Seoul at Night | 27 Amazing Things for Insomniacs to do After Dark

Seoul is a city that wakes up late. She’s groggy, confused and wearing last night’s make-up. She gets up grudgingly, desperate for an iced americano fix – slave to the monotonous schedule of a city full of workaholics that lays before her.

Why? Because Seoul at night is a pulsing, breathing, living thing of beauty full of sparkly lights, noisy restaurants and crowds of people. She literally never goes to sleep, and the options are endless.

What to do in Seoul at Night?

Seoul’s nightlife is legendary because it’s one of the world’s only true 24 hour cities. From buzzing night markets, to massive clubs, to late night nature jaunts, you’ll have an absolute blast discovering just how much there is to do in Seoul at night.

Seoul doesn’t sleep… like EVER © Camelpress, Korea Tourism Organization

To get you started, here are 21 places to go in Seoul after dark – from insomniac travel bloggers who love the city, and night owl expats that call her home.

READ NEXT: From Myeongdong to Hongdae | The 7 BEST Areas for Travellers to Stay in Seoul

Seoul at Night | Korean Palaces

There are 5 Joseon Dynasty palaces in Seoul, of which Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung are the most popular to visit. There’s no denying that they’re stunningly gorgeous by daylight, but if you see them in Seoul at night, it’s something you’ll never forget.

Wear a hanbok for free entry into Gyeongbokgung Palace at night.

The different palaces are open at night at various times of the year, usually in spring and autumn, so be sure to keep an eye out for this extra special event.

Tickets sell out fast, but if you’re dressed in a traditional Korean Hanbok, entrance is free and guaranteed for night openings at Gyeongbokgung Palace (but not for special tours, which have to be booked separately).

Entering Gyeongbokgung at sunset.

This is a truly wonderful way to experience Seoul at night in a more historical and traditional manner. I’ve personally gone to see Gyeongbokgung at night 3 separate times, and it never disappoints!

Which palaces are open at night in Seoul?

If you’re not visiting South Korea during spring or autumn, but still want to see one of the Joseon Dynasty palaces gloriously illuminated in Seoul at night, Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung have regular night time hours year-round.

Both of these Seoul palaces are open until 21:00, with last entry an hour before closing.

Korean palaces in Seoul at night are simply stunning.

Changgyeonggung Palace | 창경궁

Address: 185 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 185

Changgyeonggung Palace is actually connected to Changdeokgung Palace, and you can walk between the 2 during the daytime.

This is a smaller palace with an interesting history. During Joseon Dynasty times, it was mostly used as a living space for queens and concubines, but under Japanese colonial rule, it was used as a zoo. It stayed that way until 1983, when it was finally restored back to its original glory.

Changgyeonggung is famous for pink blossoms ⓒ Kim Jiho, Photo Korea

Changgyeonggung is particularly beautiful in late March, when its plum blossoms fill the palace with a lovely fragrance and pretty pink petals.

READ NEXT: How to Visit Korea’s Biggest Plum Blossom Festival at Gwangyang Maehwa Village

Deoksugung Palace | 덕수궁

Address: 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 중구 세종대로 99

Deoksugung is the smallest of Seoul’s Royal Palaces, but it’s one (along with Gyeongbokgung), where you can watch a “Changing of the Guards Ceremony.” It’s on every day, except Monday, at 11:00, 14:00 and 15:30.

Make sure to walk along Deoksugung Stone Wall Road too!

Deoksugung is right across the street from Seoul Plaza, so it’s an easy one to visit while you’re wandering the city streets. There are some special night events that take place at Seokjojeon Hall in spring and autumn, but if you can’t make those, don’t worry. It’s open year-round in Seoul at night.

Essential Day Tours from Seoul

As a 14 year resident of Seoul, I really recommend that people travel independently around Korea as much as possible. It’s really such a safe country, and it’s easy to navigate once you acclimatize a little bit to how everything works.

