In today’s post, travel writer Leah shares her top recommendations for things to do in Seoul at night!
Whether you’re after culture or the craziest party in town, these fun things to do at night in Seoul are worth adding to your itinerary.
Ancient history and ultra-modern city life collide to create the masterpiece that is Seoul. Constantly buzzing with activity, the bright colours, thriving streets and bright lights do not dim as the sun goes down. In fact, the tangible energy booms in the city as night falls and Seoul nightlife comes alive.
From all-night markets to world-famous dance clubs and mouth-watering street food, exploring Seoul at night is one of the best ways to get to know the city.
And since South Korea is such a safe country, you can feel secure doing so!
Night owls will revel in endless activities. And for those who prefer to hit the sack early, you’ll want to stay awake for these 15 amazing things to do in Seoul at night.
Best Things to Do in Seoul at Night
Admire the City Skyline from the Seoul Tower
Reaching for the heavens at 237 meters tall at the highest point in the city on Namsan Mountain, the Seoul Tower is the perfect place to take in the bright city lights.
You can visit the observatory, with unbelievable panoramic views that are simply magical at night. Either hike up the mountain just before sunset or take a cable car.
If you want to spoil yourself, you can make a reservation at the N Grill restaurant and feast away on top of the world
Keep in mind that it gets very busy around sunset and closes at 22:30, so try to plan your visit in a sweet spot before you head out to paint the city red.
Peruse the Dongdaemun Night Market
Shopping in Seoul is irresistible and the city offers some of the best shopping in the world.
So when the sun dips below the horizon, why not head to the buzzing Dongdaemun market that is open all night. You can browse everything from wholesale fashion goods to local knick-knacks.
And if you’re not in the mood for shopping, just try to resist the mouthwatering, and sometimes unusual, aromas wafting through the air from the street food vendors.
It’s the perfect opportunity to sample local Korean street food as you eat your way through the market. Be sure to try Hotteok, a delicious sweet Korean pancake.
The market is a hive of activity and comes alive at night. There is something special about joining the throngs of people to explore the market when the sun has gone down in Seoul.
READ MORE: Korean Street Food to Try
Take a Stroll Along Cheonggyecheon Stream
The man-made stream is 10.9 km and offers a beautiful spot for a tranquil evening meander. It’s 4.6 meters below street level, so even though it is in one of the busiest parts of the city, the walkway along the stream is peaceful.
It’s a must-do activity, but there is a certain romanticism surrounding the stream when night falls in Seoul.
On Saturdays, you can make pit stops (I dare you not to) at the many delectable food trucks along the way. And colourful markets pepper the route on Sunday evenings.
For a historical touch to your evening, make a stop past the Cheonggyecheon Museum. Here you’ll uncover stories of the Korean War and post-war Korea.
Belt it Out at a Noraebang
One of the best things to do in Seoul at night is channel your inner K-pop star at a Korean-style karaoke room. Walking around Seoul you’ll see noreabangs everywhere, and this Karaoke culture is an intrinsic part of Korean life.
Noraebang literally translates to ‘song room’ and these venues are the perfect place to knock back a few glasses of soju, feast on ice cream and popcorn, and sing the night away.
Open 24 hours, Luxury Su Noraebang in Hongdae is one of the best karaoke spots in town. Complete with wonderfully retro and oh-so-instagrammable decor and tambourines for shy friends who still want to join in the music shindig.
You won’t want to leave Seoul without experiencing a noraebang night and, depending on how much soju is consumed, it will certainly be unforgettable.
Treat Yourself to a Pamper Session
The energy of Seoul is infectious but the fast-paced vibe and non-stop exploring can leave you feeling exhausted.
So what’s the best way to remedy that? Head over to a jjimjilbang, slip into a comfy pair of pyjamas (and soon after, your birthday suit), and enjoy ultimate relaxation.
Jjimjil translates to heated, and bang to…you guessed it — room. These are traditional Korean bathhouses and much like onsen in Japan, an experience not to be missed.
The most basic bathhouses will have bathing rooms, hot tubs, and sauna rooms. However, Seoul is full of incredible jjimjilbangs that offer spa treatments, ice rooms, and even arcades.
They’re open until the early hours of the morning and if you’re in the mood to stay in but can’t bear the thought of wasting an evening in Seoul, this is the thing to do.
Watch a Silent Performance at Myeongdong NANTA Theatre
NANTA is a comedic, non-verbal cooking performance that utilises cooking utensils as instruments and is a whole lot of fun.
The show won first place for best performance at Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1997 and debuted on Broadway in 2004.
You won’t be able to help but giggle at the characters prepping for a wedding banquet, strumming out tunes with traditional Korean musical features on pots and pans.
Expect an intimate and cosy theatre allowing for audience involvement, phenomenal performances and belly laughs. The 90-minute show is entertaining for people of all ages, so bring the children along and enjoy Myeongdong at night.
Go Clubbing Gangnam Style
Seoul nightlife is very much centred around nightclubs ranging from massive to exclusive, to absolutely crazy. The Koreans sure know how to party.
If you want to brush shoulders with local celebrities on the heaving dancefloor or experience a night in the life of the Korean elite, head over to the clubs in Gangnam.
Gangnam is the trendiest nightlife spot and buzzes until the early hours of the morning. If you’re after something a tad more affordable, Hondae and Sincheon district offers a good night out, with less of the prestige but just as much fun, and perhaps a few more foreigners.
