South Korea is one of the most vibrant and lively places on the planet. But would you expect anything less from the nation that produces some of the best music and TV shows on the planet? K-pop has taken the world by storm. And shows and movies like Parasite and Squid Game changed the entertainment industry forever.
So it makes sense that a lot more people are finally taking the plunge and visiting South Korea. It is a nation rich in culture. Filled with beautiful vistas and friendly people. And it also has an amazing nightlife. Whether you’re in the heart of Seoul or visiting beautiful Daejeon, this guide will help you make the most out of the nightlife activities on offer.
Clubbing
Many of the major cities in South Korea have a vibrant clubbing scene. But Seoul is the best spot if you want to dance the night away. The best area in Seoul for clubs is Hongdae. It is the most hip and vibrant area of the city.
The clubbing culture in Seoul isn’t much different from many western nations. You need to be 20 years old to go clubbing in South Korea though. Something to keep in mind when planning your trip with a group of friends.
Clubs in Hongdae do tend to lean more to the expensive end of the spectrum. But there are a lot of cheaper options in other areas of Seoul. The main upside to clubbing in Seoul is that a lot of venues are allowed to operate for 24-hours. Not every location will. But you will be able to find a party at any time.
Karaoke
Noraebang is the Korean word for karaoke. It more accurately translates to ‘sing room.’ Most Karaoke venues in South Korea will give you a private room for you and your friends. Karaoke is a huge part of the social scene in South Korea. Going as far as to be used by business people entertaining potential clients or dignitaries hosting guests of honor.
If you are working while traveling then karaoke venues also offer amazing opportunities for part time work, especially for females. Karaoke rooms often find temporary staff through apps like Bubblealba. Seoul has a huge number of Karaoke rooms so if you’re looking for a part time job for females here then you’re in luck.
The karaoke rooms aren’t the only option available either. A lot of regular bars around the nation will hold karaoke nights. And some of the arcades also have karaoke booths in them as well. So you can get the singing bug out of your system whenever you want.
Game Rooms
South Korea is a nation that loves to play. To that end you will find a huge variety of arcades throughout most major cities. And a lot of these locations stay open late into the night. They are the ultimate choice for anyone who prefers a less drinking focused atmosphere.
South Korean arcades are always fitted with the latest gadgets and games. You’ll have a plethora of activities to choose from including VR racing games, claw machines, and fighting games. A lot of these arcades do only take coins though. So you will need to change up your notes beforehand.
Bar Crawls
Cities like Seoul are filled to the brim with amazing pubs and bars. Whether you like a quiet place to grab an intimate drink with a friend. Or if you want a lively bar to meet new friends. You will definitely find something to suit your taste.
And the best way to experience the bars of South Korea is with a bar crawl. There are hundreds of companies offering these experiences around the nation. They are not only a great opportunity to see more of the city but also a chance to meet new friends as well. Bar crawl organizers often have special deals going with the locations you visit. Meaning you’ll get discount drinks or free shots on arrival.
Food Tours
One of the best parts of any holiday is getting to try the food of a different nation. And South Korea is home to some of the most amazing dishes on the planet. If you’re a foodie you will want to treat yourself to a food tour.
Similar to a bar crawl, these tours will take you around the city to different cafes, restaurants, market stalls, and food trucks. Letting you sample some of the tastiest dishes. The tour guides will provide you with lots of interesting information about the history of the dishes and of the city you are in.
