Korea nightlife
Where to go tonight
Bars and clubs in Seoul and Busan, sorted by the neighborhoods people actually search for.
Guides
Seoul nightlife, by neighborhood
A practical Seoul nightlife guide: Hongdae, Itaewon, Gangnam, Seongsu, and Euljiro. Bars and clubs with photos, not just ratings.
Busan nightlife by area
Busan nightlife by area: Seomyeon clubs and bars, Gwangalli views, Haeundae beach lounges. Photo-first lists on KONA.
Hongdae clubs — what to expect
How to do Hongdae clubs in Seoul: what to expect, when to go, and a photo list of clubs and bars around Hongik University.
Itaewon bars — Seoul’s cocktail strip
Itaewon and Hannam bars guide: cocktail density, international crowd, and a photo list for tonight.
Areas
Hongdae
Clubs and bars fill the alleys running from Hongik University Station through Hapjeong and Yeonnam. A young crowd, and it does not thin out until dawn.
Itaewon
Seoul's most international nightlife strip. It runs up Gyeongnidan-gil and into Hannam, and has the highest concentration of cocktail bars in the city.
Gangnam
Lounges in Apgujeong and Cheongdam sit alongside the clubs around Gangnam Station. Many places enforce a dress code and a cover charge.
Seongsu
Bars built into converted factories. Almost no clubs here — it is a neighborhood for drinking quietly.
Euljiro
Unmarked bars tucked between print shops. The strip runs from Euljiro through Jongno and Myeongdong, mixing old taverns with new rooms.
Konkuk
Behind the food alleys at Konkuk University Station. A student district, so prices run low and it fills up early.
Haeundae
Lounges and clubs along Haeundae Beach. The gap between peak season and the off-season is wide.
Gwangalli
Bars line up for a view of Gwangan Bridge. More bars than clubs.
Seomyeon
Busan's largest downtown. It connects to the Jeonpo cafe street and has both clubs and bars.