×

Spotlight on Seoul After Dark

Spotlight on Seoul After Dark

Whether you prefer low-lit jazz bars, ritzy clubs or sophisticated whiskey lounges, South Korea’s capital has an experience to suit every taste. As March ushers in the return of Seoul’s nightlife, with venues reopening after the winter hiatus, our editors break down the city’s unmissable spots through three districts.

Gangnam: Glamour and Exclusivity

Renowned for its sleek high-rises and upscale venues, Gangnam is Seoul’s playground for the elite, where VIP treatment is gold standard. If you’re looking to dance the night away, Octagon, ranked 5th on DJ Mag's Top 100 Clubs Chart, and Club Syndrome, hidden beneath Hotel Sunshine, are two popular dance venues. Dubbed “mega clubs”, they feature top-tier sound systems and exclusive VIP packages, attracting celebrities and global jetsetters alike. Kickstart your club night with a visit to Once in a Blue Moon, the three-storey jazz institution that has been setting the standard for live jazz in Seoul since 1998. 

NEON NIGHTS IN THE CITY

Yongsan: Refined Indulgence

Yongsan is home to some of Seoul’s most refined nightlife venues. JJ Mahoney's, inside the Grand Hyatt Seoul, is a labyrinthine enclave of seven rooms, including an Island Bar, dance floor and live music room. Frequented by A-list celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Bruce Willis and Keanu Reeves, JJ Mahoney’s remains one of the city’s most exclusive nightlife destinations. Bar Charm, housed in a traditional Korean Hanok, offers a curated selection of rare spirits with an emphasis on minimalist elegance. Meanwhile Zest, Seoul takes sustainability to new heights, crafting ambrosic zero-waste cocktails from locally sourced ingredients and spirits. 

Itaewon: Cosmopolitan Charm

A hot pot of cultures, Itaewon is famous for its nightlife scene that draws in a diverse crowd of global travellers, celebrities and trendsetters. Climb a sultry-lit stairway to reach the first floor of Boogie Woogie, a stylish cocktail lounge and jazz bar, perfect for intimate conversations and late-night glamour. Blacklist, a craft cocktail bar known for its premium drinks and moody interiors, is a favourite among visitors. Or settle in for the night at Off the Record Vinyl Music Bar, playfully elegant, expect cocktails adorned with umbrellas and curly straws, no less than nine dazzling disco balls and a bar backed by a wall of vinyl records. Arrive early for a relaxed dining experience, then watch as the night unfolds, transforming the space into a lively dance floor. 

For the ultimate luxury stay, Conrad Seoul offers an unparalleled experience in the heart of Yeouido, the city’s financial district. Overlooking Yeouido Park, the Han River and the Seoul skyline, 37 Bar at Conrad Seoul is the perfect spot to unwind with a signature cocktail or savour an exquisite dram from its extensive collection of rare and luxury whiskeys. With six exceptional dining options, your nightlife journey can begin with an unforgettable culinary experience before venturing out into the city. Book Conrad Seoul and more on ASMALLWORLD Collection.

ASMALLWORLD Collection Hotels Nearby

Book the world's best hotels with extraordinary VIP benefits for all

Conrad Seoul
ASW Collection
Conrad Seoul
Seoul, Republic of Korea
The Westin Josun Seoul
The Westin Josun Seoul
Seoul, Republic of Korea
Grand Hyatt Seoul
Grand Hyatt Seoul
Seoul, Republic of Korea

Become a member to join the conversation!

Become part of the world's leading travel & lifestyle community!

Related editorials

A journey through Seoul's best districts

Five of the best districts in Seoul - each unique in tone, atmosphere, culture, and style.

Top Locations for Celebrating Lunar New Year

Celebrate Lunar New Year in style at these top destinations

Austria’s Picture-Perfect Towns for Photographers

Your guide to the most charming and photogenic towns of Austria.