The best things to do after dinner in Seoul consist of award-winning dance clubs, unique all-night cafes with panoramic city views and a night market that stays open until the next morning. A favourite holiday destination for dance music fans, South Korea’s capital has hundreds of clubs and bars, mostly within the Gangnam and Hongdae districts.

Nightlife in Seoul also includes vibrant shopping districts that transform into cultural spaces, with fashion shows, dance performances and live concerts taking place year-round. Experience the best of South Korea’s night-time attractions with our rundown of where to go and what to do at night in Seoul.

  • 1

    N Seoul Tower

    A national landmark

    N Seoul Tower
    • Nightlife

    N Seoul Tower is a modern structure atop Namsan Mountain in central Seoul. A gigantic 236 metres tall, you get to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Seoul from its observatory. Inside, you’ll find a digital telescope and an incredible immersive art installation that’s sure to make your jaw drop in awe. Don’t worry about hungry mouths, as there are plenty of restaurants and cafes to keep you fed.

    The roof terrace at N Seoul Tower is a popular spot for couples for attaching padlocks and love notes to the fence, making it a perfect romantic date idea. Purchase your padlocks and other souvenirs at the gift shop. The tower also hosts traditional performances and exhibitions year-round.

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    Location: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Open: Monday–Friday from 10.30 am to 10.30 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 11 pm

    Phone: +82 (0)2-3455-9277

    Map

    photo by dconvertini (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 2

    Dongdaemun Night Market

    Retail therapy paradise

    Dongdaemun Night Market
    • Food
    • Nightlife
    • Shoppers

    Visit the huge, all-night Dongdaemun Night Market for a seemingly endless range of clothing, jewellery, shoes, handbags, cosmetics and skincare. You’ll find trendy shopping centres and specialty stores, as well as a sleek outdoor stage with state-of-the-art facilities hosting exciting dance performances, K-pop concerts and fashion shows. You might even come across a late-night spa or cinema.

    There’s also an open market, where you can shop for local and international brands at discounted prices. Dongdaemun Night Market is a foodie paradise, with street stalls selling Korean street food like topokki and bibimbap and drinks at affordable prices so you can refuel before powering on with yet more shopping.

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    Location: 272 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Open: Monday–Thursday from 6.45 am to 3.15 am, Friday from 6.45 am to midnight, Saturday 24 hours (closed on Sundays)

    Phone: +82 (0)22-262-0114

    Map
  • 3

    Namdaemun Market

    One of South Korea's most famous markets

    Namdaemun Market
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Nightlife
    • Shoppers

    In the daytime, Namdaemun Market is crowded with people in search of deals on everything from kitchenware and furniture to children’s accessories and trendy outfits. It’s a bustling hive of activity with plenty of exciting South Korean products to discover. However, the market really comes to life after sunset.

    Not only will you find plenty of food trucks selling tasty snacks, but also events and performances to make your experience truly memorable. Namdaemun Market has convenient public transportation options and there are plenty of hotels nearby, so you won’t have to worry about staying out too late.

    Location: 21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Hoehyeon-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 5.30 pm and 11 pm to 4 am (Closed on Sundays)

    Phone: +82 (0)2-753-2805

    Map

    photo by Emmanuel DYAN (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 4

    Yeouido Hangang Park

    A park that's beautiful in all seasons

    Yeouido Hangang Park
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Nightlife
    • Photo

    The scenery of Yeouido Hangang Park, also called Seoul Color Park, is gorgeous come nighttime thanks to the stunning Han River and sparkling lights from surrounding buildings. There are always fun and interesting events taking place at the park throughout the year, like concerts on the riverside stage.

    Appreciate the springtime cherry blossoms in full bloom under the moonlight or stroll through a night market offering South Korean street food and souvenirs during the summer. In autumn, people gather to watch in awe as the night sky is covered with colourful fireworks while winter brings the romance with its illuminated foliage.

