Busan
This busy expat bar has cheap shots, pub grub, trivia nights, TV sports and a splendid view of Gwangan bridge.
Must-see nightlife in South Korea
Jeollanam-do
This cute-as-pie white cottage looks totally out of place on a street filled with grey, weathered shops. There are fresh juices, cakes and muffins on the…
Gyeongsangnam-do
Even with industrial digs featuring exposed pipework, the atmosphere is warm and friendly at this cafe near Gyeonsang National University. It's a great…
Gwangju
Gwangju's most sophisticated spot does wine by the glass, German beers and a fantastic cheese platter. Located across from the new Asian Culture Complex,…
Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
Tucked away in the back alleys of Itaewon, this blue-hued basement club burst onto the scene in 2017, pulling in international DJs spinning to a young, up…
Gyeongsangnam-do
A favorite with indie locals and expats, this bar near Gyeonsang National University has chill vibes, cheap drinks and open mic nights.
Gangnam & Southern Seoul
The Gangnam branch of this Baesangmyeon Brewery bar is a bit snazzier than others, but remains a good place to sample quality traditional Korean alcohol…
Gangnam & Southern Seoul
A three-storey design and music-themed cafe located in an alley adjacent to Garosu-gil. Each floor brings a slightly different atmosphere, from cafe…
Seoul
A cafe well known for its eye-catching storefront, Hello Stranger is a warm, cosy coffeeshop located on the outskirts of Hongdae. Filled with art…
Daegu
With a popular, slender terrace over the street, spacious Etoh's sports a homely atmosphere and a cracking menu of draft beer. Don't expect old banknotes…
Dongdaemun & Eastern Seoul
Anywhere else in Seoul (except maybe Hongdae), this vast, industrial-chic hang-out would be cream of the crop with its street-art styling, quality baked…
Busan
Splendid herbal teas and a warm interior make this an excellent alternative to the sterile sameness of chain coffee shops. The dark and earthy twin flower…
Gangnam & Southern Seoul
Fitted out in designer furniture and caffeine-related paraphernalia, this cool little cafe is a great spot for coffee. It roasts all its single-origin…
Gwanghwamun & Jongno-gu
A modern-style manhwa-bang (comic-book cafe) in a renovated hanok, Comics Shop lets you explore its library in a private capsule, including everything…
Gwanghwamun & Jongno-gu
Owned by a stage actor, this rustic hang-out, plastered with posters, is an atmospheric place to sample makgeolli (rice wine) served out of brass kettles…
Chuncheon
Part of the Art n Company gallery, this stylish hillside cafe has a great tea selection and commands lovely views of Uiam-ho, accompanied by smooth, jazzy…
Jeju-si
On the coastal road behind the airport is this eclectic cafe-bar-restaurant that often stages craft exhibitions and other arty events. A ₩6000 taxi ride…
Seoul
This vegan bakery-cafe is one of the few places to get an excellent soy latte in Seoul. Dairy-free temptations include dense matcha muffins, macaroons,…
Busan
Craving craft beer? Busan's first craft brewery has an evolving menu, including black, blonde and pale ales. There are five other locations in Busan, but…
Gangneung
This gem, down an alley opposite Terarosa, lives in a ramshackle wooden house with a low ceiling. Park yourself at the beautiful, dark bar, constructed of…
Seoul
Taking on the same name as the first official cafe and parlour in Korea from 1931, Nakrang Parlour is an airy cafe and vintage goods shop located in…
Northern Seoul
Referring not to large simians but bees (ape meaning 'bee' in Italian), Ape Seoul is a honey-themed cafe run by beekeeper-barista Park Jin. Get your latte…
Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
For top-quality third-wave coffee at a great price, Standing Coffee Roasters can't be beat. This is its roastery, with a tiny shop and cafe attached. Buy…
Daejeon
The espresso is deep and complex, the interior warm and inviting, and there's an original Abbey Road LP cover just inside the door. Eun-yeong, the affable…
Gwanghwamun & Jongno-gu
Perhaps the most photographed spot in Ikseon-dong, and with a fantasyland of exuberant blooms and cutesy gardenware in every space of this converted…
Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
Named after Korean owner Jay's love affair with the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds album, this friendly upstairs rock bar provides a paper and pen to put in your…
Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
Order your makgeolli (milky rice wine) by the half-litre or litre at this homey bar and restaurant up the hill from the main Itaewon dining alley. Or pair…
Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
This shabby-chic, three-storey cafe is a chilled place to hang out and enjoy art books and magazines with a creative hot drink (try the espresso with a…
Gangnam & Southern Seoul
Part coffee shop and part Braille library, this bright and spacious cafe caters to the sight-impaired community. The library consists of hundreds of…
Dongdaemun & Eastern Seoul
Amazing serves around 20 of its own beers at this hip brewing facility and bar. Seoul Forest, a New England pale ale, is named after the park next door…
Seoul
This two-storey bar and cafe is all about its dozen vintage video games on the basement level. Drinks include decent coffee and a few craft beers on tap;…
Seoul
An icon of Hongdae and known simply as 'Playground', small Hongik Munhwa park turns into an impromptu outdoor party most nights. Weekends are especially…
Jeju-si
Dark and relaxed bar run by a well-travelled, English-speaking Jeju native. Craft beer, soju and wine match nicely with the mismatched antique furniture,…
Gyeongsangbuk-do
This fabulous cafe in a temple hall at the heart of Haein-sa is arrayed with Buddhist books on shelves. A state of zen calm presides over the neat,…
Seoul
The owners of this coffee 'showroom' studied the art of the bean for years in Melbourne to fine-tune their barista skills before opening up this venue in…
Seoul
Myoung Wol Gwan (MWG) translates as 'bright moon house' but lunar sightings are not on the agenda from this dark, basement venue, one of Hongdae's longest…
Gwanghwamun & Jongno-gu
Along with sibling operation Brew 3.15 across the road, Brew 3.14 has carved a name for itself with its great selection of local craft beers, delicious…
Gangnam & Southern Seoul
Rustic charm meets Apgujeong chic at this convivial makgeolli (milky rice wine) bar and cafe spread over two floors. The menu has several different types…
Chungcheongbuk-do
Near the entrance to Beopju-sa, this delightful teahouse is adorned with Buddhist pictures and immersed in tranquillity. Sit down for an Americano, a…
Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
Blaze up a top-class Cuban, swirl your aged single malt and kick back in a leather club chair as you savor the sophisticated (and smoky) ambience at this…
