The best nightlife experiences in Seoul consist of award-winning dance clubs, unique all-night cafes with panoramic city views, and a night market that stays open until the next morning. A favourite holiday destination for dance music fans, South Korea’s capital has hundreds of clubs and bars, mostly within the Gangnam and Hongdae districts.

Seoul also has vibrant shopping districts that transform into cultural spaces, with fashion shows, dance performances, and live concerts taking place year-round. Experience the best of South Korea’s night-time attractions with our rundown of where to go and what to do at night in Seoul.

    • Nightlife

    N Seoul Tower is a modern structure atop Namsan Mountain in central Seoul. Spanning 237 metres tall, you get to enjoy panoramic views of Seoul from its observatory. It hosts traditional performances and exhibitions year-round. Inside, you’ll find a digital observatory as well as plenty of souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafes.

    The roof terrace at N Seoul Tower is a popular spot for couples for attaching padlocks and love notes to the fence as a symbol of love. Entrance fees cost around 9,000 won for adults and 7,000 won for children and senior citizens. 

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    Location: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan 2(i)ga-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Open: Monday–Friday and Sunday from 10 am to 11 pm, Saturday from 10 am to midnight

    Phone: +82-2-3455-9277

    Map

    photo by dconvertini (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

    • Food
    • Nightlife
    • Shoppers

    Visit Dongdaemun Night Market for a seemingly endless range of clothing, jewellery, shoes, handbags, cosmetics and skincare. The market is huge – you’ll find shopping malls and speciality stores, as well as an outdoor stage hosting dance performances, concerts, and fashion shows. 

    There’s also an open market, where you can shop for local and international brands at discounted prices. Dongdaemun Night Market is also a foodie paradise, with street stalls selling Korean street food and drinks at affordable prices.

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    Location: Euljiro 6(yuk)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Open: Monday–Thursday from 6.45 am to 3.15 am, Friday from 6.45 am to midnight, Saturday 24 hours (closed on Sundays)

    Phone: +82-32-1344-4888

    Map
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    Namdaemun Market

    Namdaemun Market
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Nightlife
    • Shoppers

    In the daytime, Namdaemun Market is crowded with people in search of deals on everything, from kitchenware to children’s clothing and eyeglasses. However, the market really comes to life after sunset. Not only will you find plenty of food trucks, but also events and performances at the night market – you’re essentially guaranteed to have a better time than in the day. Most of all, Namdaemun Market has convenient public transport options and there are plenty of hotels nearby, so you won’t have to worry about staying out too late.

    Location: 21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Hoehyeon-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 2 am (closed on Sundays)

    Phone: +82 (0)2-753-2805

    Map

    photo by Emmanuel DYAN (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 4

    Yeouido Hangang Park

    Yeouido Hangang Park
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Nightlife
    • Photo

    Yeouido Hangang Park, also called Seoul Color Park, is best seen at night thanks to the many bridges on the Han River and lights from surrounding buildings. There are always fun and interesting events taking place at the park. The cherry blossom festival is held in spring when you can appreciate them in full bloom under the moonlight. During the summertime in Seoul, there's a night market offering a variety of Korean street food and souvenirs. People world gather to watch as the night sky is covered with colourful fireworks in autumn. Winter is particularly romantic due to the trees being illuminated. 

    Location: 330 Yeouidong-ro, Yeoeuido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Open: 24/7

    Phone: +82 (0)2-3780-0561

    Map

    photo by travel oriented (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 5

    Naksan Park

    Naksan Park
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Nightlife
    • Photo

    Naksan Park’s true beauty comes alive when the sun begins to set, creating a romantic atmosphere as the soft moonlight and lamps along the fortress walls surrounding the park envelope the park. Of course, this means it’s popular with couples seeking a romantic atmosphere. N Seoul Tower, another famous nightspot, is nearby, so Naksan Park is highly recommended for those looking for a seldom-seen side of Seoul at night. Walk toward the central square from Hyehwa Station Exit 2 and you’ll soon see the entrance to Naksan Park.

    Location: 41 Naksan-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Open: 24/7

    Phone: +82 (0)2-743-7985

    Map

    photo by travel oriented (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 6

    Seoul Sky

    Seoul Sky
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Nightlife
    • Photo

    Seoul Sky at Lotte World Tower is an observatory located on the 117th floor. Here, you’ll be greeted by a beautiful panoramic night-time view of Seoul and its busy streets against a backdrop of the Han River. Standing at 555 metres above ground level and 123 floors, Lotte World Tower is one of Seoul’s most prominent landmarks. The 118th floor is home to the Sky Deck, which has a transparent glass floor with a dizzying view of Seoul below. 

    Location: 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (117–123 fl.), South Korea

    Open: Sunday–Thursday from 10 am to 10 pm, Friday, Saturday, and holidays from 10 am to 11 pm

    Phone: +82 (0)2-1661-2000

    Map
  • 7

    Banpo Hangang Park

    Banpo Hangang Park
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Nightlife
    • Photo

    One of the many parks along the Han River, Banpo Hangang Park has a night-time rainbow fountain show, which is why the park attracts more people at night than during the day. When the weather is fine, a night market opens with lots of foods on hand, making it even more crowded than usual. Grab some beer and snacks from the night market and enjoy an exciting night against a backdrop of the beautiful Han River.

