Best Things to Do in Seoul at Night: Late-Night Eats and Views

If you’re struggling with ideas on how to spend your nights in Seoul, you’ve come to the right place. From steaming street food to spooky walks through centuries-old alleyways, here are some of the most memorable things to do in Seoul at night.

Also read: New Things to Do in Korea 2025: Brand New Attractions and Undiscovered Gems

Dine at a pojangmacha (street-stall tent)

Seoul’s pojangmacha, those glowing orange tented stalls lining backstreets in areas like Jongno and Euljiro, are a quintessential part of the city’s nocturnal landscape.

Pull up a plastic stool and tuck into late-night comfort food like spicy tteokbokki, eomuk (fish cake skewers), and soondae (blood sausage), all best washed down with a shot of soju or two.

Unwind in a 24-hour jjimjilbang (sauna)

Open all night, Seoul’s jjimjilbangs are beloved escapes for locals needing to decompress. Try an evening soak in hot pools, a detox in Himalayan salt rooms, or a snooze on heated floors. 

You can even grab a midnight snack of steamed eggs and sikhye (sweet rice punch) from the in-house cafés.

Stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream

The 11-kilometre Cheonggyecheon Stream winds through the heart of Seoul and becomes a peaceful, illuminated haven after dark. Locals come here for late-night walks, quiet dates, or simply to cool off on a summer evening. 

The path is flat and accessible, with small bridges, art installations and occasional buskers adding to the atmosphere.

Hike up Seoul’s fortress walls

Seoul’s fortress wall trails are among the city’s most underrated night experiences. Head to Naksan Park, Inwangsan, or the Bugaksan section via Changuimun Gate for elevated walks with beautiful views of the city lit up at night. 

While some access points close after dark, others remain open for pedestrians or cars, making them perfect for a post-dinner drive or moonlit stroll above the city skyline.

Also read: Seoul Bus Guide for Tourists: How to Ride, What the Colours Mean & Why It’s Worth It

Browse 24-hour shopping districts

Seoul doesn’t sleep, and neither do some of its shops. Dongdaemun’s fashion malls and accessory markets stay open into the early morning, ideal for insomniac shoppers or anyone struck by a 2am urge to buy socks, skincare or streetwear. 

Look out for cafés and food stalls scattered between malls for a quick pit stop.

Join a night photography tour

Whether you’re an aspiring Instagrammer or just love capturing cityscapes, a night photography tour lets you see Seoul through a different lens. Local guides can lead you to hidden alleys, neon-lit signage, and riverside reflections ideal for long-exposure shots. 

It’s creative, immersive, and a great way to explore lesser-known corners of the city.

Go on a ghost-themed walking tour

Seoul has no shortage of spooky history. Join a night walking tour around palaces, shrines and back alleys where guides share chilling tales of royal hauntings, tragic love stories and mysterious happenings from the Joseon dynasty. 

It’s a blend of history, theatre, and just enough eerie atmosphere to keep things thrilling.

Also read: 7 of the Best Spine-Chilling and Immersive Ghost Tours in Asia

Seoullo 7017 night walk

Stroll along this charming elevated sky garden, a former overpass turned into a lush, illuminated pedestrian walkway about a kilometre long, adorned with 24,000 plants and LED lighting. 

Open 24/7, it offers a romantic, stunning view of downtown with soft ambient light, quiet benches, cafés, and occasional performances. Ideal for a relaxed evening stroll above the traffic. 

Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain

Cap off your evening with Seoul’s spectacular Moonlight Rainbow Fountain show, the world’s longest bridge fountain, stretching 1140 m across Banpo Bridge with 380 water jets illuminated in sync to music and lights. 

It runs daily from 1 April to 31 October, roughly five times a night. Each performance lasts about 20 minutes and is free to attend from Banpo Hangang Park (ideal vantage points include Moonlight Square and Jamsu Bridge). 

Also read: 7 Late Night Things to Do in Singapore: Your Guide to After-Hours Adventures

End your day with a bang

Seoul truly comes alive at night, not just with lights and music, but with atmosphere, variety and unexpected charm. 

Whether you’re soaking in a jjimjilbang, belting out ballads in a karaoke van, or sipping tea beneath the stars, the city offers plenty of ways to embrace the darker hours. So skip the early night in and discover why Seoul after sunset is an experience all of its own.