Restaurants, Bars, Clubs and Nightlife in Seoul, Korea

SeoulGrid’s definition of a lounge: a venue that serves alcoholic beverages that has music in the background.  DJ booth is a plus.  The difference between a bar and a lounge is that bars tend to be more crowded or loud with people talking.  Lounge is where there is plenty of space for everyone and where you can go for a nice drink or two.  You wouldn’t typically go to a lounge to get wasted, unless you have cash to burn.

Bars, you’d  take your  college buddies out for drinks of Irish car bombs or Jaggermeister shots for a casual night of fun.  Lounge, you’d take your date; extra dry gin martini for yourself and mojito for your date.  Sure, a glass of Cosmopolitan may cost twice or even thrice how much it would cost in casual bars, but once in a while, it’s an worthwhile investment.

Now what makes a lounge great?  The differentiating factor between an awesome lounge and a lounge is that the former typically is larger in scale, serves better cocktails and of course, plays better music.  Of course once in a while you run into a lounge that feature interior decor and ambiance so unique, modern and stylish that your jaws drop.  There also are ones that are nice private lounges that isn’t open to everyone.

Below is top-pick list of the best lounges in Seoul.  Of course, I am sure there are several others that I do not know of or haven’t had the chance to visit, but if I do, you can count on me to write about it in detail in future!

1. Lound, Cheongdam

• 02-517-7412 (Same management as Cafe 74)
• Next to S-Bar, Cheongdam-dong, across from Galleria Department store in Apgujeong.
• *Read SeoulGrid’s review of Lound here

The Good:

• Exquisitely stylish (probably the best-looking interior decor in Seoul)
• Upbeat house music with proper sound system & DJ equipment.
• Very good cocktails.
• Serves dinner as well as drinks.
• Capacity: ~ 200 guests, 4 floors (1st floor around 16 tables, top floor is a private room)

The Bad:

• Pricey (one of the most expensive in this list)
• Perhaps a little too noisy for those who want a quiet conversation

2. Goshen, Cheongdam

• 02-515-1863
• http://www.i-goshen.net/cheongdam/
• 10pm-6am
• At the top of the hill on your right (T-junction), across from Apgujeong Rodeo street (Designer Club side)… Across from KooBar

The Good:

• Great cocktails
• Outdoor seats available
• Serves dessert menus
• Not too noisy – Great for chilling out/conversation.

The Bad:

• It gets packed, so you might need to wait a little esp. for a group of 4 or more.
• Pricey

3. Blush, Grand Intercontinental

• 02-559-7619
• http://www.blushbar.co.kr
• 6pm-1am, Closed on Sundays
• Grand Intercontinental’s lounge bar on the 1st floor.

The Good:

• Probably one of the better hotel lounges in Seoul
• Stylish and comfortable atmosphere
• Mixologist Max won several awards and is undisputedly one of the best in Korea.
• Located in a major landmark building in Seoul; easy to find

The Bad:

• Pricey
• Operation ends rather early for a lounge (1am)

4. WooBar, W Hotel

• 02-2022-0333
• https://www.wseoul.com/
• Sunday – Thursday 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM;
• Friday – Saturday 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM
• Modern & Stylish, one of the largest open-space lounge in Seoul. Great night view and stunning interior.

The Good:

• Several ways to spend time; Jenga and massive chess board available
• DJ booth and great sound system
• Features the longest/largest bar in Seoul
• Great atmosphere & unparalleled ambiance

The Bad:

• Is a little far out and hard to get to (either by cab or though shuttle buses are available)
• May be a little too loud for some

5. Tutti Matti, Garosu-gil, Shinsa

• 02-511-0334
• Lounge: 6pm-2am, Restaurant: 6:00pm-9:30pm
• 5-floors (b1-Lounge, 1st-Lobby, 2nd-Kitchen, 3rd-Dining, 4th-VIP private room)
• A must-visit hot spot in Garosugil, Shinsa.  Resto-Lounge features both fine dining & cocktails.  If going with a crowd of 10 or more, I strongly recommend checking out the VIP room.

The Good:

• Great food & luxurious atmosphere
• Lounge and the dining areas feel private
• VIP room appropriate for upscale group gathering
• House music played in the lounge

The Bad:

• This could belong either in The Good or The Bad depending on what you are looking for: the Lounge in the basement is small, allowing for more intimate/private gathering
• Some may find the music loud

6. Boutique Club Function, inside Macaroni Market, Itaewon

• 02-749-9181
• Cafe, Restaurant & Lounge club all in one venue
• 6pm-2am

The Good:

• Cafe area serves great food & the lounge sports elegant/stylish atmosphere
• Private & suitable for close group of friends
• Lounge/house music plays in the lounge
• Great cocktails & selection of drinks
• Spacious & plenty of room for guests

The Bad:

• Cafe area is usually full, reservation necessary
• Some may find the lounge area loud for carrying soft conversation