Itaewon, Seoul. It’s gritty, it’s grimy, and all those travelling to Korea or living in Seoul will visit this most famous of neighborhoods. As far as things to do in Seoul goes, Itaewon is a must. Many of Seoul’s best international restaurants are found here, and it’s a major destination for Seoul nightlife as well.
Due to its proximity to the main U.S. army base, there are a lot of soldiers hanging out here, as well as English teachers in Korea, international business owners, and locals. Seoul Hamilton Hotel is an Itaewon landmark, (check out their rooftop pool-parties in the summer), with many Western-style bars located along both sides of the main thoroughfare, and along smaller alleyways on the hills above and below the hotel.
Itaewon Bars Near Best Hotels Seoul
Wolfhound Irish Pub is one of the most popular bars with foreigners, and gets very crowded on weekend nights, when DJs play pop, classic, hip-hop and 80’s. There are dartboards, pool tables, and two-for-one fish and chips every Tuesday night.
Three Alley Pub caters somewhat to foreign businessmen, but lots of ESL teachers hang out there as well. They have darts and decent pub grub.
Seoul Pub is considered by some to be a more run-down version of Three Alley, but it is certainly livelier, with drinking games instigated by Mr. Jeong, the outgoing English-speaking owner. Korean draft beers are always cheap at $3,500 won for Cass and Cass Red. Located across the street from Hamilton Hotel.
The Crown Hotel, Itaewon Hotel, Hamilton Hotel Seoul and more are all located nearby.
Things to Do in Seoul: Itaewon Drinking Guide
BarNana is tucked into an alleyway down the street from Hamilton Hotel, and offers some quirky basement lounging. The couches, dimly lit bar, and shoes-off corner lounge area make this a very relaxing place. DJ’s are always spinning obscure lounge, electro, dance, drum and bass, and sometimes hip-hop.
The Loft is another popular place, known for its Ladies' Night on Saturday nights. Ladies pay $10,000 won and drink for free all night. Naturally, this deal also attracts men who enjoy being in a bar full of pretty women.
The Bungalow is a chilled out spot with a rooftop beach bar, chair swings, and strong cocktails. Their long island iced tea is well worth the $7,000 won price tag.
B1 is one of the few dance clubs in Itaewon, and is a place for those who want to see and be seen. With an atmosphere that’s a bit more posh than other places in the hood, this basement bar is pricey but stays full on the weekends.
Club Volume, located in the basement of the Crown Hotel, is not to be ignored, as it regularly attracts internationally renowned DJs.
There are still more drinking options on Itaewon’s famous “Hooker Hill”, replete with bars serving soju-kettles, which are king-sized drinks made with a healthy dose of Korean soju, and juice.
Whether you prefer to kick back a few pints at a dive-bar, a pub, or a proper dance club, it can be found in Itaewon, a premiere destination for Seoul nightlife.
Rebecca Rosenberg - Austin based writer, traveler, music enthusiast, and budding information scientist. M.S.I.S. Candidate, University of Texas at Austin, ...
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