Seoul Nightlife: 17 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.
Seoul’s nightlife is legendary because it’s one of the world’s only true 24 hour cities. You’ll have an absolute blast discovering just how much there is to do after dark. To get you started, here are 17 tips for where to go in Seoul at night – from insomniac travel bloggers who love the city, and night owl expats that call her home.
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 is notoriously crowded, but go hiking in Seoul at night instead, and you’ll find the solitude nature intended.
For all night hiking in Seoul, there are a few things to keep in mind. All gates for national parks, like Bukhansan, close around 4PM so hiking there after dark is at your own peril. Also, the Seoul subway closes around midnight. Taxis in Seoul are super cheap though, and there are some 24 hour bus routes.
Here’s a few suggestions for where to go hiking in Seoul at night.
Seoul Fortress Wall
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 a 14th Century, 18 kilometre Seoul fortress wall is a captivating reminder.
Start your night hiking in the city at the section of the Seoul Fortress wall that runs along Bugaksan Mountain. You can enjoy stunning views of modern Seoul ablaze with lights along the way.
Access is via bus from Anguk Station.
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, making it one of the busiest mountains in Korea.
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).
Watching Seoul come to life from the top of Gwanaksan after a night hike (photo by Dawn Kang).
VISIT A TRADITIONAL SEOUL NIGHT MARKET
Want to know where to go at night for Korean street food, local colour and some of the best shopping in Seoul? Get a window into a traditional way that Seoulites spend the night by visiting one of the markets that can be found all over the city. Many of them are open into the wee hours of the morning.
Namdaemun Market
No visit to Seoul 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.
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 much needed break at a Korean street food stall.
Prepare to get lost and jostled around though – this Seoul night market is huge and seriously crowded.
Interesting goods on display at the Namdaemun Seoul night market
Gwangjang Traditional Market
Gwangjang traditional market (광장시장) is considered by many to be one of the very best markets in Seoul. It’s open from 8:30AM, but if you truly want to experience all the chaos of a Korean market, visit in the evening hours. You’ll easily be able to check many must eat in Seoul items off your checklist there.
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 markets in 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 (photo by 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). There’s also sashimi, sushi, and more. 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.
Seoul at night is full of bright lights and energy
SEEK OUT A SEOUL NIGHT VIEW AT A HANGANG PARK
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.
For a unique experience, I recommend cycling between the Hangang Parks, and checking out Seoul’s night views along the way.
Yeouido Hangang Park
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.
It’s also a great place to feel the vibrancy of Seoul’s nightlife, with locals and tourists converging on the area for picnics and the weekly Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market.
Yeouido Hangang Park plays host to the International Fireworks Competition every year
Yeouido Hangang Park is also the main docking point for the Hangang River Cruise. Choose the Moonlight Cruise, Music Cruise or Fireworks Cruise for amazing views of sleepless Seoul in all its night time glory.
Be sure to get a photo of the city’s tourism slogan sculpture, “I Seoul U,” before you leave Yeouido Hangang Park.
Banpo Hangang Park
Banpo Hangang Park is such a hub for Seoul nightlife, you could easily visit over and over without getting bored. The glowing Some Sevit floating islands, and the Banpodaegyo Bridge rainbow fountain are especially spectacular things to see in Seoul at night.
Read our Ultimate Guide to Banpo Hangang Park to find out about everything you can do there.
Cycle between both Hangang Parks
If you’re really ambitious, and fancy a little exercise, consider renting a bike and cycling from Banpo Hangang Park to Yeouido Hangang Park or vice versa. Cycling between Seoul’s Hangang Parks, is one of my absolutely favourite night time activities in Seoul. Bike paths are quieter, the whole city is brilliantly lit up, and there’s a certain solitude about those twilight hours that makes the introvert in me VERY happy.
Watching the sun set over Namsam and N Seoul Tower while cycling
The bike rental outlets in the Hangang Parks demand that bicycles are returned by around 7:30PM, so borrow one at any of the Seoul Bike locations around the city. As an added bonus, you can return these bikes to ANY location, so you don’t necessarily have to make a return trip.
Read our guide on how to survive extroverted Seoul as an introvert.
EXPLORE DONGDAEMUN DESIGN PLAZA (DDP)
Seoul’s DDP is iconic at any time of the day, but at night, it really comes alive. Here’s what to do in Dongdaemun after the sun goes down.