    Location: 330 Yeouidong-ro, Yeoeuido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Phone: +82 (0)2-3780-0561

    Map

    photo by travel oriented (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 5

    Naksan Park

    A romantic mountainside park

    Naksan Park
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Nightlife
    • Photo

    Naksan Park’s true beauty comes alive when the sun begins to set, creating a romantic atmosphere as the soft moonlight and lamps along the fortress walls cloak the grounds with warm light. So if you’re looking for a quiet date spot to watch the sunset, Naksan Park is highly recommended.

    The views are gorgeous at night time, when the city is lit with twinkling lights. As well as the scenery, you’ll get to see sculptures, monuments and wonderful artwork throughout the park.

    Location: 41 Naksan-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Phone: +82 (0)2-743-7985

    Map

    photo by travel oriented (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 6

    Seoul Sky

    South Korea's tallest building

    Seoul Sky
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Nightlife
    • Photo

    An awesome observatory located on the 117th floor of Lotte World Tower, Seoul Sky greets you with a beautiful 360-degree night-time view of Seoul and its busy streets against a backdrop of the Han River. Standing at 555 metres above ground level and 123 floors, Lotte World Tower is one of Seoul’s most prominent landmarks. The 118th floor is home to the Sky Deck, which has a transparent glass floor with a dizzying view of Seoul below.

    After taking in the views, why not check out the stunning light displays and multimedia exhibits before visiting the gift shop? If you’re hungry during your visit, 3 cafes and a lounge will serve up tasty snacks in the sky. 

    Location: 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Open: Sunday–Thursday from 10.30 am to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10.30 am to 11 pm

    Phone: +82 (0)2-1661-2000

    Map
  • 7

    Banpo Hangang Park

    A spectacular evening light show

    Banpo Hangang Park
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Nightlife
    • Photo

    One of the many parks along the Han River, Banpo Hangang Park has a stunning after dark rainbow fountain show, which is why the park attracts more people at night than during the day. When night falls, 380 coloured jets spout from either side of the bridge, further illuminated by 200 more lights and synchronised to music.

    When the weather is fine, a night market opens with lots of street foods and drinks on hand. So, grab yourself some tasty South Korean fried chicken and a beer and enjoy an exciting, colourful night show against a backdrop of the beautiful Han River.

    Location: 40 Sinbanpo-ro 11-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Phone: +82 (0)2-3780-0541

    Map
  • 8

    Soeul jimjilbang

    A place to de-stress with the locals

    • Budget

    jjimjilbang is a traditional South Korean bathhouse where you can not only relax in tranquil sauna rooms, but also spend the night at an affordable price. Open 24 hours a day, many of these establishments are also fitted with facilities such as hot tubs, snack bars, swimming pools, fitness clubs, golf ranges and karaoke rooms named noraebang. You might even be able to truly pamper yourself with a spa treatment.

    The sleeping quarters are fitted with sleeping mats or bunk beds, and the inexpensive prices make them a popular choice for backpackers and travellers on a budget. 

  • 9

    Seoullo 7017

    A floating garden above the busy streets of Seoul

    Seoullo 7017
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Food
    • Nightlife
    • Photo

    An elevated park, Seoullo 7017’s transformation at night is not to be missed. Once the sun begins to set, the lights of the park and surrounding buildings create spectacular views. It’s an incredible example of urban greenery, with the biggest variety of Korean plant species making a home on the former inner city highway.

    Each seasonal change brings a new look to the sky garden and the lights on display and even the headlamps of passing vehicles in front of Seoul Station add to the beauty. Tinkle the ivories on Seoullo 7017’s public piano to make the night even more romantic.

    Location: 432 Cheongpa-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Open: 24/7

    Phone: +82 (0)2-313-7017

    Map

    photo by 분당선M (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 10

    Bugak Skyway

    Traditional pavilion with gorgeous views

    Bugak Skyway
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Photo

    Bugak Palgakjeong is a famous late-night date spot in Seoul. Just walk up a winding forest road to reach an octagonal pavilion that’s decorated with vibrant colours and warm lights. Once there, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning night-time view of Seoul and Mt. Nam, as well as a lovely wildflower garden. Because it’s a well-known late-night date spot, it’s always bustling with people well into the morning.

