If you and your friends are night owls, Seoul is your playground. Many places stay open 24/7. Here's where to go when you're not ready to call it a night.
1. Hongdae (For All-Night Fun)
The undisputed champion of late-night fun. The streets are still packed at 2 AM. Go for a second round of dinner, hit up a club, or sing your heart out at a noraebang that's open until sunrise.
2. Itaewon (For Bars & Clubs)
The international district keeps the party going late. You'll find a huge variety of bars, from chill pubs to high-energy dance clubs. It's one of the best places to meet other expats and travelers.
3. Dongdaemun Market (For Late-Night Shopping)
Yes, you can shop all night long. The wholesale malls in Dongdaemun open around 8 PM and close early the next morning. It's a surreal and uniquely Seoul experience. There's also a great late-night food alley nearby.
4. A Jjimjilbang (24-Hour Spa)
Missed the last train? No problem. Head to a jjimjilbang. For a small fee, you can soak in hot tubs, relax in sauna rooms, and even sleep overnight. A perfect, relaxing end to a long night.
5. Gangnam (For Upscale Clubs & Food)
If you want to dress up and go to a big, flashy club, Gangnam is the spot. Many of the restaurants in the area also stay open very late to cater to the post-clubbing crowd looking for hangover soup (haejangguk).