North and South Korean soldiers face off at the DMZ © Sarah Mak

There are however some places where it’s not only easier to take a day tour, it’s actually necessary. I’m obviously not a tourist to Korea, but if I was – these are the tours in Korea I’d be signing up for.

READ NEXT: The 7 Best Places for Budget Shopping in Seoul

Myeongdong Night Market | 광장시장

Address: Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 중구 명동길 (명동1가)

With stall upon stall of Korean street food, shopping, and souvenirs, Myeongdong Night Market is one of the most popular places for travelers to visit at night in Seoul.

Myeongdong NIght Market is very popular for travelers.

It runs up and down the streets of Myeongdong, so it’s best to just wander up and down the alleyways, until you see something that strikes your fancy.

I warn you however that prices at Myeongdong Night Market are higher than what’s typical in the rest of Seoul. Despite that, it IS a very tourist friendly place to experience many different things. And well… you’ll find plenty of local enjoying their time there too.

You can try all the Korean street food at Myeongdong Night Market.

READ NEXT: 15 Excellent Hotels in Myeongdong | The Best Places to Stay in Seoul’s Most Popular Area

Gwangjang Market | 광장시장

Address: 88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 88

Gwangjang traditional market is considered by many to be one of the very best night markets in Seoul. And its feature on Netflix’s South Korea episode of Street Food, has only made it busier.

It’s open from 8:30 in the morning, but if you truly want to experience all the chaos of a Korean market, visit in Seoul at night.

Do you recognize this famous lady from Gwangjang Market?

If you’re hungry and need a fun place for dinner, check out Gwangjang Traditional Market in Seoul. It’s one of the oldest and largest night markets in South Korea.

Walking through the area is sensory overload, as there’s Korean street food everywhere. There are rows and rows of vendors selling similar types of foods and lots of people eating and browsing. All you need to do is follow your nose to decide where to eat, sit down at the counter, and enjoy.

Gwangjang Market offers a window into traditional Seoul nightlife © Jackie Szeto & Justin Huynh

Since there are many food options, you can consider visiting more than one vendor for dinner. Gwangjang market food stalls serve common Korean street foods like gimbap (seaweed and rice roll), sundae (blood sausage), Korean tteokbokki (rice cake with spicy sauce), and bindaetteok (mung bean cake).

Gwangjang Market is one of the best places to visit in Seoul at night.

Besides eating, you can also shop in the market for household goods, bedding, furniture, clothing, and groceries.

Read more from Jackie Szeto and Justin Huynh at Life Of Doing.

Namdaemun Market | 남대문시장

Address: 21, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 중구 남대문시장4길 21

If you’re exploring Seoul at night, no visit is complete until you’ve entered the bedlam of Namdaemun Market. It’s the oldest and largest traditional market in Korea, and it’s open around the clock.

There are thousands of places to explore in the market’s many buildings, but I’d say the real charm of Namdaemun, lies in wandering the endless array of street stalls staffed by vendors pitching their wares at the top of their lungs.

Enter the bedlam of Namdaemun market © Neoteny Studio, Korea Tourism Organization

Shop for clothes, accessories, housewares, plants, glasses, or pretty much anything else your heart desires. You can try your hand at bartering with skilled vendors, before taking a break at a much needed Korean food stall.

Prepare to get lost and jostled around though – this Seoul night market is huge and seriously crowded.

Hangang Moonlight Market | 한강달빛야시장

The Hangang Moonlight Night Market happens twice a year on Sundays, from 16:00 to 21:00. In spring, head to Banpo Hangang Park, and in autumn Yeouido Hangang Park is where you’ll want to go.

If you’re visiting in spring, make sure to also check out the Car-Free Jamsugyo Bridge Ttubeokttubeok Festival during the day. It takes place on the lower half of Banpo Rainbow Fountain Bridge, at the same time.

