Must-see nightlife in Seoul

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…

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…

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…

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…

Part coffee shop and part Braille library, this bright and spacious cafe caters to the sight-impaired community. The library consists of hundreds of…

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;…

An icon of Hongdae and known simply as 'Playground', small Hongik Munhwa park turns into an impromptu outdoor party most nights. Weekends are especially…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…