Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Rteacher]

Seoul Racecourse Park might be a good date for some ... https://korearacing.live/about/

For more arty types, there are places like Seoul Art Cinema near Insadong ...
http://travel.cnn.com/seoul/play/top-6-art-cinemas-seoul-082863/

Nearby Sanchon Mountain Village restaurant features a traditional Korean drum and dance show in the evenings ... http://www.sanchon.com/en/sub03/sub03_01.php

[northway]

Seoul Racecourse Park sounds like a fun date until you actually visit Seoul Racecourse Park.

[Rteacher]

It used to be better when their free "Foreigners Lounge" with comfortable seating and tables was exclusive to foreigners, but I think a lot of locals complained that Koreans should also have access to such a nice facility. It's been a while since I was there, but I presume that they still have programs in English and a section where English-speaking clerks can help you lose money (that otherwise can be spent on love motels ...)

Aside from that, there's also outdoor seating where you can see the horses up-close during the post parades as well as a scenic (man-made) waterfall in the background...
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g2024866-d3164769-Reviews-Seoul_Racecourse_Park-Gwacheon_Gyeonggi_do.html

Actually, it's not that good a date spot if you're really into the betting aspect - like me - trying to study the racing forms. (I'll never forget the time I won about 5 million won on a longshot exacta and had a huge stack of 10,000 won bills that I awkwardly walked around with till I found a shopping bag and paid a big Canadian guy something to act as my body guard till I got to the subway station ...)

[northway]

The one time I went to Seoul Racecourse Park it felt like every ugly stereotype and complaint about ajossis had been concentrated into one disgusting place, stinking of stale cigarette smoke and elderly misery. And they don't even sell booze. This was probably about five years ago though, so perhaps it's improved since.

Nonetheless, I don't think Korea really grasps horse racing as a potentially classy activity the way you'll find in the West (or Hong Kong, per my understanding). It's just one of the few legal avenues for Koreans to gamble in Seoul's immediate vicinity.

[PRagic]

News Flash: Was just in Hongdae and spotted a new bowling place where you can eat and drink.

[chopstick]

Went to a place near the river in Yangjae the other week. Quite nice round there. Or you could just go and get leathered in Itaewon or something. Still good.