Itaewon is still Seoul’s most international nightlife district, packed with foreigner‑friendly pubs, inventive cocktail bars, rooftop terraces, wine bars, and LGBTQ+ venues all within walking distance of each other. From the main strip to nearby Noksapyeong and Haebangchon (HBC), it is one of the easiest areas in the city for bar‑hopping without needing a taxi.
This 2026 guide focuses on Itaewon bars that are welcoming to foreigners, have consistently good recent reviews, and offer clear concepts: laid‑back sports bars, Irish pubs, gay and lesbian bars, hookah lounges, skyline rooftops, and natural‑wine spots. You will also find a bonus craft‑beer side trip to Seongsu plus practical tips on when bars get busy, how to get home, and which places work best for dates, groups, and solo travelers.
Last updated: May 2026.
Itaewon Bars for Foreigners
1. Thursday Party
Thursday Party in Itaewon continues to be one of the most popular casual bars for both Koreans and foreigners, with cheap shots, easy mixed drinks, and a busy beer‑pong and games scene late into the night. Recent solo‑traveler reviews highlight how easy it is to meet people here, thanks to English‑speaking staff, communal tables, and a very international crowd near Itaewon Station
Address: 6 Itaewon-ro 27-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul
Opening Hours: Mon-Wed 7pm-2am: Thu: 7pm-3am, Fri-Sat: 6pm-5am, Sun 6pm-2am
2. Carlos’ Bar
Carlos’ Bar is a long‑running neighborhood bar near Itaewon’s main drag, known for its relaxed, dimly lit interior and classic cocktails. Regulars and locals on recent threads still call it a go‑to first stop because it is quiet enough to talk, with friendly bartenders and a neighborhood feel rather than a club vibe.
Address: 57-15 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan District, Seoul
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 4pm-2am, Tue & Wed (closed)
3. Itaewon Pub
Itaewon Pub is a newer‑generation bar on the main strip that positions itself as an “always welcome” local, with happy‑hour deals, sports on big screens, and a pet‑friendly policy. English‑language posts and social media clips emphasize its 2‑for‑1 beer and cocktail happy hour and its reputation as a casual meet‑up spot for expats and visitors.
Address: 1F Itaewon 116-15 yong san, Seoul, Korea 04350
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 5pm-12am, Fri: 6pm-1am- Sat & Sun: 2pm-12am
4. The Rose & Crown Ale House
The Rose & Crown is a British‑style gastropub that has been operating in Itaewon since 2011, known for proper pints, hearty pub food, and a strong expat following. Recent posts and booking platforms confirm it is still open with extended evening hours and often screens major football and rugby games.
Address: 2–3F, 6 Itaewon-ro 19-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
Opening Hours: Mon: Closed, Tue & Wed: 5pm-12am, Thu: 5pm-1am, Fri: 5pm-2am, Sat: 2pm-2am, Sun 2pm-12am
6. Craft Han’s
Craft Hans in Itaewon evolved from a bottle shop into a full craft‑beer pub, with its own “beer laboratory” and a rotating tap list of pale ales, mango ale, pilsner, and darker styles. Reviews highlight approachable pricing for draft beer and a casual, wood‑lined interior with English menus, making it a good craft‑beer introduction for visitors.
Address: 6-5 Itaewon-ro 19-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 5pm-2am, Fri & Sat: 5pm-4am, Sun: 5pm-1am
7. Phillies Pub
Phillies is Haebangchon’s original foreigner pub, relocated into a split‑level space further up the street but still very much the same neighborhood institution. The new location keeps its mix of sports, burgers, reasonably priced draft beers, and a strong local/expat regular crowd, with updated hours into the early morning on weekends.
Address: 3F, 136-1 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul South Korea
Opening Hours: Mon: Closed, Tue & Wed: 5pm-12am, Thu: 5pm-1am, Fri: 5pm-2am, Sat: 2pm-2am, Sun 2pm-12am
8. Amazing Brewing Company (Seongsu‑dong)
Although not in Itaewon anymore, Amazing Brewing Company’s flagship brewpub in Seongsu is worth a mention if you are a serious craft‑beer fan. Located in a renovated warehouse near Ttukseom Station, it offers dozens of house‑brewed beers on tap and a pizza‑driven food menu, and it is featured in multiple 2025–2026 Seoul craft‑beer guides.
