Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
Shared tables and a chill vibe draw the laptop crowd to this roomy cafe, making it a good spot to plug in and update that blog over a latte and coconut…
Must-see nightlife in South Korea
Seoul
A dark and wonderful LP bar in Hongdae lined with over 15,000 records. Jot down your song requests and pass it to the cool older DJ who might play one on…
Seoraksan National Park
Inside the park and on the outskirts of Seorak-dong, this charming traditional Korean cafe has a terrific range of freshly roasted coffees and is sits by…
Chungcheongbuk-do
With plunging views from a mountain (Du-san) 600m up on the far side of the river, this cafe pretty much has the monopoly on views in town. The cafe also…
Myeong-dong & Jung-gu
The Edge is half record store and half cafe and bar. The venue focuses on selling records by day, but invites DJs and sells drinks after dark. On…
Gwanghwamun & Jongno-gu
Teas and herbal infusions for whatever ails you. Ask for the handy chart in English to aid you in your selection from the wide range of concoctions…
Seoul
A 2nd-floor vinyl bar, Man Pyung is often the only venue open past midnight on this Hapjeong-dong cafe street. Opened by two DJs, this bar is one for die…
Myeong-dong & Jung-gu
Eulji Brewing is a two-storey craft beer bar that opened in 2018. The interior is decorated with graphics by local artists, and the menu focuses on local…
Gyeongsangnam-do
It may not have all the trappings of a traditional Irish pub, such as patrons shouting 'How's the craic?', but it does have some good beer on tap, a…
Northern Seoul
Little has changed in this retro Seoul classic since the place opened in 1956, save for the price of the coffee. Worn wooden booths and dark, creaking…
Busan
Vibes are cheerful and carefree at this Jamaican-themed lounge in Seomyeon, which draws an international crowd with DJs spinning reggae and hip hop. There…
Seoul
This cosy craft-beer pub on the top floor of a small backstreet block is a good place to savour a pint or two. Choose between four local beers on tap and…
Seoul
Hip hop club owned by YG Entertainment (Big Bang, One, previously Psy), with '90s classics and modern EDM hits. Sociable, high-energy and open late. Cover…
Gwanghwamun & Jongno-gu
Based in a hanok, ‘Coffee Mill’ is a charming spot decorated with retro pieces and the quirky, colourful artworks of owner Lee Gyeong-hwan, whom you’re…
Gwanghwamun & Jongno-gu
The courtyard of this converted hanok in Ikseon-dong makes the craft beers here extra special. A four-beer sampler includes citrusy light Punk IPA, and…
Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
If you're seeking refuge from all the craft beer and KoMex, this low-key wine bar is just the ticket. Serving Iberian wines with petiscos (Portuguese…
Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
For a vibe somewhere between a club and a bar, duck in to Living Room, a cosy basement lounge attracting a friendly Haebangchon crowd for well-priced…
Busan
This bar is a regular date spot for the university crowd because of the cheap draught, free curry-flavoured popcorn and pounding K-Pop. There are two…
Gwanghwamun & Jongno-gu
There is an excellent range of traditional rice wines available at this drinking and dining outlet for brewer Kooksoondang; see the website for full…
Gwanghwamun & Jongno-gu
A worthy stop for those who take their coffee seriously. Baristas here know how to do a decent single-origin espresso, slow drip or cold brew. They roast…
Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
An inspired mix of florist-meets-gin-bar, the perfumed scents here match the drinks superbly. Run by a young female owner, this tiny bar only does gin…
Sokcho
In the old-timey Abai Village, this small but chic spot is hewn from raw concrete, has a friendly owner and serves coffee, tea and lemonade. It's a great…
Seoul
A relaxing place to hang out with mismatched furniture, cheap western-style eats and drinks and a rooftop garden, this self-serve cafe, library and…
Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
Run by a mild-mannered coffee nerd who roasts his own beans onsite, this is one of the least pretentious independent cafes in the area, and a handy pit…
Daegu
Part of a successful chain that has been in business in Daegu for almost three decades, this relaxing and very spacious cafe offers supreme views of…
Gangnam & Southern Seoul
If you’re into whisky, this swank Japanese bar is for you, as it sports one of the largest selections of drams in the city. It’s also famed for its…
Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
This tiny backstreet bar, an ubercool beacon for local bohos, feels almost Parisian with its artsy vibe, low-fi beats and bartop candles buried under a…
Gwangju
This 2nd-floor bar hidden down an alley is a favourite with foreigners and has a good selection of imported beers. Bands sometimes play on Fridays or…
Northern Seoul
Order your cocktails from an iPad at this two-tiered, open-fronted bar that also specialises in malt whisky. A menu of US-inspired comfort food,…
Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
On the main drag, B One is a glitzy spot to kick on at after the bars. At weekends, the main room keeps the energy high with EDM and house, while things…
Seoul
This classy wine bar is a sign of Hongdae's ever-growing sophisticated side. There are over 400 different bottles on the menu; unfortunately, little is…
Myeong-dong & Jung-gu
Top-quality makgeolli and other traditional Korean alcoholic drinks are brewed on-site at this huge branch of Slow Brew Pub. There's another branch in…
Seoul
Soaring ceilings and space, filled with designer and retro furniture, set apart this cafe. It’s a pleasure to hang out here, while in the basement you can…
Seogwipo
Rose Marin is a tumbledown waterfront shack with giant trees growing through the floorboards. It's quirky, gritty and delightful. Be sure to try the dried…
Seoul
Browse local and imported books and magazines on art and design at this convivial bohemian hang-out that works just as well as a daytime cafe and…
Jeonju
The coffee is OK, but the view is great. Walk up the steps and take your espresso on the tiny outdoor balcony, or mount the narrow spiral staircase and…
Myeong-dong & Jung-gu
Amid Myeong-dong's guesthouse enclave leading up to Namsan, this travel-themed bar is run by a couple of young travel nuts who serve Korean craft beers on…
Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
Pouting drag princesses entertain in their own utterly unique style at this small gay club with a DJ and a stage. Drag performances usually kick off…
Gwanghwamun & Jongno-gu
Run by friendly English-speaking Kim Hyoung-Jin, this stylish one-shot bar is on the 2nd floor – look for the English sign as you come out of the subway.
Gangwon-do
Located in one of the temple halls of Sangwon-sa, this is a lovely spot for a coffee, all laid out in fresh-looking wood, with colourful furniture.
