), on Seoul Subway Line 6, and then take Exit 1
Shin Migyeong Hongdae Dakgalbi
This is more of a restaurant than a pocha but I figured it is worth adding because it’s so delicious. This restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere and delicious chicken specialties. Upon seating, you’re greeted with batter to fry savory pancakes and complimentary side dishes. You can choose your chicken main and preferred flavors, which are cooked on a pan at your table. Options like chicken, cheese, and rice cakes are particularly tasty. If you have space, you can order extra rice, fried on the table pan for a seasoned fried rice dish. The menu also includes a variety of drinks to complement the flavorful meal. The staff is helpful with menu recommendations and provides fast and efficient service. Due to its popularity, I recommend to arrive early as seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Price: $$
Location: 31-10 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Directions: Go to Hongkik Station [홍대입구], on Seoul Subway Line 2, and then take Exit 9 or Go to Sangsu Station [상수], on Seoul Subway Line 6, and then take Exit 1
Pubs in Hongdae
Corner Pub
This spacious bar offers reasonably priced beers and cocktails, making it a fun spot to hang out with friends. With a terrace and indoor games, it provides ample entertainment options. The pub nails the essentials with its laid-back atmosphere, friendly service, and diverse drink selection,
Price: $
Location: 364-6 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Directions: Go to Hongkik Station (홍대입구), on Seoul Subway Line 2, and then take Exit 9 or Go to Sangsu Station [상수], on Seoul Subway Line 6, and then take Exit 1
Bars in Hongdae
Sugar Ray
This bar tends to attract a mostly foreign crowd. The drinks are affordable, and the outdoor standing area is perfect for enjoying nice weather. At times, there’s also a DJ outside, adding to the pleasant vibe of the place.
Price: $
Location: 75 Wausan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Directions: Go to Hongkik Station (홍대입구), on Seoul Subway Line 2, and then take Exit 9 or Go to Sangsu Station (상수), on Seoul Subway Line 6, and then take Exit 1
Thursday Party
This is similar to the Thursday Party in Itaewon but a bit smaller. It has the same vibe as the one in Itaewon, cheap drinks, and easy to socialize with other drinkers. It’s likely where you’ll encounter the highest number of foreigners.
Price: $
Location: 407-12 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Directions: Go to Hongkik Station [홍대입구], on Seoul Subway Line 2, and then take Exit 9 or Go to Sangsu Station [상수], on Seoul Subway Line 6, and then take Exit 1
Clubs in Hongdae
NB2
This small club in Seoul offers mainly Hip-hop and RnB music with a 10000 won entry fee including a free drink. The music can be outdated at times but the energy is high. Despite its size, it attracts a diverse crowd and offers a fun night out.
Price: $$
Location: 79 Wausan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Directions: Go to Hongkik Station (홍대입구), on Seoul Subway Line 2, and then take Exit 9 or Go to Sangsu Station (상수), on Seoul Subway Line 6, and then take Exit 1
La Bamba (라 밤바)
This Latin bar/club is a blast, featuring reggaeton music! It can get packed later in the night, but the atmosphere is always lively, and the crowd is diverse.
Price: $$
Location: 5 Wausan-ro 19-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Directions: Go to Hongkik Station (홍대입구), on Seoul Subway Line 2, and then take Exit 9 or Go to Sangsu Station (상수), on Seoul Subway Line 6, and then take Exit 1
Gangnam Nightlife
First, I want to clarify that Gangnam is a large district, so I need to break it down into the two areas I like: Apujeong and Sinsa. Apujeong features more lounge bars with house and hip-hop music, while Sinsa is known for its upscale EDM clubs with some bars as well. This is the most expensive area in Seoul, so be prepared to spend some money if you go out here.
A heads up: bring your passport if you go out in Gangnam because many of the clubs will not let you in without it. This isn’t as much of an issue in other areas.
Pochas in Gangnam
Sinsajeon (신사전)
This restaurant is popular for its makgeolli (Korean rice wine) and jeon (Korean pancakes), with lighter-bodied makgeolli that pairs well with the ingredient-rich jeon. Adding honeycomb to the makgeolli makes it sweeter, but can become overly sweet if mixed too much. The ambiance and food are considered average, with no lunchtime queues and menu options like chicken noodles, kimchi stew (for two or more), and bossam. The chicken noodle soup is praised for being light and comforting, with generous portions. While the honeycomb makgeolli craze peaked in 2023, the limited variety of flavors may disappoint enthusiasts. The restaurant offers various jeons, kimchi stew, and side dishes, though typical free side dishes like kimchi are charged per plate, which some find overpriced. Portions are large but flavors are not extraordinary. Overall, it’s worth visiting once for the experience, especially if you enjoy makgeolli, but it’s not the best choice for flavor variety or budget-friendly dining.
