12 Most Popular Bars & Clubs in Seoul to Dance the Night Away!

The capital of South Korea is a vibrant and dynamic city that never seems to sleep. That is especially true about the colourful Seoul nightlife. With so many famous party districts like Gangnam, Hongdae, and Itaewon, those looking for a fun night out in Seoul are often spoilt for choice!

If you’re looking to paint the town red in Seoul, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a list of the eight best clubs in Seoul to party so you can fully experience the excitement of Seoul once the sun sets and the neon lights come on! 

Also read: 15 Best Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals in Seoul for Every Budget

Before you head out to experience the Seoul nightlife

Before you go out partying, there are a few things you need to take note of. Before choosing a club to party at, you should know that it’s a common rule that all foreign visitors need to show their passports to be allowed entry. This is mostly for age verification purposes. That being said, you may also come across clubs that are exclusive to locals. Don’t worry though, most clubs in Seoul are open to foreigners. 

On the flip side, you’ll be happy to know that most nightclubs and bars in Seoul are open till early morning. You could literally drink and be merry till the sun comes up! If you can’t be bothered to properly plan your night out, just join a pub crawl. Some hostels actually organise these events, so feel free to join in. The more the merrier, right? 

Finally, if you’re having trouble finding any particular place in Seoul, consider switching to mobile applications like NAVER or Kakao Maps. By and large, these work better than Google Maps in South Korea. 

Also read: 9 Useful South Korea Tips If You’re a First-Time Traveller

Best bars and clubs in Seoul for party animals

1. Club Vurt

Located in Mapo-gu, Club Vurt is the perfect choice for those who prefer a more subdued and nuanced Seoul nightlife experience. While the club remains open until the early morning hours like most other clubs in Seoul, it provides a more relaxed atmosphere, punctuated by its trendy underground techno music themes. 

Even though Club Vurt is a little off the beaten track, it still attracts world-class DJs to perform on a regular basis. Add to that the ambient lighting and chill vibes, and you have the perfect place to let loose while dancing to funky techno. It may not be as flashy as other Gangnam clubs, but it’s certainly an experience some partygoers can definitely appreciate and enjoy. 

Address: Dongmak-ro, Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Operating hours: Friday–Saturday, 11pm–7am; Tuesday, 9pm–1am 

2. Noise Basement 2 (NB2)

Sticking with Hongdae, another night hotspot you’ll want to add to your list of clubs in Seoul is Noise Basement 2 (or simply NB2). The one thing that immediately stands out about NB2 is the ownership: it’s owned by YG Entertainment! So, when you enter, you can expect to party the night away with a mix of Korean hip-hop and K-pop remixes. 

NB2 is one of the flashier nightclubs in Seoul and definitely one of the most crowded, especially on weekends. It opens every day until dawn and the lines never seem to get shorter. So, be patient if you want entry into this nightclub in Seoul! 

Address: 72 Wausan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04067, South Korea

Operating hours: Sunday–Thursday, 10pm–6.30am; Friday–Saturday, 9.30pm–7am 

3. Cakeshop

Cakeshop is one of the top clubs in Seoul for a sweet (pun intended) party. Located in the trendy district of Itaewon, this modest-sized club gives off a grungy, ghetto vibe, punctuated by flashy neon signs and colourful graffiti on the walls. While it doesn’t style itself as any specific genre of club, Cakeshop mostly plays R&B and hip-hop music. 

This cosy establishment is usually more popular with young partygoers. Despite its size, Cakeshop was actually awarded Best Club in Seoul back in 2018! While you may need to spend some time waiting in line due to the low maximum occupancy limit, trust us when we say it’s all totally worth it! 

Address: 34-16 Itaewon-dong, Yongsang-Gu, Seoul, Korea, B1 Seoul, South Korea 842-140

Operating hours: Thursday–Sunday, 9pm–4.30am 

4. Soap Seoul

Even if you’re not a regular party-goer, we’re pretty sure you’ve at least heard of Soap Seoul. In fact, it’s actually one of the most unique and popular nightclubs in Seoul. You can easily recognise it by its iconic logo: blue neon lights shaped into a bar of soap! And yes, just like the logo, the interior is also shaped (sort of) like a soap bar, with curves instead of corners on the dance floor. 

Soap Seoul is more of a music club than just a regular dance club. It is known for inviting the best DJs and musicians from all over the world. In short, it is a stalwart of Seoul’s underground music scene. Thus, you might just be able to enjoy music by the next big star while you’re there! What’s more? With its amiable staff, it has grown to become one of the best clubs in Seoul for foreigners. 

Address: 132-3 Itaewon-dong Yongsan-gu Seoul KR 04346, 132-3 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Operating hours: Opening times may differ based on upcoming events

Also read: 10 Chicken & Beer Places for Your Night Out in Seoul

5. Boombar

Boombar is another one of those clubs in Seoul that is more suited for classy partygoers. The interior features modern and elegant furnishings, which give off a chic and sexy vibe as DJs play heart-pumping hip-hop and R&B sets. As much as Boombar is a great place to party like there’s no tomorrow, its clean atmosphere also makes it a good place to just chill and grab a nightcap with friends. 

Address: 737-37 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Operating hours: Thursday, 8pm–11:30pm; Friday, 8pm–1am; Saturday, 8pm–3am 

6. Volnost

Put your rave face on when you step into Volnost, a buzzing techno nightclub tucked away in Itaewon. Its name came from a Czech word which means “free” — something this underground enclave hopes to be remembered for in the Seoul nightlife scene. Back in 2017, it started as one of the up-and-coming faces of the new wave in the local underground music scene. 