Address: 4 Seongsuil-ro 4-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Opening Hours:Mon – Fri: 5pm-12am, Sat: 3pm-12am, Sun 2pm-1pm
Day Drinking Bars in Itaewon
1. Sam Ryan’s Sports Bar & Grill
A very popular sports bar in Itaewon among both locals and expats. Multiple big screens, beer pong, shuffleboard, and an extensive beer list. Staff speak English and there’s an English menu.
Address: 50 Itaewon-ro 27ga-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, 04350
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 3pm-12am, Fri & Sat: 3pm-4am, Sun: 3pm-2am
2. Shenanigans Irish Pub
This Irish Pub offers a classic European-style ambiance, small and cozy inside with an outdoor patio for warm seasons. It’s a favorite among expats for its plentiful drinks menu, beers on tap, brunch service, and traditional pub fare. Pool, darts, and outdoor seating add to the relaxed appeal. Staff speak English and the crowd is diverse and welcoming.
Address: 5, Itaewon-ro 19-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04351 South Korea
Opening Hours: Mon: 4pm-2am, Tue: 5pm-2am, Wed & Thu: 4pm-2:30am, Fri & Sat: 3pm-4:30am, Sun 3pm-3am
3. The Craic House
An Irish pub, celebrated for its vibrant community feel and authenticity. Its atmosphere is warm and inclusive, attracting expats and locals for pints of Guinness, hearty Irish food, board games, trivia, and live Irish music. The kitchen serves weekend brunch in addition to hearty classics like meat pie and shepherd’s pie. Special events, trivia nights, and family-friendly vibes make it an excellent daytime destination.
Address: 4th Floor, 164-1 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
Opening Hours: Mon: 6pm-1am, Tue: Closed, Wed & Thu: 6pm-1am, Fri & Sat: 6pm-2am, Sun 6pm-1am
4. The Booth Gyeonglidan
The Booth Gyeonglidan is a cozy craft beer and pizza joint on Gyeongnidan-gil, known for its casual, slightly quirky taproom, New York–style slices, and a rotating lineup of The Booth brews that attract both locals and expats looking for an easygoing night out near Noksapyeong.
Address: 7 Noksapyeong-daero 54-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul
Opening Hours:Mon – Sun: 11am-9pm
Gay & Lesbian Bars in Itaewon
1. Lesvos
One of the best‑known women‑focused bars near Itaewon, named after the island of Lesbos; featured in the South Korean documentary film ‘Home Ground’. The first lesbian bar in South Korea opened in 1996. The har has a relaxed, conversation‑friendly vibe with live performances and karaoke.
Address: Seoul, Yongsan District, Hannam-dong, 683 105번지 2층
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 6:30pm-11:30pm, Fri & Sat: 6:30pm-2am, Sun: 6:30pm-11:30pm
2. Eat Me
Eat Me is a small, laid‑back bar near Homo Hill that leans into playful, flirtatious energy while staying welcoming to everyone. Doors open in the evening and run until around 5 am, and the crowd is a friendly mix of gay, straight, and anyone in between, which keeps the atmosphere open, social, and easy for newcomers.
Address: 8, Usadan-ro 12-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours: Mon – Wed: Closed, Thur: 8pm-2am, Fri&Sat: 8pm-5am, Sun: 8pm-2am
3. Social Heaven
Social Haven is a cozy Italian-style bar in Haebangchon, known for creative cocktails, friendly staff, and a relaxed neighborhood vibe that attracts both locals and internationals. The space is pet-friendly, making it a comfortable hangout for queer women and the wider community to unwind.
Address: 9 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (Haebangchon)
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 6pm-2am, Fri & Sat: 5pm-3am, Sun: 5am-2am
Cocktail Bars in Itaewon
1. APT Seoul
APT Seoul is a sleek rooftop lounge in Itaewon, offering panoramic city views and a chic, modern atmosphere both indoors and on its spacious outdoor terrace. Known for its inventive cocktails and upscale bar bites, APT Seoul is popular with young professionals and travelers seeking a trendy setting for sunset drinks or late-night gatherings. The bar’s specialty is creative signature cocktails paired with picturesque skyline, making it a top pick for both casual evenings and special occasions.