The Seoul Night Market is an updated version of the Bamdokkaebi Market © Lee Bumsu, Photo Korea

At the Hangang Night Market, you can shop for unique and handcrafted items from independent sellers, watch performances, and fill your belly at one of the many food trucks at the festival.

It’s best to follow them on Insta to check their opening status, which is updated weekly.

Food trucks are always fun to explore.

Side note: This used to be called the Bamdokkabi Night Market, which started in 2015 with just one location, but quickly grew into one of the most popular things to do in Seoul at night with 200,000 visitors. It was regularly ranked as one of the top 10 attractions in Seoul, with millions of people visiting every year.

Planning a trip to Korea?

Connect with other travellers | Ask and get answers to all your travel questions | Learn about all the best things to do in Korea | Join my Seoul and Beyond, South Korea Travel Planning Group on Facebook now.

Go hiking in Seoul at night

If you visit Korea, and fail to go hiking, you’d be missing out on a passionate national past time. A full 70 percent of the country is mountainous, and the hikes around Seoul, not surprisingly, are the busiest.

Hikes on the city’s most popular mountains and trails are notoriously crowded, but go hiking in Seoul at night instead, and you’ll find the solitude nature intended.

See sunrise from the top of Bukhansan by hiking in Seoul at night © Park Byong-gab, Korea Tourism Organization

For all hikes in Seoul at night, there are a few things to keep in mind. Gates for national parks, like Bukhansan, close around 4PM, so hiking there after dark is at your own peril. Also, the Seoul subway stops running around midnight. Taxis in Seoul are super cheap though, and there are some 24 hour bus routes.

Here are a few popular places to go hiking in Seoul at night, but do a little research, and you’ll find a ton more.

Hanyangdoseong (Seoul Fortress Wall) | 서울 한양도성

Seoul is hurtling so quickly into the future, sometimes it’s hard to believe it actually has a long and ancient past. Walking next to the remnants of Hanyangdoseong – a 14th Century, 18-km long Seoul fortress wall at night is a captivating reminder.

The Seoul fortress wall hike is stunning © Lee Geum-seon, Korea Tourism Organization

There are several different starting points and routes for a hike in Seoul at night along the Fortress Wall. Most will give you stunning views of traditional gates and modern Seoul ablaze with lights along the way. Check out all the options here.

Gwanaksan | 관악산

632-metre tall Gwanaksan sits on the southern boundary of Seoul. It has a few gorgeous temples and marvellous views of the cityscape below. It’s also incredibly convenient to get to using public transport, so it’s one of the busiest mountains in Korea.

Gwanaksan is also gorgeous to hike in the daytime!

There are multiple routes up and down the mountain, but for a hike in Seoul at night, stick to easier paths, rather than scrambling dangerously up rocks. Start near Seoul National University subway station on the west side of Gwanaksan, and descend near Gwacheon Station in the east (or vice versa).

READ NEXT: 49 Fun Indoor Activities in Seoul (for when the weather isn’t cooperating)

Seoul at Night | Hangang Parks

There are 12 separate (but connected) Hangang Parks lining the Han River in Seoul. Your best bets for an incredible view of Seoul at night are at Banpo Hangang Park, and Yeouido Hangang Park.

Some Sevit at Banpo Hangang Park © Oleksii Khodakivskiy/Unsplash

For a unique experience, I recommend cycling between the Hangang Parks, checking out Seoul’s night views along the way.

Banpo Hangang Park | 반포한강공원

Address: 40 Sinbanpo-ro 11-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 서초구 신반포로11길 40 한강공원 반포 안내센터

Banpo Hangang Park is such a great place to spend a night in Seoul that you could easily visit over and over without getting bored. The glowing Some Sevit floating islands, and the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain are especially spectacular things to see in Seoul at night.

The Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain is world famous © Photo by 서울특별시 소방재난본부 (CC BY-SA 4.0)

READ NEXT: How to Ride Busan’s Adorable Sky Capsule at Haeundae Blueline Park

Yeouido Hangang Park | 여의도한강공원

Address: 330 Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 영등포구 여의동로 330

Yeouido Hangang Park is one of the best places in Seoul to get an epic night view of the city’s skyscrapers. The 63 Building and IFC Seoul Complex form a magnificent skyline that looks even better after the sun has set.

The International Fireworks Competition takes place at Yeouido Hangang Park every year © Park Sang-hoon, Korea Tourism Organization

This is a great place to feel the vibrancy of Seoul at night, with locals and tourists converging on the area for picnics and the Hangang Moonlight Night Market.

Jamsil Hangang Park | 잠실한강공원

Address: 65, Hangaram-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 송파구 한가람로 65

Jamsil Hangang Park is mostly frequented by locals, and it’s the one I go to the most, since its just a few blocks from my apartment.

The view of Lotte World Tower from Jamsil Hangang Park.

While there aren’t really any spectacular attractions here, like at Banpo, it’s a great one to visit in Seoul at night, if you’ve gone to K-baseball game at Jamsil Stadium or already checked out places like Lotte World Adventure, Olympic Park, Seokchon Lake, or the Seoul Sky Observatory.

Make sure to stop into the Ramyun Library while you’re there. They have 225 different types of instant noodles that you can cook inside the convenience store, and enjoy while watching sunset over the Hangang.

The Korean instant noodle library of your dreams.

Jamsil Hangang Park is also set for a big update come January, when the Hangang Bus starts its commuter ferry service atop the Han River.

READ NEXT: The Aquagarden Cafe in Jamsil | An Incredible Aquarium Cafe in Seoul

Cycle between Hangang Parks

If you’re really ambitious, and fancy a little exercise, consider renting a bike and cycling between Jamsil to Banpo Hangang Park, or from Banpo to Yeouido Hangang Park or vice versa. Cycling between Seoul’s Hangang Parks, is one of my absolute favourite things to do in Seoul at night.

Bike paths are quieter, the whole city is brilliantly lit up, and there’s a certain solitude about those twilight hours that are perfect for the introvert visiting Seoul. 

Watching the sun set over Namsam and N Seoul Tower while cycling on the Hangang River.

The bike rental outlets in the Hangang Parks demand that bicycles are returned by around 7:30PM, so borrow one of the Seoul Bikes instead. As an added bonus, you can return these bikes to ANY location, so if you’re tired, you don’t necessarily have to make a return trip.

Seoul at Night | Best Night Tours

My preferred travel style is to wander the streets of a new city independently, but there are a few tours that I try to take in every city I visit: a city bus tour and a local food tour.

See Seoul’s sparkling floating islands from the top of a double decker bus.

Seoul City Night Bus Tour

Crossing the bridges over the Hangang River is always a thrill, but doing it from the top of an open-air double decker bus is exhilarating.

This bus tour is a non-stop course designed to give you the best views of Seoul at night. It starts at Gwanghwamun Plaza and passes by top sights like Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain, Mapo Bridge, Seongsu Bridge, and more. There’s also a 30 minute stop at the N Seoul Tower included.

The Seoul Bus Tour makes a stop at Namsan Tower.

This is a great, affordable activity for families to enjoy together, but maybe only sit outside if you’re visiting in spring, summer or autumn. It’s COLD in Korea in winter.

Korean Food Tour at Night

In my opinion, a food tour is undoubtedly one of the best ways to get insight into local culture, meet new friends, and discover places you wouldn’t otherwise know about about.

Local food streets are packed with people and restaurants late at night.

In Seoul, this is doubly true. The city has a huge and overwhelming food scene, with many of the best places down small streets you’d never find yourself. Never mind the language barrier, deciphering the menu and how to order!

Join a food tour in Seoul at night though and it’ll all be taken care of for you – plus you’ll get to enjoy some really mouthwatering food.