Price: $$$
Location: 18 Dosan-daero 11-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Directions: Go to Sinsa Station (신사), on Seoul Subway Line 3, and then take Exit 8
Kodachaya
This pochas offers a lively and vibrant atmosphere with a variety of food and drinks available from different food stations, making it an ideal spot for groups. The pocha has a night market vibe, with an open-ordering system from various kitchen stations. While the food is delicious and there’s a good variety of alcoholic beverages, the busy staff can sometimes come off as blunt or unfriendly. Despite this, it’s a good bar with an extensive menu, making it a worthwhile visit.
Price: $$
Location: 548-4 Sinsa-dong, Kodachaya Headquarters, Seoul, Korea
Directions: Go to Sinsa Station (신사), on Seoul Subway Line 3, and then take Exit 8
Anjujip (안주집)
This pocha, located in the basement, offers diverse and delicious snacks in a hip and emotional atmosphere. While it can be a bit noisy in the open space, it’s great for a light drink and offers privacy. There’s a separate party room available as well. The owner is friendly, and there’s a wide variety of snacks and drinks, including a delicious highball and sweet potato-flavored alcohol. The flavorful kimchi pancake is popular and enjoy options like dried persimmons with nuts and cream cheese. While some find the seafood tteokbokki spicy, others appreciate its flavor.
Price: $$
Location: 34 Dosan-daero 11-gil, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Directions: Go to Sinsa Station (신사), on Seoul Subway Line 3, and then take Exit 8
Hanchu
This local favorite pocha is known for its cozy atmosphere, cold beer, and delicious Korean fried chicken. The chicken is expertly fried to perfection, boasting a crispy exterior and juicy, flavorful meat seasoned with a blend of spices or sauces. The flavors range from classic to adventurous options like honey butter and cheesy, all well-balanced and satisfying. The friendly staff and speedy service contribute to the welcoming environment, where patrons enjoy sharing dishes like fried stuffed peppers and crispy chicken. Beer is highly recommended to accompany the meal, adding to the fun and lively atmosphere. Overall, it’s a delightful spot for tasty Korean fried chicken and a memorable dining experience.
Price: $$
Location: 68 Nonhyeon-ro 175-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Directions: Go to Apgujeong Station (압구정), on Seoul Subway Line 3, and then take Exit 4
ING Pocha
A bit pricy but the pocha has a nice atmosphere and delicious food offerings, the terrace is perfect when the weather is nice
Price: $$$$
Location: 34 Eonju-ro 170-gil, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Directions: Go to Apgujeong Station (압구정), on Seoul Subway Line 3, and then take Exit 3
The Paldang (더팔당)
This pocha is known for its spicy food which is a perfect soju pairing.
Price: $$$
Location: 1st Floor, 33 Seolleung-ro 157-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, The Paldang Main Branch
Directions: Go to Apgujeong Station (압구정), on Seoul Subway Line 3, and then take Exit 3
Bars in Gangnam
Birdman Bar
This bar offers a cozy speakeasy atmosphere with chill vibes, good music, and a great cocktail menu. It features small tables for groups of 1-4 and a spacious booth at the back, accommodating larger parties. I recommend trying the Penicillin and Old Fashioned cocktails.
Price: $$$$
Location: Basement Level 1, 55-4 Garosu-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Directions: Go to Sinsa Station (신사), on Seoul Subway Line 3, and then take Exit 8
Collection Lounge
This bar offers a spacious environment with a casual vibe and friendly staff. While cocktails are on the higher end in terms of price, the bar has excellent service and retro ambiance, complete with cool 80s vinyl music. The menu includes a variety of cocktails, with highlights such as the titanium and authentic mojito. It’s a cozy and enjoyable spot for a night out, with great decor and well-made drinks.
Price: $$$$
Location: 33 Apgujeong-ro 10-gil, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Directions: Go to Sinsa Station (신사), on Seoul Subway Line 3, and then take Exit 8
Clubs in Gangam
I will say I haven’t been to many clubs in Gangnam so I’ll be sure to add more as I visit them!
Orgasm Valley
This lounge bar in Gangnam is known for its vibrant atmosphere and late-night hours, open until 4 am on weekdays and often packed with people. While the space can feel small and crowded, especially earlier in the night, the experience improves as the evening progresses. Drinks are priced around $15, and the bartenders may require patrons to wave for attention. The place has a cool vibe, great music, and hip decor. Overall, it’s my top recommendation for those seeking a memorable night out in the area.
Price: $$$$
Location: 655 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Directions: Go to Apgujeong Station (압구정), on Seoul Subway Line 3, and then take Exit 3
Euljiro Nightlife
In Euljiro, there aren’t many pochas, so the typical evening starts at a restaurant with soju, then moves on to a pub or bar, often concluding at another bar. This area seems to be burgeoning, with new clubs and bars emerging. Notably, Euljiro boasts a vibrant pocha street featuring 4-5 pochas nearby, offering ample outdoor seating. For a more authentic, local experience and to steer clear of tourist crowds, spending an evening here is well worth it. Check out the reel we made in Euljiro below and if you want to see more of our reels you can view our Instagram account here.