Address: 4, Bogwang-ro 51-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04391 South Korea
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 11am-3am
2. Southside Parlor
Southside Parlor remains one of Seoul’s most famous rooftop cocktail bars, featured in Asia’s bar rankings and multiple 2026 nightlife guides. It combines a Texas‑inspired concept with smoked brisket tacos, Southern‑style hospitality, and a serious cocktail program, plus a cozy rooftop terrace overlooking the Noksapyeong area.
Address: 218 Noksapyeong-daero, Yongsan District, Seoul
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu 6pm-1am: Fri & Sat: 6pm-2am: Sun: 6pm-1am
3. Blacklist
A trendy, modern bar best known for excellent cocktails—especially its Negroni—in a stylish atmosphere. It attracts a mix of foreign tourists and locals. Rooftop seating, bar games, and a strong drink selection create a casually upscale experience. The staff are friendly and speak English, making it an inviting spot for newcomers.
Address: 134 3F Itaewon-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul
Opening Hours: Mon: 6pm-1am, Tue: Closed, Wed &Thu 6pm-1am: Fri & Sat: 6pm-2am: Sun: 6pm-1am
4. Privilege Bar
Privilege Bar is a stylish rooftop cocktail bar atop the Mondrian Seoul hotel, offering panoramic city views and a mix of chic indoor seating and open-air terrace. With refined signature cocktails, premium whiskies, and a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere with DJ sets on select nights, it is a popular spot for elevated evenings and date nights away from Itaewon’s street-level crowds.
Address: 23 Jangmun-ro, RF, Yongsan District, Seoul
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 6pm-12am, Fri & Sat: 6pm-2am, Sun: 6pm-12am
Hooka Bars in Itaewon
1. Hype Roof Hookah Lounge
The lounge is renowned for its extensive hookah selection and expertly mixed cocktails, such as the Peach Mojito and Tequila Sunset. This hookah bar has a range of good quality shisha blends, along with vibrant, photogenic drinks.
Address: 134 3F Itaewon-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours: Mon: Closed, Tue – Thu 7pm-1am: Fri: 7pm-3am, Sat: 6pm-3am: Sun: 6pm-1am
2. Lit Lounge Itaewon / Planet Hustle
Hip-hop style hookah lounge and bar with DJs, cocktails, and shisha, popular for Afrobeats, R&B, and Amapiano nights.
Address: 34-65 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan District, Seoul
Opening Hours: Mon & Tue: Closed, Wed – Thur: 7pm-1am, Sat: 6pm-4am, Sun: 6pm-1am
3. Den Hookah Bar
This modern, lounge-style hookah bar has high-quality, smooth shisha, good drinks, and friendly, English staff, often mentioned as one of Seoul’s great hookah choices.
Address: Seoul, Yongsan District, Itaewon-ro 16-gil, 11 2층
Opening times: Mon: Closed, Tues – Thu: 6pm-12am, Fri & Sat: 6pm-2am, Sun: 6pm-12am
Rooftop Bars in Itaewon
1. Sunset Mood Rooftop
A hidden rooftop gem with intimate views of Namsan Tower and the surrounding Itaewon skyline. With space for about 30 guests, it has a cosy and relaxed atmosphere perfect for sunset seekers, date nights, or small group hangouts. Don’t miss the Lychee Flower cocktail alongside a curated selection of wine and beer and dishes like Gambas al ajillo.
Address: 226-6 4th floor, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan District, Seoul
Opening Hours: Sun: Mon – Sun: 5:30pm-2am
2. Mahalo
Mahalo is a vibrant Hawaiian-style tiki bar known for creative tropical cocktails and a fun, laid-back island vibe in the heart of Seoul. With its rooftop-style setting, colorful décor, and city views, it is a popular spot for sunset drinks, themed tiki nights, and late-night gatherings away from the typical Itaewon pub scene.
Address: Seoul, Yongsan District, Itaewon-ro 19-gil, 8 2층
Opening Hours: Mon: 12:30pm-1am, Tue – Thu: 6pm-1am, Fri & Sat: 6pm-3am, Sun: 5:30pm-12am
3. Ugly Society
Ugly Society is a cozy rooftop cocktail bar on the 6th floor, offering atmospheric city views and an intimate, living-room-style interior that feels like visiting a friend’s place. Known for its well-crafted signature cocktails, friendly staff, and relaxed vibe away from Itaewon’s main strip, it is popular for laid-back date nights and small group gatherings with a view over the neighborhood.
