Must-see nightlife in 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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

There is an excellent range of traditional rice wines available at this drinking and dining outlet for brewer Kooksoondang; see the website for full…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…