The varied and dynamic nightlife in this city that never sleeps includes everything from 24-hour norebang (singing room) and snacking at open-air night markets or hofs (Korean pubs) to upmarket clubs and international hotel bars. Hongik University (Hongdae), is home to Seoul's vibrant club scene, the upmarket Apgujeong-dong, has cinemas, the trendiest cafes and bars and the world-class Seven Luck Casino and Itaewon the greatest concentration of western-style pubs and clubs. Visit www.seoulstyle.com for a selection by area.

Bars: The futuristic Woo Bar,W Hotel, 21 Gwangjang Dong, Gwangjin-gu, Walkerhill is the hottest bar in town, but a 15-minute taxi ride out of the centre. Bang in one of the happening districts is Above, 19-25 Itaewon-dong store, Itaewon, a swanky wine bar with a candlelit indoor pond and Gecko's Terrace, 128-5 Itaewon-dong, yongsan-gu, one of the most popular pubs in Seoul, serving good food.

Clubs: Club Day, on the last Friday of the month gives access to 13 clubs in the Hongdae district such as: Club M2, Ohoo Building, Seokyo Dong (website: www.ohoo.net), which with top international DJs attract a trendy crowd and has great lighting and St102, 360-18 Seokyo-Dong, a hip hop club with black walls and cool characters.

Live Music: The sexy Once in a Blue Moon, 85-1 Cheongdam-Dong Kangnam-gu, Apgujeong (tel: (02) 549 5490) is the best known jazz bar in the city in upmarket Apkujong with live music nightly. For a different vibe, try Rock and Roll, 648-4 Shinsa Dong Kangnam-gu (tel (02) 545 4163), an established wooden-panelled pub playing rock music in the heart of this district.