Gangnam & Southern Seoul
Voted number seven in the world's top clubs by DJ Mag in 2018, Octagon is one of Gangnam's best for serious clubbers. High-profile resident and guest DJs…
Must-see nightlife in Seoul
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Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
Bang in the middle of Itaewon's red-light district, this honky-tonk dive bar is a throwback GI hang-out and something straight out of a movie. The…
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Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
Having outgrown their Texas-taco-truck roots, these artisanal cocktail makers set up shop in Itaewon. Behind a copper bar, a crew of amiable bartenders…
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Seoul
There’s a fantastic range of drinks at this shabby-chic, farmhouse-style cafe with a contemporary Japanese flair. They make their own juices and liquors –…
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Myeong-dong & Jung-gu
Seoul's most sophisticated makgeolli bar is a place for connoisseurs of Korean liquors and those who'd like to learn a bit more about the depths and…
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Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
Seoul craft-beer pioneers Magpie pour some of the finest brews in Seoul from this rough-and-tumble alleyway venue, opened in 2011. Pull up a stool at the…
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Seoul
An old shoe factory is the location for one of Seoul’s top independent coffee-roaster and cafe operations. Drinks are made using the hand-drip method at a…
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Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
Head underground to Itaewon's hippest club for electronic beats spun by international and top local DJs. Check their Facebook page to see who's playing.
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Seoul
Specialising in artisanal makgeolli (milky rice wine) from around Korea, and other local liquors, this cosy basement bar is a great place to sample…
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Seoul
Sing your heart out and be noticed at this luxe karaoke bar: some rooms resemble lounge bars, while others have floor-to-ceiling windows fronting onto the…
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Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
This dive-y basement club attracts a fun-loving, unpretentious crowd for DJs spinning old-school hip-hop and R&B, house, disco and electronica. There's no…
Gangnam & Southern Seoul
Danish brand famous for 'phantom' brewing (pop-up type service with locals), Mikkeller has its first Korean location in this small, one-room bar with…
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Seoul
One of the last truly alternative spaces in the Hongdae-Yeonnam-dong area, this cultural space and bar turns itself into a club and lounge on weekends and…
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Myeong-dong & Jung-gu
This wine bar takes its vino seriously – there's a sign at the entrance that says 'No soju served here'. The cosy chic interior makes an unexpected…
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Seoul
Fans of this veteran music bar (opened 1999) in the heart of Hongdae love its old-school vibes, '70s interior and for solely playing Korean music. Hear…
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Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
Some nights this shoebox of a bar is the most happening hang-out on the Itaewon strip. Maybe it's the Long Island Ice Teas served in plastic pouches (two…
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Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
Tucked away in the back alleys of Itaewon, this blue-hued basement club burst onto the scene in 2017, pulling in international DJs spinning to a young, up…
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Gangnam & Southern Seoul
The Gangnam branch of this Baesangmyeon Brewery bar is a bit snazzier than others, but remains a good place to sample quality traditional Korean alcohol…
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Gangnam & Southern Seoul
A three-storey design and music-themed cafe located in an alley adjacent to Garosu-gil. Each floor brings a slightly different atmosphere, from cafe…
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Seoul
A cafe well known for its eye-catching storefront, Hello Stranger is a warm, cosy coffeeshop located on the outskirts of Hongdae. Filled with art…
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Gangnam & Southern Seoul
Fitted out in designer furniture and caffeine-related paraphernalia, this cool little cafe is a great spot for coffee. It roasts all its single-origin…
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Seoul
This vegan bakery-cafe is one of the few places to get an excellent soy latte in Seoul. Dairy-free temptations include dense matcha muffins, macaroons,…
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Seoul
Taking on the same name as the first official cafe and parlour in Korea from 1931, Nakrang Parlour is an airy cafe and vintage goods shop located in…
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Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
For top-quality third-wave coffee at a great price, Standing Coffee Roasters can't be beat. This is its roastery, with a tiny shop and cafe attached. Buy…
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Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
Named after Korean owner Jay's love affair with the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds album, this friendly upstairs rock bar provides a paper and pen to put in your…
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Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
Order your makgeolli (milky rice wine) by the half-litre or litre at this homey bar and restaurant up the hill from the main Itaewon dining alley. Or pair…
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Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
This shabby-chic, three-storey cafe is a chilled place to hang out and enjoy art books and magazines with a creative hot drink (try the espresso with a…
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Gangnam & Southern Seoul
Part coffee shop and part Braille library, this bright and spacious cafe caters to the sight-impaired community. The library consists of hundreds of…
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Seoul
This two-storey bar and cafe is all about its dozen vintage video games on the basement level. Drinks include decent coffee and a few craft beers on tap;…
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Seoul
An icon of Hongdae and known simply as 'Playground', small Hongik Munhwa park turns into an impromptu outdoor party most nights. Weekends are especially…
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Seoul
The owners of this coffee 'showroom' studied the art of the bean for years in Melbourne to fine-tune their barista skills before opening up this venue in…
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Seoul
Myoung Wol Gwan (MWG) translates as 'bright moon house' but lunar sightings are not on the agenda from this dark, basement venue, one of Hongdae's longest…
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Gangnam & Southern Seoul
Rustic charm meets Apgujeong chic at this convivial makgeolli (milky rice wine) bar and cafe spread over two floors. The menu has several different types…
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Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
Blaze up a top-class Cuban, swirl your aged single malt and kick back in a leather club chair as you savor the sophisticated (and smoky) ambience at this…
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Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
Shared tables and a chill vibe draw the laptop crowd to this roomy cafe, making it a good spot to plug in and update that blog over a latte and coconut…
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Seoul
A dark and wonderful LP bar in Hongdae lined with over 15,000 records. Jot down your song requests and pass it to the cool older DJ who might play one on…
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Myeong-dong & Jung-gu
The Edge is half record store and half cafe and bar. The venue focuses on selling records by day, but invites DJs and sells drinks after dark. On…
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Seoul
A 2nd-floor vinyl bar, Man Pyung is often the only venue open past midnight on this Hapjeong-dong cafe street. Opened by two DJs, this bar is one for die…
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Myeong-dong & Jung-gu
Eulji Brewing is a two-storey craft beer bar that opened in 2018. The interior is decorated with graphics by local artists, and the menu focuses on local…
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Seoul
This cosy craft-beer pub on the top floor of a small backstreet block is a good place to savour a pint or two. Choose between four local beers on tap and…
