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Sinyetchatjip
The fascinating décor created in this teashop includes a live squirrel, live birds and even live crabs. Thankfully the monkey has departed. The maesilcha (plum tea) is deliciously sweet and sour.
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Sipjeondaebotang
This tiny two-room medicinal teashop northeast of Gyeongbokgung serves wonderful thick danpatjuk , red-bean porridge with ginseng, chestnut and peanuts.
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Sk@
A scruffy dark den of a club that attracts those who like their sounds mixed and eclectic. It's nothing fancy and the staff are off-hand, but that's how the regulars like it.
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Skunk Hell
Skunk Hell is punk heaven - a black messy dungeon with peeling posters on the ceiling and live, loud punk rock from house band Couch. Saturday is the night to crawl in, but you may have to provide your own drinks.
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Slug.Er
Live indie rock bands and the dark ones of the local metal scene bring in the customers to this dark underground den of a live venue. The drinks aren't too expensive and the there are Hip Hop nights and DJ fests for those who prefer beats and rhymes to hair and solos.
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Soho
Another smart and friendly gay bar with some glitter around that holds special events and attracts an older clientele, and lesbians. It is next door to Why Not? and across the road from Always Homme, so options abound if the scene dosen't suit.
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St 102
This smart three-level shrine to hip-hop blows the competition away with its lounges, bright dance areas, screens, neon and general pizzazz. This is definitely the place for Seoul young, cool and wannabe G's to hang out.
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Time Out Sports Bar
A monster collection of signed sporting memorabilia adorns the walls of this sports bar with screens and differing zones to relax in. Beers are reasonably priced, and the fusion-style food includes steaks. A popular organic salad buffet is available at lunch time.
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Todam Teashop
This rustic den next to Chongdong Theatre serves up genuine homemade teas including ones made from apricots, pine needles and even deer antler. Try sipjeondaebotang, which has 13 ingredients and is sweetened with honey quince syrup and served with Korean green tea, candied ginger and lightweight rice crackers.
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Tokebi Storm Theatre
Tokebi Storm is an energetic and fun drumming show with a goblin theme (every culture seems to have its goblins), which is all-action and mime with no dialogue, so will appeal to a global audience.
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Trance
Pouting drag princesses Ms Nina and Ms Ari entertain in their own completely unique style at this small club with a DJ and a stage. Shows start around and the big night is Saturday.
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US 66 Bar
This American-style bar with dark-wood décor is a gathering place for expats prior to launching out into clubland and the staff speak some English. Beers are well priced but nothing will set your night off like the notorious 'Long Island iced tea', which is only slightly more expensive and kicks a little more than a bottle of Hite.
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Wallflowers
A classy black-and-chrome interior sets the tone for the generally cool jazz in this 2nd floor bar. It's perfect for a quiet chat with a date rather than somewhere for a raucous night out.
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Watercock
Located down an alley behind Alice Live is this serious 2nd floor live jazz venue. Musicians play from to . You might catch Blue Rain a tight group consisting of piano, double bass, guitar, piano and a singer.
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Why Not
This small gay dance arena has been expensively revamped with the very latest lights and lasers. DJs crank it up at this meet market until dawn when the subway trains start running again and the regrets begin.
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Woodstock
Up on the 3rd floor expat bands blast out rock music every night from around , and pool and darts can keep you amused until then. Beers are cheap, staff are a little chilly and the DJ probably wont play your request. There is another branch in Sinchon.
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Yetchatjip
Seoul's most famous teashop features half a dozen little birds flying around freely. More atmosphere is added by haunting music, water features, candles and unique toilets. Antique bric-a-brac so clutters this goblin-sized teashop that it can be hard to find somewhere to sit. The nine hot teas and seven cold ones are all special - try the hot mogwacha (quince tea) with a subtle fruity flavour or the cold nashi-pear tea drunk by Joseon royalty.
