South Korea is one of the most interesting countries in the world. The history is fascinating, the nature is captivating, the food is delicious and the nightlife is thriving. In the larger South Korean cities you will find something every night of the week. Seoul is undoubtedly the most famous city in the country, but there is so much more to South Korea than just the capital. From karaoke bars to laid-back beach bars, this is where you’ll find the best nightlife in South Korea.
Seoul
There is no doubt that Seoul has the best nightlife in South Korea. It is dynamic, exciting and surprising. The people of Seoul strongly adhere to the ‘work hard, play hard’ mantra, so don’t try to keep up with the locals – unless you’re up for the challenge. Most evenings begin with a meal, usually Korean BBQ, before venturing into the abyss of neon lights.
There are some brilliant nightlife districts in Seoul. University students and over-20s flock to Hongdae – it’s loud, lively and full of clubs. Itaewon appeals to a wider audience – you’ll find people of all ages enjoying its international bars and stylish rooftop bars. The aptly named Homo Hill is the place to be for gay bars and drag shows. The list goes on and on, with neighborhoods like Gangnam, Apgujeong and Cheongdam-dong being home to some of the most upscale bars and clubs in the country.
Jeju Island
Jeju is a mountainous island just over an hour’s flight from Seoul. However, it is in stark contrast to the capital, with a laid-back atmosphere. The emphasis here is on restaurants, but there are a few excellent bars and lounges. Many of the bars are located on the beach, so you can embrace the island’s tropical vibe. There are also some hostels, so you’re bound to see a few backpackers looking for a night out in Jeju as well. One of the most popular things to do here is going to a night market. Arboretum is a particularly enchanting market, with decorated trees, while Dongmum is the place to be if you want a lively market. If you really want to stay up all night in Jeju, the casinos here are open 24/7. Although, interestingly, only foreigners are allowed to gamble.
Busan
Busan is the second largest city in South Korea. It’s a place of sheer beauty – nestled between mountains, nestled along the dazzling coastline, with the strait running through the neon-lit city. The best place to take it all in is from one of Busan’s many rooftop bars, where you can admire both the skyscrapers and the nearby beach. There’s plenty to do here – have a freshly brewed pint at a local brewery, catch a live show, sing to your heart’s content at a karaoke bar or hit the club to dance the night away. Haeundae Beach is beautiful during the day, but the atmosphere is even more palpable at night – you’ll see plenty of people drinking along the shore, lit up by the skyscrapers and backed by hotels and cafes. Don’t forget to take your rubbish with you when you leave!
Gwangju
Gwangju is growing in popularity and has one of the best nightlife spots in South Korea. The relatively small town has a surprising craft beer culture, leading to a slew of breweries and pubs. The nightlife in Gwangju can be categorized as the rough side of South Korea, with dark streets lit by neon-lit bars, which are really everywhere. This is the place to be if you want to experience life like the locals, away from the tourists and the soju with the best of them. There are a few areas in Gwangju worth visiting, but it’s the downtown area with bars, pubs, lounges and clubs galore.
Ulsan
Ulsan is another bustling, sprawling South Korean city. But it is actually the smallest metropolitan city in the country, despite having a population of over 1 million people. It is an industrial powerhouse, home to the world’s largest shipyard and car assembly plant. With all the jobs in town, you can bet the people of Ulsan need an outlet. In the inner city you will find bustling pedestrian streets, full of Korean clubs, pubs, karaoke bars and bars, which go on into the small hours.
Daegu
Daegu is a beautiful city, full of lush nature, rolling hills and vast forests. It’s a super popular place to catch the blossom trees, and it also has one of the best nightlife spots in South Korea. Nightlife is concentrated in three main areas: Yasi-golmok, Rodeo Street and Kyungpook University area. There is a great mix of bars, pubs and clubs as well as a huge cultural scene consisting of opera houses and theatres. Here’s something for everyone.