As one of the best bars in Seoul for all things experimental, you can expect a solid lineup every night. Catch local and international DJs playing a mix of techno, experimental, and EBM (electronic body music) tracks that’ll surely keep you hyped up all night long! 

Address: 136-1 Itaewon-ro Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Operating hours: Friday–Saturday, 12am–6am 

7. Pistil

The brains behind Cakeshop, one of the most popular clubs in Seoul, are also the same team behind Pistil. Looking for less jam-packed parties but still want to dance the night away to great live music? Then, this one will be your next fave stomping ground for a Friday night like no other. 

Over the years, Pistil has attracted both locals and foreigners who have a liking for alternative electronic, deep house music, and everything in between. On top of serving superb tracks, this lounge-and-club also serves up craft cocktails and delectable bar chows like baos and fried kimchi rice balls. Surely, you’ll need to fill up again after busting those sick moves.

Address: 9, Bogwang-ro 59-gil, Yongsan-gu B1F, Seoul 04391 South Korea

Operating hours: Thursday, 9pm–4am; Friday–Saturday, 9pm–5pm

Update as of 3 Mar 2023: Pistil is temporarily closed for renovations. However, they will be back in Mar 2023 for their eighth anniversary. Visit their official Facebook and Instagram pages for updates. 

8. Club Madholic

For all things hip-hop and R&B, head over to Club Madholic! This nightclub is located on one of the busiest streets of Hongdae, which means it often witnesses large crowds, especially during the weekend. Because of its popularity and endless waiting lines, they’ve opened a second outpost just next door! 

Thanks to its younger market, parties at Madholic are typically accompanied by the latest and trendiest tunes — ones you might often hear on the radio. Ready to feel young, wild, and free? 

Address: 405-3 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Operating hours: Monday–Wednesday & Sunday, 10pm–6am; Thursday, 10pm–7am; Friday–Saturday, 10pm–9am

9. Beton Brut + Concrete Bar

If you’re familiar with the underground techno and electronic music scene of Berlin, then you’ll easily fall in love with Beton Brut’s vibe! That said, it boasts a pretty consistent lineup of international DJs all the way from Europe and other parts of the world. Beton Brut prides itself on delivering quality party music, thanks to its professional Funktion-One sound system. Interiors-wise, it features a stripped-down, minimalist aesthetic with various wall art by Korean visual artists which makes for the perfect rave scene!

Address: 17 Bogwang-ro 60-gil, Itaewon 1(il)-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Operating hours: Thursday & Sunday, 7pm–10pm; Friday & Saturday, 7pm–12am

10. Lit Lounge

Lit Lounge is a famous hip-hop club owned and run by foreigners, which makes it super inclusive and a must-visit if you find yourself in Itaewon. If you’re on the hunt for the best spot to experience a comfortable nightlife atmosphere in Seoul, Lit Lounge is just the place for you. Here, the music, service, booze, and hookah are all top-notch and absolutely worth every cent! 

A major event to look forward to at Lit Lounge is New Year’s Eve. Best believe us when we say no can recreate its extravagant parties and celebrations!

Address: 34-65 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Operating hours: Wednesday – Thursday, 8pm–1am; Friday–Saturday, 8pm–4am

11. MODECi

Established in 2017 by clothing store HENZ SHOP, MODECi has since grown into one of the most frequented nightclubs in the heart of Hongdae. Although this bustling late-night enclave plays a wide variety of genres, it specialises in hip-hop, soul, and funk tracks. 

MODECi attracts a pretty diverse crowd with its lineup of popular Korean and globally recognised DJs. Situated on the fifth floor of a commercial building, its rooftop views offer stunning panoramic sights of the city. Ultimately, MODECi makes for a great spot to dance, chill, and get hyped up with its bass-heavy music. 

Address: 5F 64, Wausan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 

Operating hours: Friday–Saturday, 11pm–5am 

12. Mike’s Cabin

Mike’s Cabin features a classic dive-bar ambience: beer pong tables, dart boards, a spacious dance floor, and an old-charm vibe. While it’s not exactly like most clubs and bars in Seoul that are on this list, it’s very popular among Koreans and foreigners looking to drink and dance all night long. From hip-hop to pop music to rock, this juke house plays it all! With already two branches (Hongdae and Sinchon), Mike’s Cabin has grown to become a favourite among night owls and party animals for a taste of the Seoul nightlife. 

Address: 407-12 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

29 Yonsei-ro 11-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Operating hours: Sunday–Thursday, 6pm–1am; Friday–Saturday, 6pm–6am 

Also read: 15 Spots to Check Out in Yeonnam-dong — Seoul’s Hip Yuppie Neighbourhood

And there you have it: the best clubs in Seoul to fully experience the vibrant nightlife! Regardless of which club you choose to party at, make sure to stay safe and drink responsibly. Have you been to any of these Seoul clubs and bars? We’d love to hear about your experience! Tell us all about it on our Facebook page or tag us in your Instagram photos @tripzillamag.

Of course, thanks to the lively Seoul nightlife scene, we’re sure there are even more hidden hotspots that we’ve missed. While you’re at it, check out our nightlife guide to other buzzing cities like Bangkok, Phuket, and Singapore. Cheers!

---

Featured image credit: Soap Seoul | Official Facebook Page