Every few minutes, someone shouts “ Gun bae! ” — “Cheers!” — and groups of friends clink small cups of soju. It’s nighttime in Seoul, and wherever I turn people play drinking games, gleefully shouting and laughing. No matter what day of the week, the streets of Seoul are full of people embracing the night.

With a population approaching 11 million, Seoul can seem crowded any time of day, but the action cranks up after hours. In fact, late nights are an important part of life here. One local told me Seoul’s active nightlife is built on a dedication to friends and family; late-night fun builds stronger relationships, even if it means getting by on less sleep.

That dedication to fun can involve a circuit through three or four different restaurants and karaoke bars followed by an early-morning refresher at a sauna before heading to work. It’s a tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it; and according to my new friend, spending time with loved ones is worth a day of exhaustion.

A word to the wise — especially business travelers with early-morning meetings on the calendar — soju (a distilled beverage similar to vodka) and
makgeolli (Korean rice wine) are central to after-hours fun in Seoul, and it’s generally unacceptable to hold an empty glass. Sip slowly if you plan to hit the ground running the next day.

If shopping is more your style, head to Dongdaemun Market, one of the few markets in Seoul open almost around the clock. Although locals say the market doesn’t really get going until midnight, Dongdaemun is a center of retail-induced chaos at all hours. Here, streets bathed in neon lights are filled with vendors specializing in high-quality clothing but also selling everything from socks to fresh seafood.

Gay and lesbian visitors may be surprised to learn there’s still some stigma attached to sexual orientation in South Korea, but that’s changing. Seoul’s Itaewon neighborhood has an active gay scene. Nagwon Dong, Apkujong, Kangnam, Myongdong and Shinchon are also popular gay enclaves.

Whatever your pleasure, make time to experience Seoul after dark. You’ll discover every night in Seoul is a celebration.

Dongdaemun Market
Korea Tourism Organization
Seoul Tourism Organization