Club Octagon is the most popular and biggest club to go partying in Seoul. It features world-class electronic music, spectacular pyrotechnics, VIP lounges and a swimming pool. It’s pretty pricey, but with international and Korean DJs gracing the stage, it’s well worth it.
Wind Down at a Lookout Cafe on Han River
The mighty Han River (or Hangdan River) flanked by the city lights is an epic Seoul night view. And the best places to admire it are one of the lookout cafes peppered along the six bridges in the south of the city.
These elevated, mostly circular, cafes are constructed entirely of huge windows with seating looking out at the city. Here you can unwind with a drink of choice with one of the best views in town.
The cafes get pretty busy at night so you may have to wait a little while for a table, so be sure to bring your favourite Korean novel to keep you entertained.
Embark on a Moonlit Hike Along the Seoul Fortress Wall
Seoul is such a contemporary city that it is easy to forget the long history of the capital. But, here and there throughout the city, hidden in the modern folds, are little reminders.
So why not adventure along the 14th century Seoul Fortress Wall at night, thinking about the Hanyang Kingdom that used to be protected by this barrier? The wall is 18.6 km long, stretching along the ridge of the city’s four inner mountains.
You can choose how long you’d like to hike for and whether you’d like to walk on the outside or inside of the wall.
Although, I recommend the outside for a picturesque experience. The wall lights up at night and the high lookout points over the city and ancient gates are mesmerising.
Enjoy Special Night Exhibitions at Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul
Between 18:00 and 21:00 on Wednesdays and Saturdays, admission is free to discover contemporary Korean and global art.
The museum itself is set in a stunning natural area of Seoul and it’s jammed packed with visual arts from architecture to design.
Beyond the benefit of free access, a nighttime visit to the museum will likely be less crowded too. You can spend hours wandering the huge building, trying to decipher modern art installations and admiring beautiful collections.
This is a must-do activity for art aficionados, but also for those who would like to dip their toes into the contemporary art scene.
Soak Up Tradition at the Palaces
If you’re busy planning your Seoul itinerary, you’ve probably already added Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces to your list of things to do. But did you know that you can visit the palaces at night?
At certain times throughout the year, the palaces open up for nighttime visitors. The interiors glow with lights and lanterns and there are traditional performances too.
You may see a traditional music concert or the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion Fantasy dance performance.
The magical ambience and reduced crowds make for a memorable exploration of Korean tradition and history and a great way to spend a night in Seoul.
And if you want to go all out, don a traditional hanbok (Korean costume) and you can enter for free at Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Try Traditional Korean Food and Wine Pairings
Makgeolli is a milky and lightly sparkling rice wine and as the oldest alcoholic beverage in Korea, it would be an injustice not to try it. It has a relatively low alcohol percentage, so you don’t need to worry about stumbling home after a couple of glasses.
Head over to the craft brewery and gastropub, Mr Ahn’s Craft Makgeolli. Here you can taste authentic makgeolli with non-artificial ingredients — the first Korean establishment to go au naturel.
You can also enjoy the traditional rice wine with a spin on it, brewed with all sorts of spices.
It will be a food journey of banju, alcohol and food pairings. Expect mouthwatering Korean food such as stuffed grilled squid and more modern inventions like alcoholic affogato.
Cruise Down the Han River
Are you looking for a way to do dinner differently? Jump on board a Hangang River ferry cruise to meander down the majestic river, passing by the twinkling lights to witness Seoul by night.
You can give your feet a break and relax with a delicious meal while still discovering the city sights. Look out for the N Seoul Tower, Jeoldusan Park, and 63 City Building.
You’ll pass by the Banpo bridge rainbow fountain and if you pick a Saturday night cruise, you’ll have dinner plus a show of live music and fireworks.
It’s a wonderful way to begin your after-dark excursions of Seoul as it’s only around 70 minutes long.
Cycle Through the Hangang Parks
Hangang Park is made up of a dozen parks on the riverfront with spectacular night views of Seoul. You can choose to grab some snacks and head over to one area.
But if you want to do something a little different, you can rent a bicycle and cycle from park to park.
Don’t miss out on Yeouido Hangang Park which comes alive in the nighttime with evening picnickers and the Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market. This is also a great opportunity to snap a picture in front of the “I Seoul U” sculpture.
Definitely stop at Banpo Hangang Park which is bustling in the evenings. You’ll be able to see the Some Sevit floating islands and the rainbow fountain.
The bike parks are quiet, and it’s a lovely experience to cycle between the parks with the cool breeze and the city lights illuminating the way.
Watch the Sunset at Bongeunsa Temple
Welcome the night at this beautiful Buddhist temple that lights up with lanterns as the sun goes down. It’s a serene spot to bask in the sunset hues, with the famous Maitreya Buddha statue taking centre stage.
The temple is steeped in more than 1000 years of history, a stark contrast to the many modern skyscrapers which surround it. This juxtaposition makes it all the more fascinating.
Take a moment to be still and reflect on your time in Seoul before you launch into nighttime activities.
Experience the Best of South Korea Nightlife
It’s impossible not to be seduced by Seoul night activities. The throngs of people socialising, the millions of lights sparkling and the buzz of energy is irresistible.
The capital city is the best place to experience nightlife in Korea. So, as the sky turns inky, hit the streets and uncover the heart of Seoul.
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