Expert recommendations of the best clubs, bars, and other after-dark venues.
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W Hotel
Boutique hotel, popular for high-end parties, but the music is versatile. The split-level lobby lounge, with its capsule seats and long bar, is the place to hang. No cover charge. 21 Gwangjang-dong; tel. +82 2 465 2222. www.wseoul.com
J.J. Mahoney’s
The Grand Hyatt’s nightclub, popular with the over-30 expat crowd. Sometimes has live jazz or guitar in the chill-out room. Music varied; includes classic pop. No cover charge but very pricey drinks. 747-7 Hannam 2-dong; tel. + 82 2 797 1234. www.seoul.grand.hyatt.com
Circle
“For house music lovers and anyone with expensive tastes, this is it!”—Edward Chong, former event organizer, 21Communications. Arguably Korea’s top nightclub, in pricey Cheongdam-dong (“Seoul’s Beverly Hills”), it boasts a rotating bar—hence the name—and hosts everyone from Paris Hilton to Beyonce. Lively DJs and pricey drinks. Tickets: $30. Cheongdam-dong 91-2; tel. +82 2 546 5933. www.thecircle.co.kr
Club Catch
“Korean-Americans enjoying themselves like in LA.”— Edward Chong. Draws Korean rappers and singers who perform live and hosts frequent parties. Spacious dance floor, VIP floor, fair-priced drinks, rap and techno, invited DJs. Tickets about $15. Come out of Hongdae station exit 6, walk straight about 300 yards from Hongdae University front gate. Tel. +82 2 320 9393. www.catchlight.co.kr
Club NB
Quintessential Hongik University-area club—claims to be first hip-hop club in Seoul. Fills up most nights; crowd often dances along in synch. One bar, two stages; DJs have their own radio show. Tickets about $15. Tel. +82 2 326 1716. http://clubnb.com
Club Q-vo
Similar to Club NB, another Hongik University hip-hop haven. Multiple mixing decks for DJ crews, large, strobe-lit basement dance floor with overview area. Always crowded. Tickets about $15. Ohoo B/D, 367-11 Seogyo-dong; tel. +82 2 3143 7573. www.ohoo.net
The Bungalow
“Neo-Asian ambience.”—J. Scott Burgeson, editor Bug magazine. Beach-theme cocktail bar set in converted Itaewon bungalow. Candle-lit spaces, sand floors, swinging chairs, and lounge Muzak. Thai-style outdoor seating on the deck in summer. No cover charge. In the alley behind Itaewon’s Hamilton Hotel, on the right. Tel. +82 2 792 2344
Debut
“You’ll find yourself singing along to Pink Floyd, then realize it’s 4:00 a.m.”—Michael Breen, author, The Koreans. Tiny hole-in-the-wall on Itaewon’s “Hooker Hill.” Friendly bar girls keep classic rock playing and glasses brimming until wee hours; you’ll meet every patron in minutes. No phone.