    Location: 40, Sinbanpo-ro 11-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Phone: +82 (0)2-3780-0541

    Map
  • 8

    Soeul jimjilbang (saunas)

    • Budget

    Jjimjilbang is a traditional bathhouse in Seoul where you can not only relax in quirky sauna rooms, but also spend the night at an affordable price. Open 24 hours a day, many of these establishments are also fitted with facilities such as hot tubs, snack bars, swimming pools, fitness clubs, golf ranges, noraebang (karaoke rooms) while sleeping quarters are fitted with sleeping mats or bunk beds. The entry fee to a typical jjimjilbang is priced between 6,000 and 8,000 won, making it a popular stay option for backpackers and budget travellers.

  • 9

    Seoullo 7017

    Seoullo 7017
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Food
    • Nightlife
    • Photo

    Seoullo 7017’s transformation at night is not to be missed. Once the sun begins to set, the lights of the park and surrounding buildings create spectacular views. Even the headlamps of passing vehicles in front of Seoul Station add to the beauty. Plus, each seasonal change brings a new look to Seoul Station and the lights on display. Perhaps you or someone passing by can play on the public piano in Seoullo 7017 to make the night that much more romantic.

    Location: 432 Cheongpa-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Open: 24/7

    Phone: +82 (0)2-313-7017

    Map

    photo by 분당선M (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 10

    Bugak Skyway

    Bugak Skyway
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Photo

    Bugak Skyway is a famous late-night date spot in  Seoul. Just walk up a winding road to reach an octagonal pavilion (Palgakjeong) decorated with lights. Once there, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning night-time view of Seoul and Mt. Nam (Namsan). Because it’s a well-known late-night date spot, it’s always bustling with people well into the morning. Bugak Skyway has beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons, so it’s a popular destination for those looking for a scenic drive, even in the daytime.

    Location: San 6-94, Pyeongchang-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Map

    photo by Hajo Schatz (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 11

    Myeongdong Nanta Theatre

    • Nightlife

    Myeongdong Nanta Theatre hosts comedic, non-verbal plays within a kitchen setting. The show combines Korean traditional musical elements like garak (rhythms) and samullori (traditional Korean percussion quartet).

    There are 5 main characters (kitchen staffs) performing intricate rhythms on makeshift instruments, such as pots and pans while preparing for a luxurious wedding banquet. Tickets cost around 60,000 won for VIP seats and 50,000 won for standard seats.

    Location: 26, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Open: Monday–Friday 5 pm and 8 pm, Saturday 11 am, 2 pm, 5 pm and 8 pm, Sunday 2 pm, 5 pm and 8 pm

    Phone: +82-2-739-8288

    Map
  • 12

    Lookout cafés on Hangang River

    Lookout cafés on Hangang River
    • Nightlife

    Enjoy the night cityscape by visiting unique crane-shaped cafés, all of which are set along 6 bridges in the southern part of Seoul. The bridges – Gwangjingyo, Dongjak, Hangang, Yanghwa, Jamsil, and Mapo – span across Hangang River. 

    While the riverfront has always been a popular venue for daytime activities, the lookout cafes on Hangang River offer cosy retreats for those looking to unwind after a day of sightseeing in Seoul.

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 2 am (hours vary by shop)

    Map
  • 13

    Seoul noraebang (karaoke bars)

    Seoul noraebang (karaoke bars)
    • Nightlife

    A popular night-time activity in Seoul is noraebang (karaoke), where you can belt out to your favourite tunes until the wee hours of the morning. Available almost everywhere in the city, noraebang centres are usually equipped with massive televisions, ample microphones and tambourines, as well as a collection of songs in English, Japanese, Korean and Chinese. The average rate per hour is between 2,000 and 20,000 won, while beer, soft drinks and snacks are available at additional charges.

    • Nightlife

    Club Octagon is one of Gangnam’s elite nightclubs, where local celebrities, elites and trendsetters party until late. Located in New Hilltop Hotel, it’s an underground hideout with good sound systems, VIP lounges, spacious dancefloors, private rooms, and even a swimming pool. Club Octagon hosts an impressive line-up of international and Korean DJs – music policy is mostly electro dance and tech-house. The cover charge costs between 10,000 and 30,000 won. 

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    Location: B1/B2 New Hilltop Hotel, 645, Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Open: Thursday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 am (closed Monday–Wednesday)

    Phone: +82-10-9014-4487

    Map
  • 15

    Paradise Walker Hill Casino

    • Nightlife

    Paradise Walker Hill Casino attracts tourists looking to try their luck at winning some money during their stay in Seoul. The casino is located within Grand Walkerhill Seoul, where guests can also enjoy alcoholic beverages and pleasant views of the Hangang River. 

    It’s inspired by Las Vegas’ swanky casinos – games offered include Baccarat, Black Jack, Roulette, Tai-Sai, as well as several table games and arcades. As a foreigners-only casino, its staff members are fluent in many languages to serve the customers’ needs. Only those carrying foreign passports are allowed inside as locals are banned from gambling.

    Location: 177 Walkerhill-ro, Gwangjang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Open: 24/7

    Phone: +82-2-2204-3430

    Map