Must-see nightlife in Seoul

One of the last truly alternative spaces in the Hongdae-Yeonnam-dong area, this cultural space and bar turns itself into a club and lounge on weekends and…

This wine bar takes its vino seriously – there's a sign at the entrance that says 'No soju served here'. The cosy chic interior makes an unexpected…

A bar particularly well-known on social media, Jean Frigo is sometimes called 'the refrigerator bar' as its entrance is disguised as large refrigerators…

Opened as a bookstore in 1951 by Mrs Kwong and her husband Mr Cho, this charming, ramshackle cafe is still run by the same family and oozes bygone-days…

Fans of this veteran music bar (opened 1999) in the heart of Hongdae love its old-school vibes, '70s interior and for solely playing Korean music. Hear…

‘Moon Bird Thinks Only of the Moon’ is packed with plants and rustic artefacts. Birdsong, soothing music and trickling water add to the atmosphere. Huddle…

Some nights this shoebox of a bar is the most happening hang-out on the Itaewon strip. Maybe it's the Long Island Ice Teas served in plastic pouches (two…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

Perhaps the most photographed spot in Ikseon-dong, and with a fantasyland of exuberant blooms and cutesy gardenware in every space of this converted…