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As the capital of South Korea, Seoul has a lot to offer visitors. With its lively nightlife, stunning architecture, and ample dining options, Seoul is definitely a city to explore.
If you are looking for the best bars in Seoul, then good news – Seoul has some great bars where you can enjoy some South Korean alcohol and even a great selection of dedicated sports bars. So whether you’re looking for a place to drink after work or just some good company, we’ve got you covered.
If you find this guide interesting, check out our guide on the best bars in Incheon.
Overview of Seoul’s Nightlife Districts
Seoul is a city that never sleeps, offering a diverse range of nightlife experiences. From the chic clubs in Gangnam to the artsy bars in Hongdae, each district presents its own unique flavor.
Gangnam is about luxury and style, known for its upscale clubs and sophisticated lounges attracting trendy crowds.
On the other hand, Hongdae pulses with energy, offering affordable bars with a lively, artistic atmosphere perfect for young crowds and creatives. Nearby Itaewon features a cosmopolitan vibe, popular with both locals and expatriates, making it a hub for eclectic music and international cuisine.
The Library
With its unique interior, eclectic selection of books, magazines, and toys, it is easy to see why people love coming back to The Library for another round of drinks or fun activities.
Located on the ground floor of the Shilla Hotel, the Library Opened in 2012 and has a cozy bar that has quickly become one of the most popular places to go in K-town.
The owner is known for his humorous speeches and these extend to the atmosphere of the bar itself. There are different events every week with various themes such as ‘Wild West’, ‘Cinema Organized’, ‘Foodie’ and more.
By bringing a variety of topics to the same room, The Library tries to offer something for everyone. This huge influx of creativity makes this bar very interesting to visit.
Patrons at The Library are often drawn to its exquisite signature cocktails, which include the Shilla Glamour, a delightful blend of top-shelf vodka, elderflower liqueur, and grapefruit. Another popular choice is the Barrel-aged Negroni, offering a rich, complex flavor with a hint of sweetness.
These drinks are crafted with precision, using the finest ingredients to ensure a memorable experience with each sip.
Y1975
Trendy Seoulites are aware of Y1975 as the weekend hangout for celebs. It’s a lounge bar that is situated in an alley in the trendy are of Cheongdam, helping to make the neighbourhood “cool” once more.
Using flowers, ice, candles, firecrackers, and 12 cylinders, it serves opulently beautiful cocktails, with a Pina Colada recipe that receives particular attention from its patrons.
Y1975 often hosts special cultural nights that add an extra layer of excitement to the weekend. From K-pop themed dance parties to evenings featuring traditional Korean music, the bar offers a range of experiences that celebrate both contemporary and classical Korean culture.
These events are a hit with celebrities and regulars all around, creating an air of exclusivity and charm that keeps patrons coming back for more.
The Beton Brut
While it seems that there are new venues popping up in Itaewon all the time, most of them are too… predictable: fancy lights, hipster furniture and whatever sound that’s “in.”
This one though, is different. Considered one of the best bars in Seoul with its rough, warehouse-like atmosphere, concrete floors/tables and dim lighting – Beton Brut brings industrial cosiness, if there is such a thing and, most importantly, good music.
It’s surely a place you can “hang,” unlike many of the clubs in the area that are just too much while lacking character. Perhaps that’s why you can occasionally spot older crowds here, but of course, that certainly doesn’t mean this place isn’t hot. With 2 dance floors inside, you can go for drum n base, dub step and trap, or choose to roll with techno and house at any point of your night. If these options still don’t satisfy your diverse taste, visit Beton Brut before 10pm for some jazz or acoustic sets.
Beton Brut draws inspiration from raw industrial structures, channeling the aura of a modern-day speakeasy that pays homage to the prohibition era. Opened in the late 2000s, it has become an iconic part of Itaewon’s nightlife scene.
Its founders aimed to create a space where music, art, and design converge, offering a fresh take on the traditional bar experience in Seoul.
You’ll have a chill couple of hours to get into the night, then once the floor turns into a club you’ll realize how natural and easy it can feel to be clubbing with a date.
The Velvet Lounge Bar
The Velvet Lounge Bar is the place to go if you want to see the younger Korean lads on a night out.
This venue always has a party atmosphere, being loud and energised. It’s a terrific location for the young generation to hang out and actually have a conversation thanks to the spacious layout, which offers tables and a standing bar in line with the lounge ambiance.
Club promoter Su knows how to market clubs and has succeeded here with many frequently complimenting the dance floor and DJ sets.
Cakeshop
One of the best clubs in Seoul is called Cakeshop. This little club, which is situated in the hip neighbourhood of Itaewon, exudes a gritty, ghetto vibe that is accentuated by dazzling neon signs and vibrant graffiti on the walls. While Cakeshop doesn’t identify with any one particular club genre, it primarily plays R&B and hip hop music.
Despite its modest size, this cosy venue is frequently more popular with youthful partygoers and was named the best club in Seoul in 2018! Due to the limited maximum capacity restriction, you might need to wait in line for a while, but trust us when we say it’s definitely worth it!
Cakeshop has become synonymous with unforgettable nights and groundbreaking performances. Over the years, it has hosted internationally acclaimed DJs and up-and-coming artists from the R&B and hip-hop scenes.
One notable event was the set by DJ Yaeji, whose eclectic mix of house beats drew in massive crowds, contributing to Cakeshop’s reputation as a pioneering venue in Seoul’s club circuit.
Rose & Crown Ale House
Being an Englishman in Seoul, I frequently go to the Rose & Crown. With its cuisine selection, The Rose wouldn’t look out of place in a British metropolis. The selection of draught beer is somewhat constrained, but the London Pride is still a top-notch beverage. I believe it is served in 500ml classes of pints rather than pints, so perhaps that is why the beer isn’t at the top.
Regarding prices, I didn’t think they were that bad considering I was in a touristy district of a capital city. We had to leave by 9 o’clock because of the sickness, so we missed the start of the new year. But before taking off for my trip home, I shall return there.
Soha Lounge
The bar’s nautical decor gives you the impression that you are docked in a harbour off the Mediterranean. The vibrantly hued cocktails are similarly inspired by the emerald oceans. Once there, sample the Italian Playboy, which is their house cocktail. The cocktail is made with Amaretto, an Italian liqueur with almond flavour, and is completed with a torch-caramelized sugar coating on top for a pleasing, sweet flavour.
Like the cocktails, the delectable food will not let you down and fits in with the bar’s dining idea. The VIP area and an outside terrace are both located on the second and third floors, respectively.
If I had to choose one bar to try in Seoul, it would be Beton Brut. The bartenders are knowledgable and willing to explore beyond the usual. The drinks are tasty and the atmosphere was weirdly industrial yet enjoyable, making for a perfect evening for indulging in some traditional South Korean alcohol.
The only thing you need to worry about now is the predictable headache you’re likely to get after trying out all these venues, but don’t worry – we have an article on the best Korean food to have to help relieve that hangover or checkout the nutrient heavy food popular in South Korea right now.
Found somewhere not on this list? Let us know. Also, check out our guide to the best bars in Itaewon.
