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A Night At Itaewon: Discovering The Vibrant Seoul Nightlife

Ready to party? There are few places in South Korea that are more suited for a night out than Itaewon, a district in Seoul known for incredible dining and clubbing options. Diverse music, neon lights, and an energetic crowd set the scene for an unforgettable night of revelry. 

The tourist-friendly area attracts plenty of visitors of all ages with an eclectic mix of upscale bistros, laidback joints, dance clubs, and gay bars. With a range of cuisines from all over the world, Itaewon is known among locals as “Western Town” and a popular stop for foreigners in Seoul. New tourists may find it a bit overwhelming, but there are too many wining and dining opportunities here to skip Itaewon on a trip to the country. Make sure you’re well-connected with a South Korea LTE sim card to help you navigate the alleys.

Here are the various ways to enjoy a wonderful night out in Itaewon, Seoul.

 

Grab a Bite

 

First, fuel up. Itaewon’s gritty streets feature the most diverse range of cuisines in the entirety of Seoul, so it’s best to make the most of it and sample as much of the food as possible. It’s common for Koreans to hunt down a hearty meal before partying, which is a good idea for revelers who are planning to spend the whole night exploring the bars and clubs of Itaewon.

Visit Linus BBQ, a rustic diner serving authentic and flavorful American barbecued meat as well as other Southern staples like fried okra. For a taste of world-class Korean barbecue, sit down for a meal at the modern restaurant Maple Tree House with food like bulgogi, bibimbap, and other Korean favorites. Other amazing dining choices in Itaewon include Passion 5, El Pino 323, Itaewon the Burger, and Petra Restaurant.

 

 

Visit Homo Hill

via SOHO

One of the places that attract a lot of travelers in Itaewon is Homo Hill, a neighborhood considered to be an LGBTQ+ center in conservative Korea. Found in this small yet vibrant strip are good music, abundant drinks, and a mixed crowd of locals and tourists, combining for a fantastic stop during a night out in Itaewon. 

Step inside the iconic Trance, where drag queens and trans women stage electrifying performances each night. It’s one of the oldest gay bars in the neighborhood, going from an underground haunt for LGBTQ+ to a mainstream hotspot hosting hoards of people daily. Whether tourists prefer enjoying at the popular bar Always Homme or hitting the dance floor at Soho, there’s plenty of choices at the lively Homo Hill.

 

 

Explore More Bars, Clubs

via Cakeshop

Homo Hill is an important part of Itaewon nightlife, but it’s not the only place where travelers can go for a good time. Cruise through the streets to discover all the great spots for drinks, dancing, or meeting new people.

Make sure you visit Cakeshop, a hip, popular club that’s a haven for all music lovers from Korea and abroad. Pistil is another spot known for house and disco music, often inviting local and international DJs to play some sets at the relaxed venue. Check out basement club Venue/ for music and a low-key crowd or head to the charming pub Magpie Brewing Co. for great craft beer.

 

 

Stay the Night

via Hamilton Hotel

Many travelers fall in love with fun-filled Itaewon and choose to stay in the district, whether it’s only for a single night or an entire vacation. Foreigners find it easy to feel at home in the nightlife center of Seoul, where there is an assortment of international flavors and English is widely spoken. 

Since plenty of tourists gravitate towards Itaewon, there are a lot of accommodation options in the area. Those who are looking for a budget option can book a room at Mose Hostel and Amazon Guesthouse. Itaewon is also home to a number of more upscale hotels, such as Hamilton Hotel and Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel.

While most hotels offer Wi-Fi, whether in rooms or common areas, it’s always best to be prepared. Book or rent your personal portable Wi-Fi for pick-up at Korea airports or other pick-up stations in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other places.  

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