Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cwaddell]

I recently moved job and apartment and now live extremely close to this area. In the past I've walked around it during the day and had lunch, but I've never experienced its nightlife.

The plan is to go out there with friends tomorrow night. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Usually, Hongdae is my cup of cha, so if anyone can point me in the right direction of some places that may have decent bands, or at least a cool kind of atmosphere, it'd be greatly appreciated. Is it in some ways similar to Hongdae? (albeit, on a smaller scale)

Not too fussed about clubs (I guess it's lacking), just some cool bars.

Thanks for your help.

[cwaddell]

Bump....

[bangbayed]

Haven't hung out there in a few years, but if you walk in the alleys around the less busy side (across the road from KFC/Starbucks), you'll find a lot of really cool small bars and restaurants.

[Bibbitybop]

In a nutshell, Hyehwa (a.k.a. Daehangno) is a kick-ass area, but don't expect to find clubs or women looking to hook up as you would in Hongdae or Itaewon.

Korea's oldest uni, Sungkyunkwan, is in Hyehwa, as are multiple other university annexes. Daehangno (the big street) is like Seoul's Broadway and arts districts, full of musical theaters, drama theaters, comedy theaters, bars and restaurants.

You can find cheaper, divier places near SKK and more expensive, refined places on the east side of Daehangno.

People in Hyehwa are usually university students, people who enjoy the arts, people on dates, or teenagers during the day (lots of high schools and middle schools around). You won't find a single dance club, and that makes Hyehwa great. No wannabees, no desperate guys, no kiggers, no horny GIs and none of the fools that lines Hongdae and Itaewon, just people meeting with friends, lovers, classmates, etc.

Lots of great bars and restaurants all over. One of my favorites is Comfort Zone. If you go out exit 4 and turn left, walk to the end of that slim street. Across the intersection you'll see a 3-story Dunkin Donuts and a Starbucks. Walk between and behind them, you'll see Comfort Zone. It's also the only dart bar in Hyehwa, plus the owner has a bar dog (a black Chow Chow) and he (the owner) speaks perfect English.

For a unique dining experience, visit Platters. It's a 1950's style American diner, complete with burgers, sandwiches, Philly cheese steaks, beer and real milkshakes. Go out exit 2 and walk straight. Go about 25 meters until the large hanging stone is on your left. Turn left there and walk down that alley/street. Platters will be on your right.

One of the best things about Hyehwa is you can find tiny, often hidden bars all over the place. You may have the place to yourself or stumble upon a bar the locals often keep secret as not to ruin the tranquility.

[cwaddell]

Thanks for the information, really appreciate it! Looking forward to checking it out tonight.

[bangbayed]

[Bibbitybop]

[cwaddell]

[bangbayed]

The best times I've had in Daehangno were roaming around with friends and finding a place on our own. Hope you manage the same.

[bassexpander]

[quote="bangbayed"]