Fried chicken and beer or “chimaek” is a classic Korean late night combo.

Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Walking Tour

The Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Tour is one of the most unique activities to join in Seoul at night. It’s perfect for those interested in the macabre side of things, true crime enthusiasts, or anyone wanting to get a little freaked out… in a good way.

Get spooked on the Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Tour.

On this tour, you’ll wander the creepy side streets and hidden alleyways of Seoul, with an experienced guide who will fill you in on the gory details of Seoul’s 600 year old history. These ghoulish tales are all historically accurate, which only makes things even more haunting if you ask me!

Best Night Views of Seoul

During the day, Seoul can look like a mass of concrete blocks, but as the sun sets, it transforms into a neon spectacle of lights. From a perch high above the city, you’ll get a real sense of just how big this mega-city is.

Seoul transforms with the sunset.

Seoul Sky Observatory at Lotte World Tower

Address: 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 300

One of the most incredible views of Seoul at night is definitely at Lotte World Tower’s Seoul Sky Observatory. Not only is it Korea’s tallest skyscraper, it’s the 6th tallest in the world!

Watch day turn to night from the top of Lotte World Tower © Sunyu Kim/Unsplash

At a lofty height of over 500-metres, you’ll see panoramic views of the entire city laid out before you in every single direction.

Head there around sunset on a clear day, and wait around to watch the magical lights of Seoul come to life as the sun fades away.

N Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain

Address: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 용산구 남산공원길 105

Aim to reach the top of Namsan Mountain by sunset, so you can watch the N Seoul Tower come to life, as Seoul turns to night.

You’ll know how good the air quality is by what colour the tower is. Blue means that all is well in the city, green signals that you should be cautious and probably wear an air pollution mask, and red is just plain bad.

Namsan Tower at Night © Ciaran O’Brien/Unsplash

It’s a relatively easy trek up to the top, but if you’d prefer, you can take the N Seoul Tower cable car, or an electric bus to the peak.

Be sure to check out the thousands upon thousands of love locks that have been placed all around Namsan and the N Seoul Tower by couples declaring their eternal love for each other.

Hanging a love lock at Namsan Tower is a Seoul tradition © Lee Bumsu, Korea Tourism Organization

Seoul at Night | Explore Dongdaemun

Seoul’s Dongdaemun Design Plaza is iconic at any time, but at night, it really comes alive. Here’s what to do around the DDP after the sun goes down.

The area around Dongdaemun Design Plaza really comes to life at night

Dongdaemun Design Plaza | Seoul Light

Address: 281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 중구 을지로 281 (을지로7가)

The selfie hotspot at the DDP LED Rose Garden may have permanently closed in 2019, but it’s been replaced by something equally as riveting to see in Seoul at night.

Seoul Light usually happens twice per year.

Seoul Light is a massive media facade festival that projects images onto the surface of the DDP’s curvy architecture.

Designed by both Korean and international artists, it welcomes millions of visitors to its events every year. I’ve personally gone to Seoul Light a few times, and it is completely stunning.

Shop all night at Dongdaemun Shopping Complex

Address: 266, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 종로 266

When you travel to Seoul, it’s easy to hit 10,000 steps on your pedometer every day. But this sleepless city offers an exciting nightlife that makes it too tempting for all you night owls to rest in your hotel room at night.

For a serious shopaholic like me, late-night shopping in Dongdaemun is one of my favourite ways to enjoy Seoul at night.

Shop all night at Dongdaemun Market © IR Studio, Korea Tourism Organization

Dongdaemun is a huge shopping district with 26 shopping malls and 30,000 shops. Even if you’re not a shopper, visiting Dongdaemun is quite the experience to feel Seoul’s restless energy at night.

This shopping town operates day and night. Although overnight shopping is geared towards wholesale, you can still shop for clothing and accessories at a reasonable price (slightly higher than the wholesale price) at the Dongdaemun wholesale market.

