Welcome to my next chapter of Escape to Explore Series where we dive into the nightlife in Seoul. If you missed my previous articles, click on the links below and read about my journey so far in Seoul!

(Chapter 1)  (Chapter 2) (Chapter 3) (Chapter 4) (Chapter 5)   (Chapter 6) (Chapter 7)

Chapter 8

One of the most beautiful times to explore Seoul is at night.

Being in Seoul for four weeks, the nightlife here is fun! Once I get off work at 18:30, returning to my accommodation is challenging because there's always something new to see or do at night. Very different from the states, with many restaurants and convenience stores open pretty late, not to mention the clubs and parties in certain areas. Performances are happening on the street, with bright lights all over the city. It's a city that stays awake at night. Below are a few photos of me exploring the city in different areas around Seoul at night. Every night there is always something new to see!

Top 5 Things To Do In Seoul At Night

A picture of Seoul at night captured by Jordan

As someone who likes to rest after a long day at work, Seoul makes me want to stay out a bit longer. I wish I could list everything you can do at night in Seoul, but it's just a long list. I will list off a few things that I have done at night, and if you travel to Seoul, this list will help you plan out what you want to do there, broaden your eyes, and stay up a little longer!

1.  Clubbing

The first thing that comes to mind when I think about nightlife in Seoul is clubbing. There are many areas around Seoul to clubbing, lose, and have fun. Hongdae, specifically, is where I have clubbed here in Seoul the most, and I have always had a great time. The main street of Hongdae looks a lot like Times Square in New York City. There are bright lights, people everywhere, and shops and local markets open as you browse. Hongdae has become one of my favorite club hot spots and one of my favorite areas to hang out with friends.

2. Shopping

Since I spoke in-depth about what it was like to shop in Seoul, I included this on the list because it is such a popular thing to do! I do most of my shopping here in Seoul at night because I work all day. If you still need to read my article on my experience shopping in Seoul, please check it out! Shopping, in general, has always been a fun activity for me to do with my friends. I guarantee that they are okay with us and they are. What I also love about the fashion here is exceeding my expectations each every day.

Shopping in Seoul captured by Jordan

3. Photo booths

I don't know about you, but photo booths aren't the number one popular thing to do in the states, precisely where I live. As I am learning more about Korean culture during my stay here, It was great learning how popular photo booths are here. Whenever I see one, I want to go in and capture each moment with my friends as much as possible. I have gone to about 10 photo booths so far, and while in Seoul, you will see them everywhere, so don't worry that you'll miss one. Surprisingly, photo booths are now becoming one of my highlights on this journey.

4.  Karaoke

Karaoke is such a hobby activity here in Seoul, particularly at night! If you don't like going to clubs or want to do a fun activity, I suggest going there! It's a fun place to hang out with friends, drink, sing, and have fun! It is one of my highlights on this trip, and it never fails to lift your spirits! What makes Karaoke unique in Seoul compared to everywhere else is the plethora of songs to choose from all over the world, it's affordable, and you can stay for hours! If you still need to check out my article on Karaoke in Seoul, I dive more into my experience, which you can check out here (Chapter 5). If you ever come to Seoul, don't ever doubt that you'll never see a Karaoke place because they are everywhere all over the city.

5.  Restaurants

Not only in the daytime, but going to a restaurant in Seoul at night is pretty standard. As someone who doesn't eat outside the house much and is used to making and eating home-cooked meals in the kitchen, the most surprising thing I have learned while staying here is that in Korea, most people go out to eat almost every single day. One reason I love the restaurants here in Seoul is the long hours. Unlike many places, restaurants in Seoul are open pretty late, and the number of options is really refreshing to see! Another reason why I love the restaurants here is that most restaurants (it depends on the area you are in) are affordable. So far, I've visited as many restaurants and have gained more love for eating out and restaurants as a whole.

Restaurants in Seoul captured by Jordan

Late Night Runs

Usually, after a long day at work, the other interns and I sometimes want to stay in. However, in most cases, we always go out on a late-night run, heading to the convenience store to buy some instant ramyeon or stopping by the grocery store down the street from our accommodation to buy food. Like I said before, when you're walking around the city at night, I feel safe, and that's why we don't have any problems making late-night runs to stores or fast food places. Everything is so convenient in Seoul that it makes it easy to navigate, especially at night. Below is a picture of one of the convenience stores close to my accommodation and other extremely close stores whenever we need to make a midnight run.

Safety at night in Seoul

The other interns and I sometimes take walks around our accommodation to sight-see and get some fresh air. What makes Seoul unique is that theirs so much to see, but at the same time, it's just so beautiful. It is strangely a very peaceful and beautiful city among all the noise of buses, cars, and people. Another reason why I like staying up late to the town is because of safety. I feel so safe walking around Seoul, which plays a significant part in why I am out at night most of the time. I still am cautious about my surroundings, but I am comfortable here. Other interns and I have shared similar thoughts and opinions, which is why it has driven us to be more outside at night.

A picture of the Seoul Streets captured by Jordan

Importance of embracing the Seoul Nightlife

The City Of Seoul captured by Jordan

When traveling to Seoul, you should go out a few times in the nightlife. There's so much to see, and you will experience Seoul differently! There's much to do, people to meet, and things to see. Before traveling to Seoul, have never been a night city person, but Seoul is very experienced. Food markets are still open for you to try, and shopping outlets for you to explore. Sometimes performances are happening, and you can sit down and watch. You will miss out on so much if you don't explore Seoul at night.

I hope you enjoyed reading my latest chapter on the Nightlife in Seoul! Stay tune soon for my next upcoming article on my journey in Seoul so far!

(Chapter 9)