Seoul Pub Crawls
Seoul splits its nightlife clearly between two centres: Itaewon and Hongdae. Itaewon, on the north side of Hannam-daero, has the international bar density — Hooker Hill (the gay bar street, now mixed), the main drag, the craft cocktail places behind it — and it runs long, some bars not closing until 6am. Hongdae, near Hongik University, is louder and younger: live music venues, basement clubs, Korean indie bands playing to thirty people, and hip-hop nights that started at midnight and won't finish until 4am. These two areas serve different purposes and attract different crowds; pick one per night.
All Pub Crawls in Seoul
Pub Crawl With Skip The Line Club Access And Shots
Korean Bbq Traditional Drinking Culture Experience
Korean Drinking Games Night Non Drinkers Are Also Welcome
Makgeolli And Soju Tasting Class In A Brewery
Korean Bbq Soju Bombs And Karaoke Experience
The Seoul Nightlife Scene
Seoul splits its nightlife clearly between two centres: Itaewon and Hongdae. Itaewon, on the north side of Hannam-daero, has the international bar density — Hooker Hill (the gay bar street, now mixed), the main drag, the craft cocktail places behind it — and it runs long, some bars not closing until 6am. Hongdae, near Hongik University, is louder and younger: live music venues, basement clubs, Korean indie bands playing to thirty people, and hip-hop nights that started at midnight and won't finish until 4am. These two areas serve different purposes and attract different crowds; pick one per night.
What You'll Pay
A bottle of Hite or Cass at a convenience store is ₩1,800–2,200, and sitting outside with street food is a fully legitimate Korean social activity. In a bar, draft beer runs ₩5,000–8,000. Soju shots are ₩3,000–5,000 per bottle (the whole bottle, which is the standard unit). A full night in Hongdae with a club entry of ₩10,000–20,000 and three or four rounds typically lands at ₩50,000–80,000. Itaewon cocktail bars run closer to ₩10,000–15,000 per drink.
Best Nights
Hongdae is best on Friday and Saturday from 11pm; before that the area is restaurants and cafes. Thursday in Hongdae is worth trying for the live music venues, which programme better mid-week acts when the venue isn't packed. Itaewon runs year-round but peaks on Saturday. Gangnam's club district (Club Octagon, Club Mass) operates Thursday through Saturday; entry is ₩20,000–30,000 and the dress code is enforced more strictly here than anywhere else in Seoul.
Practical
Seoul Metro runs until midnight, sometimes 1am on weekend extensions. T-money card loads at any convenience store and works on subway, bus, and some taxis. After midnight, taxis are the only option; the black KakaoTaxi app works in English and is more reliable than flagging. Dress codes in Gangnam clubs are real: trainers and hoodies will get you turned away. Hongdae and Itaewon are considerably more relaxed.