Dongdaemun Market is across the street from the DDP © IR Studio, Korea Tourism Organization

Keep in mind that some malls require you to purchase at least three pieces, so consider bringing your girlfriends and sisters. Not all parts are open overnight; make sure to do your research before heading out.

Read more of Chloe Koh at Chloe’s Travelogue.

Walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul at Night

Cheonggyecheon Stream used to be an ugly elevated highway, but today it’s a super-successful example of urban restoration that travels through the heart of Seoul for 11-km | 6.8 miles.

You can walk next to this beautiful oasis of calm, right in the middle of the busy city. It’s lovely to walk in bright sunshine, and also in the dark of Seoul by night.

Cheonggyecheon Stream is always full of people taking a break.

People are often confused about exactly where to enter the stream, since it’s so long, but I recommend starting at Cheonggye Plaza. It’s marked by a large blue and red spiral sculpture called the Spring Sculpture, and a 2-tier waterfall that’s impossible to miss.

For tourists, the most interesting stretch of Cheonggyecheon Stream runs from Cheonggye Plaza to the Dongdaemun Station area anyway. This distance is about 3-km long, and there are many points at which you can get off the stream to check out other attractions, like Gwangjang Traditional Market.

The annual Seoul Lantern Festival takes place at Cheonggyecheon Stream.

Cheonggyecheon Stream is also home to the Seoul Lantern Festival – a can’t miss event that lights up Seoul’s night time hours in winter.

Seoul at NIght | Enjoy a Pojangmacha

Having a few drinks at a pojangmacha probably ranks as one of the most unique nightlife experiences in Seoul. These outdoor food stalls and tables are full of locals drinking, eating, and catching up. The atmosphere is vibrant and chaotic… in the best possible way.

Fresh oysters at a pojangmacha.

Pojangmacha are getting harder and harder to find these days, but head to the areas around Jongno 3-ga station or Euljiro 3-ga (Hipjiro) in Seoul, and you can get a taste of this dynamic street scene.

Watch a performance of Nanta at Night in Seoul

Myeongdong Theatre Address: 26, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 중구 명동길 26 (명동2가)

I finally went and saw Nanta last weekend, and now I totally understand why it’s Korea’s longest running performance.

It’s a non-verbal show that uses a mix of percussion and humour to tell a story about a silly kitchen. I was in awe of the drumming sections, and laughed so hard at other parts, I cried.

Nanta is SO much fun!

I went the Nanta with my daughter, and have to say that this is the perfect family-friendly activity. She loved it, and is already asking to go see it again! Grab discounted tickets here.

See the Seoul Drone Show at Night

Address: 139, Gangbyeonbuk-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 광진구 강변북로 139

The Seoul Drone show started up a few years ago, and quickly turned into one of the must-do activities in Seoul at night. With 1000 drones lighting up Seoul’s night sky in a different theme each week, it’s understandable why.

The Seoul Drone Show is a free event!

This is a totally free event that takes places at Ttukseom Hangang Park on Saturday nights in spring and autumn. If you happen to be in Seoul, you’ll definitely want to check it out!

Seoul at Night | Low-key Seoul Nightlife

When you’ve completely exhausted yourself and need a rest, but still can’t sleep, head to a PC Room for couch potato entertainment or a jjimjilbang for rejuvenation. Morgan Gibbs from AlienEating has the scoop on where to find low-key things to do in Seoul at night.

Seoul nightlife will eat you alive if you’re not careful. Get some rest.

Live the Korean Bang Life in a PC Room

PC rooms are a fast-internet addict’s dream. It’s the perfect place for lazing around in Seoul at night when you don’t want to be cooped up in your lil’ box anymore. What’s there to complain about when you have a big screen, a luxurious throne-chair, and noise-cancelling headphones for all your computer-related needs?

And get this, you’ll get all that pampering for just a dollar an hour. On that note, there’s not much you can’t do at the PC room. Watch movies? Check. Play computer games? Check. Eat a snack? Check. Plan world domination? Check.