Address: 40 Bogwang-ro 59-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 5pm-1am, Fri & Sat: 6pm-2am, Sun: 5pm-1am
4. Cityback itaewon 시티백
Cityback is a lively multi-level rooftop pub and lounge featuring 2nd- and 3rd-floor terraces with open city views and indoor–outdoor seating. Popular with younger crowds, it offers cocktails, casual bar food, dart and beer-pong games, and weekend DJ sets in a trendy, neon-lit space ideal for groups and late-night hangouts.
Address: 9, Itaweon-ro 19-gil 2nd/ 3rd Floor, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04351 South Korea
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 6pm-2am, Fri & Sat: 6pm-3am, Sun: 6pm-2am
Wine Bars in Itaewon
1. Bonvivant BVV (봉비방) – moving in 2026
Bonvivant BVV is a natural‑wine‑focused bistro that has built a strong following in Itaewon for its approachable French‑influenced plates and curated wine list. The bar announced that it would end operations at its Noksapyeong location at the end of April 2026 in preparation for a move, so visitors should check its Instagram for the latest address before visiting.
Address: 134 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu 1st Floor, Seoul 04390 South Korea
Opening Hours: Mon & Tues : Closed, Wed: 6-10pm, Thu: 12-10pm, Fri – Sun: 12pm-12am
2. Barboo (바부)
Perched on the rooftop this wine bar brings a relaxed yet stylish rooftop hangout with views and a great wine list selection. The mood shifts from a sunny brunch destination to a mellow wine bar as night falls, perfect for sipping bottles under the sky.
Address: Previously on Itaewon‑ro 134, now in the process of relocating—verify current location before you go
Opening Hours: Mon: Closed, Tues – Thu: 5pm-12am, Fri – Sun: 12pm-12am
3. Rumpus Room (럼퍼스 룸)
Located on the 2nd floor of the Mondrian Seoul Itaewon, Rumpus Room is a more upscale wine lounge with glam art decor touch. A list of classic wines to choose from, and their food is thoughtfully paired: smoked salmon salad, grilled steak, and refined pasta dishes. The space is great for a special evening, whether you’re catching a DJ set or just enjoying a glass of wine under moody lighting.
Address: 2F, 23 Jangmun-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul Mondrian Hotelsul
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 6pm-12am, Fri: 6pm-1am- Sat-Sun: 2pm-1am
4. Natural High (내추럴하이)
An effortlessly modern vibe, steel-and-wood space with a terrace that’s perfect for relaxing in warmer weather. This wine bar offers Australian wines, a selection of creative small plates with a wood-fired touch. It’s a great spot for brunch or date night, and they even do wine-to-go at a discount.
Address: 1F, 248 Noksapyeong-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seou
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11:30am-10pm- Sat-Sun: 10:30am-10pm
What is the popular street in Itaewon?
The main street in Itaewon is Itaewon Shopping Street (이태원 쇼핑거리), a 1.4‑kilometer road near Itaewon Station lined with bars, restaurants, clubs, and shops on both sides. It runs from Itaewon Station Exit 1 toward the intersection with Gyeongnidan‑gil, and most of the bars in this guide are within a short walk of this strip.
Is Itaewon good for clubbing?
Yes. Itaewon nightclubs are legendary, featuring world‑class DJs, themed events, and dance floors that stay alive until dawn. Popular clubs include Prost, Fountain, and Pose, with music ranging from EDM and hip‑hop to K‑pop and house. For bar‑hopping before or after clubbing, many people start at Itaewon pubs like Thursday Party, Shenanigans, or The Rose & Crown, then move up toward HBC (Haebangchon) and the hills around Homo Hill.
What is the nightlife like in Itaewon?
Itaewon’s nightlife is international, diverse, and cosmopolitan. You can hop from a traditional Korean bar to a sleek cocktail lounge, then head to a club with world‑class DJs and dance floors that stay open until dawn. The area offers everything from beer pubs and sports bars to rooftop lounges, wine bars, hookah spots, and LGBTQ+ venues, making it one of the most varied nightlife districts in Seoul.
For an all-nighter in Seoul, check out 6 Night Markets In Seoul You Should Stay Up For and keep the night going.
