Even at night, Seoul is a relatively safe city with a thriving culture of late-night revelry and entertainment. Friday nights are known as "Bulgeum" (literally "burning Friday"), which means letting go of the week's stress and having a good time all night, and it is a term that reflects Korea's vibrant nightlife. We hope you enjoy Seoul's nights, which are even hotter than its days.
Having fun while drinking
Bars and pubs
Seoul ranks sixth in the world in terms of alcohol consumption. True to their reputation, every neighborhood has a variety of pubs and bars for people to enjoy in a variety of ways. Individuals must be at least 19 years old to drink or purchase alcohol, and you must have a valid identification card (passport) with you to be served alcohol.
Red Pojangmacha (food cart) that can only be found in Korea
These cozy, tented food carts may have appeared in Korean dramas. The atmosphere of hot Odeng-tang (fish cake soup) and green bottle Soju (Korean distilled alcoholic beverage) can be found at these food stalls. They may not be on maps, but they are easily found in Seoul's streets at night. Each food cart specializes in a different type of cuisine, but they all serve dishes that pair well with Soju or beer.
Useful tips!
・There is a street lined with food carts near Exit 14 of Jongno 3-ga Station.
・Accessing a restroom may be less convenient than in establishments within buildings due to the cart's mobile nature.
Signature menus at Pojangmacha
- Reference: shutterstock.comOdeng-tang (fish cake soup)
- Reference: yeseul's photoGopchangbokkeum (stir-fried small intestines)
- Reference: shutterstock.comSundaebokkeum (stir-fried Korean blood sausage)
- Reference: shutterstock.comGyeranmari (rolled omelet)
- Reference: shutterstock.comJanchi Guksu (banquet noodle) / Udon
Recommended street food alley in Seoul
- Jongro3-ga street vendor AlleyAttractionSeoul(Gwanghwamun)
- Euljiro Nogari (dried young pollack) AlleyAttractionSeoul
- Mapo Street Vendor AlleyAttractionSeoul(Hongdae)
- Shindaebang Station Vendor StreetAttractionSeoul
Folk pubs, perfect for rainy days
Traditional Korean liquor, Makgeolli (Korean rice wine), and its perfect companion, Jeon (Korean pancake), are sold at folk pubs. You can taste various Jeons made with different ingredients such as Kimchi, potatoes, seafood, and scallions. On rainy days, the smell of the Jeon spreads further, and the sound of it sizzling is similar to the sound of rain, making it a popular menu item. On a rainy day, we recommend this popular Korean combination of Pajeon (green onion pancake) and Makgeolli.
Useful tips!
・ There is a Jeon alley near Gongdeok Station.
・ Makgeolli is a fermented liquor that can cause severe hangovers.
Reference: shutterstock.com
Recommended folk pubs in Seoul
- Sulikneun MaeulRestaurantSeoul(Hongdae)
- Mr. Ahn's Craft MakgeolliRestaurantSeoul(Itaewon)
- Kanggane BindaetteokRestaurantSeoul(Itaewon)
Trendsetting Pubs & Bars
There are numerous pubs and bars in which to enjoy beer, wine, and cocktails. There are music-focused LP bars and jazz bars, as well as rooftop bars where you can enjoy the breeze in your hair. Itaewon pubs have a free-spirited atmosphere where you can make friends from all over the world.
Useful tips!
- There are many rooftop bars in the Itaewon area.
- Live performances at jazz bars are mostly held on Fridays and Saturdays.
Reference: shutterstock.com
Recommended Pubs & Bars in Seoul
- JJ Mahoney's Grand Hyatt SeoulRestaurantSeoul(Itaewon)
- PyeonggyunyulRestaurantSeoul
- Positive Zero LoungeRestaurantSeoul(Seongsu)
- Seoul LudensRestaurantSeoul(Itaewon)
Having fun while dancing
Clubs
If you want to immerse yourself in music, you should check out the clubs located in the Hongdae, Gangnam, and Itaewon neighborhoods of Seoul. Hongdae area is popular among young students, so the entrance fees are relatively affordable. If you're looking for more opulent clubs, Gangnam is the place to go, though the entrance fees may be higher. Itaewon, being the most multicultural neighborhood, is famous for its openness and freedom. We recommend visiting live clubs if you prefer to listen to music in a more intimate setting. The live clubs offer a fantastic atmosphere in which to enjoy both the performances and the drinks.
Useful tips!
If you do not adhere to the dress code, you may be denied entry to the clubs. Before attending a club, it is critical to review the dress code.
Reference: shutterstock.com
Recommended clubs in Seoul
- Hongdae Club StreetAttractionSeoul(Hongdae)
- FaceAttractionSeoul(Gangnam)
- Made ClubAttractionSeoul(Itaewon)
- Club Jack & LivinAttractionSeoul(Gangnam)
- Club PpangAttractionSeoul(Hongdae)
Singing and having fun
Noraebang
Going to Noraebang (karaoke) is a cultural activity that all Koreans enjoy. Noraebang is classified into two types: coin Noraebang and room Noraebang. You pay per song in coin Noraebang, and the small booths can accommodate 1-3 people. Coin Noraebangs are ideal for people who only want to sing. Room Noraebang, on the other hand, charges per hour, and these larger rooms are ideal for singing and dancing. After company retreats, Room Noraebangs are frequently visited to continue the fun.
Reference: shutterstock.com
Recommended Noraebang in Seoul
- Sue Singing room Hongdae Main StoreAttractionSeoul(Hongdae)
- Super Star Coin Singing room Gangnam Station 1AttractionSeoul(Gangnam)
- K-pop coin Singing room MyeongdongAttractionSeoul(Myengdong)
Having fun while placing a bet
Casino
There are casinos in Seoul that are only open to foreign visitors. They are in Myeongdong and Gangnam, both of which are easily accessible. These casinos are ideal for casual entertainment and recreation. However, only foreigners aged 19 and up are permitted to enter. So remember to bring your passport. There is no specific dress code, but wearing sandals, slippers, or similar footwear may prevent you from entering.
Reference: shutterstock.com
List of recommended casinos in Seoul
- Seven Luck CasinoAttractionSeoul(Gangnam)
- Seven Luck Casino Gangbuk HiltonAttractionSeoul(Myengdong)
- Paradise Casino WalkerhillAttractionSeoul(Seongsu)