Seoul is the most wired city in the world, with the fastest internet. You know what that means…a lot of boys playing video games.

Sure it might come with a side of Korean boys raging over their latest PubG loss, but the ample variety in snacks more than makes up for that. Ramen, fried rice, corn-dogs, ice cream, and sausages galore will fill your belly. So if you’re searching high and low for your next couch-potato-lazy-boy adventure, don’t look too far.

Get naked at a Korean Bathhouse and Jjimjilbang

If you’ve never been to Korea, you’ve probably never heard of a jjimjilbang, but if you’re looking for a comfy, relaxing night in Seoul, these giant bathhouses are the way to go.

There are cubbies to hold luggage, pyjama sets that match everyone else’s, showers, hot tubs, and basic saunas. It’s basically adult-ergarten. It’s not just a wooden room with half-naked sweaty people. I mean it can be, but there are up to 20 different rooms to sweat out and freeze up those nasty germs.

Jjimjilbang have kiln saunas with varying temperatures and properties

There’s a salt room to lay in piles of salt and season yourself, or a room full of tiny red balls to swim around in like a ball demon. Rooms range from 20°C to 140°C – there’s ice rooms, jade rooms, dugout rooms, and locker rooms available for your use.

It’s something unique and you can’t leave Korea without at least trying one once. Where else are you going to find a room circulating charcoal air, with old guys snoring for $10 per night back home?

Try spending a night in Seoul at a jjimjilbang

Seoul Nightlife

In a city that never sleeps, you really can party till dawn. Check out Seoul nightlife in Hongdae for a youthful vibe, Itaewon for international flavour, or Gangnam for a luxe experience.

Seoul nightlife is dynamic and varied. © Chan Hyuk Moon/Unsplash

READ NEXT: 27 Incredible Places to Visit in Korea in Winter

Itaewon Nightlife

Start your night out in Itaewon with a meal at one of the Seoul restaurants that specializes in foreign food. Many of them are owned by expats and you’re more likely to find authentic versions of your favourite international meals here.

Morococo is soooo good.

I recommend Morococo Cafe across the street in HBC for delicious and affordable Moroccan cuisine. It’s totally worth the small trek over. Once full of fuel, get your groove on till the wee hours at one of the popular Seoul clubs in Itaewon. Check out B-One, Soap Seoul, or Cakeshop.

Hongdae Nightlife

Hongdae is touted as a must visit if you’re interested in Seoul nightlife. Surrounded by a number of universities, you can expect lots of live music, street performers, bars, Seoul clubs and restaurants… along with thousands of people.

Live music is a staple at Hongdae pubs and clubs.

That is not an exaggeration. This district has blown up in recent years and it seems like ALL of the young and young at heart are flocking to the area on the western side of Seoul. Check out indie bands, K-pop dancers performing in the streets and then head to a restaurant for dinner, and then another place for drinks, followed by another spot for hangover stew.

Soju shots are an inevitable part of a night out in Seoul

Seoul nightlife is famous and there are vendors that never close, so you could stay out in the area from sundown to sun up. If you want to go hard Korean style, try to go all five rounds and last until sunrise. Good luck out there!

Gangnam Nightlife

Sure, Gangnam was made famous by Psy, but there’s much more to the area than Gangnam Style. While a lot of the big clubs that made Gangnam nightlife famous shut down during the pandemic, there’s so many things to do in Gangnam at night, you’ll get frazzled just trying.

You can expect big city lights and skyscrapers in Gangnam.

Shop amid giant skyscrapers, hang out in a swanky lounge or wine bar, karaoke it up, or dance the night away in a Seoul club.

Did this article help you? Writers (and moms especially) need caffeine!

Help support my small business with a cup of coffee.

Can’t sleep? You’ve got the lowdown on things to do in Seoul at night now! What will you do first?