Seoul Nightlife, South Korea

Sparkling Seoul in Korea

In lively contrast to the picturesque palaces and landscapes that are very much characteristic of Seoul at daytime, its nightlife is anything but placid. In fact, the night scene here is sparkling and effervescent with an eclectic mix of bars and pubs, local eateries and restaurants, concert venues and night markets.

Seoul Eateries and Restaurants

If you are looking for a venue to have dinner, Seoul has a wide array of eateries and restaurants. From street barbeque shops to the more expensive stylish restaurants, you can find a lot of local fares and fusion cuisines. Korean barbeque is no doubt a popular favorite and stalls serving barbeque are frequented by locals and foreign guests. Most of these smaller eateries are open until after midnight where customers can order beer and drink and eat the hours away.

More expensive restaurants are available especially along the Hongdae areas. Korean cuisine like kimchi with pickled fish kalbi or ribs and bulgogi or marinated beef is popular among Koreans and foreigners alike. Some of the more popular bistros are Doorei Korea House Samwon Garden and Goqung.

The Namdaemun market is especially popular due to its lively casual atmosphere during nighttime. There are many food shops positioned along the streets where customers can sample Korean staples and culinary treats. Laid-back and relaxed customers in groups can eat and drink for long hours on end.

Seoul Nightclubs and Bars

The hotspots for nightclubs and bars in Seoul are located in the Itaewon and Hongdae areas. Here you will be able to find music bars and lounges that cater to every singular taste from the Latin music lounges to the more upbeat alternative/rock bars. Western travelers and guests are often seen in these bars along with the party-going locals. There are groovy alternatives and underground bars, jazz music venues, hip-hop and electronic live music bars and the classic Latin dancing bars and wine bars.

Expatriates are no doubt impressed by the stylish mix of bar venues along the Itaewon district. Wolf hound Irish Pub with its comfortable interiors is known to offer an extensive selection of superb tasting beers. Bar Nana is known for its hip and artsy interiors and BricXX is an underground bar with a mellower feel. Embassy, a stylish pub embellished with modern furnishings, is a favorite among the upscale clientele.

These hip hangouts are frequented by college students, young urban professionals and partygoers of all ages. Overflowing with people especially on weekend nights, most of these party venues are also open during working nights. House and electronic music genres are especially popular among the younger generation. If you crave for a more formal atmosphere, you can choose to spend your night in wine bars like Casa Del Vino Above and La Podo.

Seoul is definitely a thriving metropolis with an equally exciting nightlife. With its wide-ranging varieties of restaurants, wine lounges and hip and happening bars anyone will have a grand time in any of Seoul's dynamic and event-filled districts.

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