    Bugak Skyway has beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons, so it’s a popular destination for those looking for a scenic drive. Inside the pavilion you can take a seat at a café and enjoy the sunset and city lights with a snack from the unmanned ramyeon machines.

    Location: 267 Bugaksan-ro, Pyeongchang-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Phone: +82 (0)2-6951-3439

    Map

    photo by Hajo Schatz (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 11

    Myeongdong Nanta Theater

    Comedic culinary stage show

    • Nightlife

    The Myeongdong Nanta Theater hosts exciting and comedic, non-verbal plays within a wacky kitchen setting, and they’ve become hugely popular with residents and tourists alike. The 90-minute show combines traditional South Korean musical elements like garak rhythms and a percussion quartet named samullori.

    The insanely talented cast, dressed as kitchen staff, perform intricate rhythms on makeshift instruments such as pots and pans while preparing for a luxurious wedding banquet. Expect acrobatics, audience participation and jaw-dropping knife skills. Book yourself a seat and you’ll see why the Nanta Theater is considered South Korea’s favorite theatre show.

    Location: 26 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Open: Monday–Friday 5 pm and 8 pm, Saturday 2 pm, 5 pm and 8 pm, Sunday 2 pm and 5 pm

    Phone: +82-2-739-8288

    Map
  • 12

    Lookout cafés on Hangang River

    Scenic viewing cafes

    Lookout cafés on Hangang River
    • Nightlife

    Enjoy the night cityscape by visiting one, or all of, the unique cafés that line 6 of the 24 bridges stretching across the Hangang River in the southern part of Seoul. Each café features huge glass windows for the most perfect of nighttime views. You could opt for the romantic terrace of Café Sunset on Dongjak Bridge or enjoy fresh flowers at Riverview Bom on Jamsil Bridge.

    Marvel at the glass floor at Riverview 8th Avenue on Gwangjin Bridge or ride an elevator along the wing of crane shaped Café Seonyu on Yanghwa Bridge. Any of these lookout cafés offer cosy retreats for those looking to unwind after a day of sightseeing in Seoul.

  • 13

    Noraebang in Seoul

    Karaoke, a South Korean cultural staple

    Noraebang in Seoul
    • Nightlife

    A hugely popular night-time activity in Seoul is karaoke, or noraebang in Korean, where you can belt out to your favourite tunes until the early hours of the morning. Available almost everywhere in the city, noraebang centres are usually equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, ample microphones and jingling tambourines, as well as a collection of songs in languages including English, Japanese, Korean and Chinese.

    Beer, soft drinks and snacks are usually available at additional charges, meaning you can really make a party of it under the disco lights.

  • 14

    Club Octagon

    World-ranking luxury dance club

    Club Octagon
    • Nightlife

    The extravagant Club Octagon is one of Gangnam’s elite nightclubs, where local celebrities and trendsetters party until late. Touted as one of the world's best clubs, it’s an underground hideout with top quality sound systems, VIP lounges, spacious dancefloors, private rooms and even a swimming pool.

    Club Octagon hosts an impressive line-up of international and Korean DJs that usually play electro dance and tech-house. Expect to pay a cover charge to party here, but it’s worth it for the impeccable drinks selection and luxury nightlife experience.

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    Location: 645 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Open: Thursday–Sunday from 11 pm to 8 am (Closed Monday–Wednesday)

    Phone: +82 (0)10-7328-8182

    Map
  • 15

    Paradise Walker Hill Casino

    For a ritzy gambling experience

    • Nightlife

    The exclusive Paradise Casino Walkerhill attracts tourists looking to try their luck at thrilling tabletop games and slot machines. Located within the lavish Grand Walkerhill Seoul hotel, guests can enjoy decadent hand-crafted cocktails and pleasant views of the Hangang River while they toss the dice and lay down the cards.

    Inspired by Las Vegas’ swanky casinos, Paradise Casino’s games include baccarat, blackjack, roulette and tai-sai, as well as several table games and arcades. As a foreigners-only casino, its dedicated staff members are fluent in many languages to serve their customers’ needs. Book a VIP room if you really want to game in style.

    Location: 177 Walkerhill-ro, Gwangjang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Phone: +82 (0)1-899-0700

    Map