Important: If you visit on the weekends this area gets extremely crowded in the evening. Many places will have you enter a Korean phone number at the entrance to be added to the queue. If you do not have a Korean phone number you will need to ask the staff if it is possible to add yourself to the queue. I recommend visiting during the week or earlier in the evening to avoid the crowds.
Pubs in Euljiro
Euljiro Nogari Alley
This alley offers an intriguing experience with outdoor seating, ideal for enjoying cheap alcohol and quick bites. While crowded and somewhat challenging to find, it provides a unique vibe that makes it worth a visit. It’s a great spot for affordable eats and drinks, with a lively atmosphere that offers a glimpse into Seoul’s nightlife scene.
Price: $$
Location: 15 Eulji-ro 13-gil, Euljiro 3(sam)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Directions: Go to Euljiro 3(sam)ga Station (을지로3가), on Seoul Subway Line 2, and then take Exit 3
Euljiro Brewing
Euljiro Brewery is a charming craft beer spot located in the heart of Euljiro. Situated in a typical Seoul alleyway adorned with neon signs, it offers a nice selection of craft beers, both brewed in-house and guest varieties. The brewery’s branding stands out, and the interior atmosphere is relaxed yet fun. With two adjacent bars—one for soju and the other for beer.
Price: $$
Location: 48-16 Supyo-ro, Euljiro 3(sam)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Directions: Go to Euljiro 3(sam)ga Station (을지로3가), on Seoul Subway Line 2, and then take Exit 11
Bars in Euljiro
DeuMeu (드므)
My girlfriend and I went here on our first date and it was quaint and intimate. It is small with limited seating but has a very nice rooftop atmosphere with a nice view. They offer a variety of wines along with snacks like cheese platter.
Price: $$
Location: 48-16 Supyo-ro, Euljiro 3(sam)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Directions: Go to Euljiro 3(sam)ga Station (을지로3가), on Seoul Subway Line 2, and then take Exit 10
Clubs in Euljiro
Boo
I went the night this club opened and it was quite fun! They play a lot of Hip Hop songs and some K-pop songs as well. I was surprised because I often only hear Hip Hop or EDM in clubs but this place mixed in a variety of K-pop classics. There is a 15,000 won cover but I do believe this includes a free drink upon entry.
Price: $$$
Location: 95-4 Euljiro 3(sam)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Directions: Go to Euljiro 3(sam)ga Station (을지로3가), on Seoul Subway Line 2, and then take Exit 3
Showboo
Not to be confused with Boo, this is another club in Euljiro close to Euljiro Brewing. They have a drag show every Friday and Saturday at 10pm if you are into that. If not, you can show up later in the night and the drag show will be over. This club is fun as well from what I remember!
Price: $$$
Location: 48-14 Supyo-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Directions: Go to Euljiro 3(sam)ga Station (을지로3가), on Seoul Subway Line 2, and then take Exit 11
Jonggak Nightlife
Jonggak holds a special place in my heart as it was the first area I stayed in when I visited Seoul. Being a business district, it’s a popular destination for office workers unwinding after a day’s work. There are numerous pochas and bars that I particularly enjoy in this area.
It’s a nightlife hub for office workers, with weekdays seeing more activity than weekends. Thursdays are particularly busy, as office workers prefer to socialize before the weekend rather than on weekends themselves.
Pubs in Jonggak
Yeokjeon Grandma’s Beer (역전할머니맥주 )
This franchise pub in Jonggak is my favorite in Seoul. Since all the pubs in Jonggak are franchises, they are consistently reliable. Therefore, I can’t single out any specific one to recommend. These franchises lack distinct characteristics that would make them stand out.
Price: $
Location: Jongno-gu, Seoul, Jongno 12-gil 14, 2nd floor
Directions: Go to Jonggak Station [종각, on Seoul Subway Line 1, and then take Exit 4
Bars in Jonggak
The Who Rock Bar
This bar holds a special place in my heart as it was one of the first ones I visited in Seoul. They offer a wide range of beers, and there’s a unique feature where you can write down a song on a piece of paper, and the owner will play it for you. The vibe is pure rock nostalgia, with vinyl records adorning the walls and a drum set in the center of the bar. Additionally, every song played is accompanied by its music video displayed on a TV at the front of the bar.
Price: $$
Location: 43 Samil-daero 17-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, 3rd floor
Directions: Go to Jonggak Station (종각), on Seoul Subway Line 1, and then take Exit 4
Seoul Nightlife Final Thoughts
Seoul is a sprawling city filled with vibrant nightlife, featuring countless bars, clubs, and pochas that I haven’t yet mentioned. No matter where you choose to go, you’re sure to have an incredible time. These are just a few of my personal favorites that I wanted to share with you. I will continue to update this list and add new spots as I discover them. If you want to learn more about me or follow my girlfriend and me’s Seoul adventures check out our Instagram account and give us a follow! If you think I missed any places or have any feedback, feel free to leave a comment below!