See the DDP LED Rose Garden
The field of 25,550 Dongdaemun LED flowers glow softly at night, providing a romantic background for visitors. It’s a selfie hotspot and one of the top things to do in Dongdaemun.
The DDP LED Rose Garden can be seen every night of the week from 5:30 to midnight. Find them in the Grass Plaza area of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
The DDP LED Rose Garden is a selfie hotspot
Go late night Dongdaemun Shopping
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 Dongdaemun shopping is one of my favourite ways to enjoy Seoul nightlife.
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. It has some of the best shopping in Seoul. 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.
Seoul’s Dongdaemun Design Plaza is particularly beautiful lit up at night
Things to keep in mind: 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. The shopping district is massive. I’d recommend starting your shopping expedition at Doota, Migliore, and Hello apM.
Read more of Chloe Koh at Chloe’s Travelogue.
WATCH SEOUL TURN FROM DAY TO NIGHT FROM ABOVE
Seoul Sky Observatory at Lotte World Tower
Seoul Sky is an observatory located on the top 7 floors of Korea’s tallest skyscraper. From its 555 metre lofty heights, you’ll see panoramic views of the entire city laid out before you in every single direction. Head there around Seoul’s sunset hour on a clear day, and watch the magical sight of Seoul’s nightlife illuminating the city.
Check out our full guide on visiting the Seoul Sky Observatory.
Watch day turn to night at the Seoul Sky Observatory (Photo by Sunyu Kim on Unsplash)
N Seoul Tower on Mount Namsan
From the top of Mount Namsam, you’ll have panoramic views of Seoul below you, and the N Seoul Tower above you.
Aim to reach the top of Namsan Mountain by sunset, so you can watch the N Seoul Tower come to life. You’ll know how good the air quality is in Seoul 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. 🙁
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.
Namsan Tower at Night (by Ciaran O’Brien on 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.
Read our full post on visiting the N Seoul Tower.
PARTY THE NIGHT AWAY AT A SEOUL CLUB
In a city that never sleeps, you really can party till dawn. Check out Seoul’s nightlife in Hongdae for a youthful vibe, Itaewon for international flavour, or Gangnam for a luxe experience.
Gangnam Nightlife
Sure, Gangnam was made famous by Psy, but there’s much more to the area than Gangnam Style. There’s so many things to do in Gangnam at night, you’ll get frazzled just trying. 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.
Some of the best Seoul nightlife is located south of the River, and visiting a club should be at the top of your list of things to do in Gangnam. Club Octagon Seoul is the most famous – ranked the #7 dance club in the world on DJ Mag’s Top 100 Clubs list, in 2018, but there’s plenty more to choose from. Check out Syndrome, Arena, Ellui, or The-A to find the Seoul club that fits your vibe.
There’s more to Gangnam than Gangnam Style
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.
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. 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.
If you want to go hard Korean style, try to go five rounds and last until sunrise. Good luck out there!
Find out how to survive a night of drinking in Korea from Hallie of the Soul of Seoul.
Hongdae Nightlife (photo by Hallie Bradley)
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.
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.
SEE THE KOREAN PALACES AGLOW
Seoul has five main palaces and the most popular of them are Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung. Gorgeous during the day, there is something more intimate and beautiful about them if you see them in Seoul at night.
Throughout the year, the palaces are opened at various times for night viewing. The main halls are lit from within and to make the ambiance even more special, traditional performances are staged throughout the complexes.
Seoul’s palaces are especially gorgeous at night
From spring to autumn, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the lights in the crisp spring air, warm summer nights or in the autumn breezes. If dressed in a traditional Korean Hanbok, attendees can also enter for free.
It’s a fabulous way to experience Seoul nightlife in a more historical and traditional manner.
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 nightlife in Seoul.
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.
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.
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.
Jjimjilbang in Seoul
If you’ve never been to Korea, you’ve probably never heard of a jimjilbang. But if you’re looking for a comfy, relaxing night out 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.
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, locker rooms, and even larders.
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?
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i must visit this amazing city one day!
