Seoul Nightlife: The Hottest Places to Party this Summer
Ready to celebrate the beginning of spring by dancing the night away? Whether you’re looking to turn up and meet new people or chill and listen to live music, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best clubs in Seoul, all the way from the famous Octagon to lesser-known underground clubs. Raise a glass and congratulate yourself for surviving winter!
Cakeshop | Yongsan-gu, Seoul
A bit on the cozy side, Cakeshop is the place to be in Itaewon right now. Open from Thursday to Sunday, you’ll find the best musical acts here, whether you’re looking for hip-hop or electronic music.
Right now, Cakeshop is definitely one of the hottest and best clubs in Seoul. Well-known artists have been known to play sets here, like Nosaj Thing, Étienne de Crécy, and Shlomo. Very popular with the younger crowd, Cakeshop is always packed on weekends but definitely, worth the amazing time you’ll have there. Cakeshop was winner of “Best Club in Seoul” for the 10 Magazine Best in Seoul 2018 competition.
Brown | Mapo-gu, Seoul
Adjacent to Hongdae, Hapjeong has a club for those who prefer a more laid-back crowd. Brown plays hip-hop, R&B, dancehall, and funk. Doors open at 9 pm and don’t close until 6 am.
If you’re looking for a lowkey place this weekend to listen to old-school hip-hop or need a place to unwind after a night out, hit up Brown’s dance floor. You can even reserve a table for a group, and though the venue is pretty small, the great music will have you heading to the dance floor to move.
Vurt | Mapo-gu, Seoul
Also in Hapjeong, if you’re down for something a bit off the beaten track, look no further than Vurt, which dedicates itself to more subdued and nuanced areas of electronic music. Open until 6 am on the weekends, Vurt provides a place for underground techno to thrive.
Foreign DJ’s flock to Vurt as well, all the way from Berlin to London. For those familiar with Boiler Room, you might want to make your way to Vurt and find yourself part of a live stream.
With minimal lights and an optimal atmosphere to truly enjoy techno music, Vurt offers an aesthetic that is a little different from the usual club — which is good news for those looking for an alternative to the flashy Gangnam club experience.
Club Made | Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Located right next to Boombar, Made is Itaewon’s premier club for EDM and hip-hop lovers. Operated by Gangnam club owners, Made’s interior is divided between an EDM and hip-hop zone. This means club-goers can move back and forth between the zones, depending on their musical preferences.
Entrance to Made costs 20,000 KRW, but free entry via a guest list is possible. Made is open from Thursday to Saturday (10 PM to 6 AM).