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Gyeongbok Palace, Seoul

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Seoul Nightlife

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 cafés and bars and the world-class Seven Luck Casino; and Itaewon has the greatest concentration of western-style pubs and clubs.

Korean culture is alive and well, with traditional performances staged everywhere from palace grounds to night markets. Visit www.seoulstyle.com for a selection of nightlife venues by area.

Bars in Seoul

Gecko's Terrace

This European-style expats’ bar is one of the most popular in Seoul and handy for a beer after shopping in Itaewon. There’s a DJ, pool tables, darts and a big screen showing international sports.

Address 128-5 Itaewon-dong, Seoul, South Korea
Telephone: (02) 749 9425.
http://www.geckosterrace.com
Sky Lounge

Sky Lounge offers spectacular views over Seoul from 30 floors up in the CEOX Intercontinental Hotel. Cocktails and modern cuisine are on the menu, and there’s live music some nights.

Address Seoul COEX Intercontinental Hotel, 159 Samseong-dong, Seoul, South Korea
Telephone: (02) 3452 2500.
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com
WooBar

The futuristic WooBar at the W Seoul Walkerhill hotel is the hottest bar Seoul, though a 15-minute taxi ride out of the centre. It claims the city’s longest bar and offers 40 vodkas and 200 wines in a cool, contemporary setting with resident DJ. The same hotel’s Liquid Bar has a sake cellar.

Address 175 Achaseong-Gil, Seoul, South Korea
Telephone: (02) 2022 0333.
http://www.wseoul.com

Clubs in Seoul

Club Answer

South of the Han River in Cheongdam-dong, this Seoul venue is aimed at a more sophisticated, style-conscious clubbing crowd. International DJs play house music, there’s a large dancefloor, state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems and an upstairs VIP room.

Address 125-16 Cheongdam-dong, Seoul, South Korea
Telephone: (02) 514 4311.
http://www.clubanswer.co.kr
Club Heaven

Opened in 2010, this new Seoul club opposite the Renaissance Hotel Art Nouvo is making waves. The main club is open 2100 to 0600, but those who want to push on into daylight hours can move to the after-hours club in a private area from 0430.

Address B1F-B2F Artnouveau City Hotel Seoul, 701-1 Yeoksam-dong, Seoul, South Korea
Telephone: (02) 1644 8466.
http://www.clubheaven.co.kr
Club M2

There’s great lighting and top international DJs playing house, progressive and trance music at this 1,000-capacity Seoul club which boasts the largest dance floor in the Hongdae district.

Address Ohoo Building, 367-11 Seogyo-dong, Seoul, South Korea
Telephone: (02) 3143 7573.
http://ohoo.net/m2

Live Music in Seoul

Club Evans

An ‘incubation site’ for up-and-coming jazz talent in Seoul, this club near Hongik University is the place to catch the latest hot young things. It even has its own jazz academy and recording studio.

Address Seogyo-dong, Seoul, South Korea
Telephone: (02) 337 8361.
http://www.clubevans.com
Once In A Blue Moon

Seoul’s best-known jazz bar is situated in upmarket Apkujong and has live music nightly ranging from original jazz to modern variants. Food and cocktails named after famous musicians are available.

Address 85-1 Cheongdam-dong, Seoul, South Korea
Telephone: (02) 549 5490.
http://www.onceinabluemoon.co.kr
Rock and Roll

A well-established pub with a US/Western-themed décor in the heart of the Rodeo shopping district in Apkujong. The wood-clad exterior gives a log-cabin appearance and inside a bar and eating areas are spread over two floors, and live rock music is played to a mixed crowd.

Address 648-4 Shinsa-dong, Seoul, South Korea
Telephone: (02) 545 4163.

Theatre in Seoul

Jump Theatre

Another popular show that has toured overseas, Jump mixes Korean martial arts like tae kwon do with acrobatics and comedy. Again, knowledge of Korean is not required to follow the action.

Address 33-1 Gwancheol-dong, Seoul, South Korea
Telephone: (02) 722 3995.
http://www.yegam.com/jump/eng
Nanta Theatre

Lively hit musical comedy ‘Cookin' Nanta’ sends food flying by using kitchen utensils as instruments. It’s on at three theatres in Seoul and, as it isn’t reliant on dialogue, is perfect for non-Korean speakers.

Myeongdong Theater: 35 Myeongdong 2-ga Jung-gu
Gangbuk Jeong Dong Theater: 22 Jeong-dong, Jung-gu
Gangnam Theater: 86-1 Chungdam-dong, Gangnam-gu

Address 35 Myeongdong 2-ga, Seoul, South Korea
Telephone: (02) 739 8288.
http://www.nanta.co.kr

Music and Dance in Seoul

Korea House

This venue, modelled on a royal palace, combines traditional Korean table d'hôte with folk music and dance shows. Visitors are encouraged to try on national costumes and can even see a recreation of a traditional wedding ceremony.

Address 20-2 Pil-dong, Seoul, South Korea
Telephone: (02) 2266 9101.
http://www.kh.or.kr/eng
National Gugak Center

Formerly known as the National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts, this governing body whose mission it is to preserve cultural traditions puts on regular performances in a hall built to resemble Seoul’s Suwon Fortress.

Address 2364 Seocho-dong, Seoul, South Korea
Telephone: (02) 580 3333.
http://www.gugak.go.kr/eng

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