You really MUST Andy. It’s sooo underrated for Western tourists, but it’s been the top destination for Asians for the last 10 years. There’s a reason why…believe me! 🙂
Wow! I think I’ll need a month there to cover all this. It sounds amazing – especially the night hiking, but lots of the other ideas as well. If I ever get to Seoul I’ll be checking out this post for what to do. And knocking on your door 🙂
Alison
Haha, I’ve been here for 10 years, and still feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface Alison. I’m just glad I’m past my clubbing age, otherwise the city really would eat me alive. 😉 AND YES, please do get in touch if you come to Seoul! 🙂
This really is quite a bit to do in Seoul at night, and from what you’ve described it’s not just a club partying kind of city. In fact, it seems far from it. Amazing to hear that hiking at night is quite popular! Understand that some of the hikes are at your own peril but I suppose if you want some outdoor adventure then why not 😛
That is quite a few Mario keychains in the photo you took at the markets! If the night markets have this much things and so much more, then no wonder they are packed with people. In these night markets I’m guessing some people don’t mind waiting and standing in line for food lol.
Going back to clubbing, it seems that the clubs in Seoul are quite hip and well, full of life and attract both the young and professional middle age bracket. That statue, Gangnam Style immortalised XD
You’re right Mabel, there’s so much more to do here than just club – but it’s definitely a big part of Seoul nightlife, along with pubs and karaoke. I’m just so old that I don’t club anymore haha – and tried to highlight things you could do at night if you’re not into partying and drinking. Are you into partying and clubbing? I get the feeling no…am I wrong?
Haha, I’m not into partying and clubbing at all. Even the nights of going out non-partying and clubbing are far and few lol. Staying at home is what I love best XD
Out of all the wonderful options you gave, my favourite is hands down going to a Jjimjilbang! I love Korea, and it’s a bit easy to pick up on the language too! Like -Dong would be like arrondissement (Dongdaemun, Myeongdong etc.) and -Bang means room, like PC Bang and my favourite: Noraebang (Karaoke room!) 😀
Yup! You’re totally right with your Korean translations. 🙂 Going to jjimjilbang is one of my favourite things to do too – though not so much over night. I’m too old to sleep in a room full of snoring ajusshis. 😉 When was the last time you visited Korea?
“She’s groggy, confused and wearing last night’s make-up”…love that description of Seoul, a city which sounds like it can match New York or London for nightlife. Inspiring post.
Thanks Hazel! 🙂 Seoul can def match NY or London, and maybe even outdo them in terms of nightlife. It’s one of the few cities in the world where cafes are busier at night, than in the morning – and many don’t even open till 10AM! It’s like Bizarro world here.
Gotta get back! And next time I need to bring my skeptical husband whose last visit to Seoul was in the 90s and not as pleasant as mine a few years ago. The night hiking might be the kick he needs to give your city a second chance!
Yes you do!! Preferably when I’m in the city so we can finally meet up in person. 🙂 And yes, your hubby needs to come back. Seoul changes so fast, faster than anywhere else on earth…and I don’t the the 90s was too pleasant for anyone (Koreans included). I think it’d be quite an eye-opening experience for him!
PS: Show him this video – it really captures so much of what Seoul is about now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AulHEVz75lY&feature=youtu.be
We watched the video! Very cool overview of what’s going on these days in Seoul; it’s such a fascinating mix. (Had to love the snippets on plastic surgery!)
Well, hopefully it helped convince your hubby. (not the plastic surgery, but… 😉 )
I loved Seoul so much but my visit was way too short. I’d love to go back and really explore more of the city. I’m not sure what it was about Seoul but both Aaron and I were like, “We could totally live here!” Hopefully we’ll get back soon!
Haha I know what you mean. I’ve been living here for 10 years, and I still haven’t seen or done a fraction of what’s available! It’s definitely a very liveable city – and getting more so year over year. Hope we’ll be able to meet in person one day! 🙂
Wow, what a fascinating place! I’ve never been to Korea but it sounds amazing- especially at night! :p
It’s definitely worth a visit…and yes, Korea really gets going at night. Plan on not sleeping much if you make it here one day. 🙂
I’d love to check out the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung during their evening opening. I heard it’s beautiful and romantic!
I didn’t know one can hike Bukhanshan in the evening. Isn’t Bukhanshan pretty steep? How was the lighting?
It’s supposed to be lovely, although very crowded with people. Actually you can’t hike Bukhansan – they close the gates – but it’s not policed so you can go there at your own risk. We did Gwanaksan at night, but we made sure to go on a night where there was a full moon! 🙂
Jim Jil Bangs at $10/night must be the most affordable and the most unexpected Seoul accommodation I think. Some of them have amazing views of the city, some get so hot in common sleeping areas that a cold winter’s night is quickly forgotten. And then you have drunk ajoshees 😛
Haha yeah – honestly I don’t know how ANYONE manages to sleep in those places. I’ve never managed it, and so prefer Japanese capsule hotels. They’re not completely silent either, but at least there’s a little bit of privacy. Still, a jjimjilbang definitely has to be experienced at least once! 🙂
I love the way you talk about Seoul – like she is a strong woman! I love your article and your answers to the comments because it is like a love declaration too 😍 it is refreshing indeed to read someone who feels this strongly about this place (if I am not mistaken?)
I am a newbie… Been here only 6 months but I see what you see and now I need to tick off the stuff on this list I haven’t done yet (like jjimjilbang – I didn’t want to try alone for my first time ☺️)… With that said Thank you for this!
I’ve been here 10 years now, and like any long time expat, there are things I love, and things that really get to me… but no place is perfect, and Seoul truly is one of the world’s great cities. I’ve traveled a lot – to 61 different countries – and there’s not much that compares I’d say. When stuff gets to me, I remind myself that 60 years ago, the entire area south of the Han River was just farm fields, with pigs floating around in dirty water (no joke), and I’m completely amazed by what Koreans have accomplished in such a short time. I try to keep faith that some of the cultural / social issues that so desperately need updating will also be accomplished in time. 🙂 By the way, you can totally do jjimjilbang alone – just go to Dragon Hill Spa in Yongsan – it’s very touristy, but also very very nice. You won’t feel out of place there at all… (but it’s also nice to try it the first time with a friend).
I agree with you that Seoul is amazingly beautiful, even at night. I had a walk in the stream, and Seoullo 7017 for night photography. I also visited Deoksugung and DDP for night lights. I’m looking forward for the night food and street market near Hangang River.
Thank you for sharing your list and it was well written and very helpful for all travelers out there.
I have yet to visit Seoullo 7017! I really must get out there now that the weather has gotten so much more tolerable…
Reading your description of the Jimjilbang, and the red balls and salt that you can season in, I wondered which Jimjilbang you were referring to. You have clearly visited more exciting ones than I’ve encountered. Your night pictures, especially the DDP and the Seoul city wall, are stunning. I never want to visit a PC room. Ever. Haha.
Haha, actually I didn’t write that bit – this was a collab post and Morgan from alieneating.com wrote it… I’m not sure which one she’s talking about either! I’ve never encountered any red balls in any jjimjilbang ever. My forays into a PC room to print something have been the stuff of nightmares. Room full of korean teenage boys playing video games…ugh.
ahh.. this explains about your Gwanaksan comment in my post, hahaha.
Seoul is one dynamic place, especially at night! I seldom go out at night so when I do, I am in awe and fearful of the noise and the lights and everything that comes with it. But I should do this nighttime hike at least once!
Hahahahaha yeah, that’s right. But actually my Korean friend told me that if the mountain name has “ak” in it, it means its a harder mountain for hiking. Not sure if it’s true or not, but anyway… it was lovely thing to do at night. So peaceful…
Thanks for including some of my links! What a fun post. I would NOT want to be hiking in the dark though. Something about that just makes me nervous. I’m already known for tripping and stumbling on the way down. Add darkness and that would just be all kinds of trouble.
But of course! 🙂 I’m the same coming down a mountain – it always takes me twice as long because I’m so afraid of falling, I go super slow. I survived though, and it was a great experience.
That first paragraph might be the best description of Seoul I’ve ever read! Nailed it!
Thanks Paul.
Hey,
your blog is just wow. You have described all the things so nicely and all the pictures are stunning. It’s great blog and I must say this is the best blog that i have ever read on Seoul. Thanks for sharing such a good article!!
My goodness, I think that might be the nicest comment someone has ever made here. Thank you so much… that’s so nice to hear, and I’m glad the article helped you out. Are you planning a visit here?
Sigh~ these photos are spectacular. I have been to several of these spots (mostly the markets) but never tried hiking (ain’t that equipped for it😂). Makes me miss living in a bigger city where everything is. Thanks for making me experience Seoul even more with this post!
Haha, I’m not equipped for hiking either… but I managed. It’s worth it for the quiet and the views, I’d say. Seoul is a great city for sure, with all its conveniences – and while it does wear on my from time to time with its energy, I’m not sure that I’d want to live anywhere else. Hope you make it back here one day soon! 🙂