Korean Job Discussion Forums

cwaddell · Joined: 23 Jan 2006

I'm probably going to be living in, or close to Seoul. I was wondering if people could recommend which area of Seoul would suit me best in terms of what I enjoy from my nightlife. I'll break it down into a simple Likes/Dislikes, thanks for your advice!

Like: Live bands, Pubs/Bars, Late drinking, Cheapish drinking, Clubs playing indie rock type stuff, friendly but crazy atmosphere, dark and dingy places. Most importantly, ....Live Bands!!

Dislike: Nightclubs, Dance music/DJ's, Dancing, Expensive pretentious places.

Please vote all you Seoulites, I'll owe you a pint!

SPINOZA · Joined: 10 Jun 2005 Location: $eoul

peppermint · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 5:41 pm Post subject:

for live music in itaewon, check out woodstock, j-bar, big electric cat and probably a few other places I've either missed or forgotten.

Actually, the expat bars outside Seoul sound like more of your scene- Aside from the live/ indie music scene, you just described every single expat bar outside Seoul I've ever been in.

RACETRAITOR · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul, South Korea

If you want live bands, you'd better stick with Hongdae. There are all sorts of indie and underground clubs, but they're sometimes tough to find.

Yaya · Joined: 25 Feb 2003 Location: Seoul

own_king · Joined: 17 Apr 2004 Location: here

cellphone · Joined: 18 Feb 2004

Seoul and Korea as a whole I thought was near awful for any 'enjoyable' night life. There's plenty of grunginess in the main bar districts but it's still with a twist. One huge complaint I've always had is that Korea has been overrun near unanimously by Hip Hop and related. Maybe a couple of rock bars but they are detached from the 'scene.'

cwaddell · Joined: 23 Jan 2006

Oh noooooooo.......overrun by hip-hop? It sounds pretty much like the UK these days then. Still, each to their own of course. The jury seems divided on Hongdae, maybe I should try and START some kind of indie/rock night! I'm bringing over about 450gb of music, so you never know. If you don't ask you don't get!

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

Hongdae and Itaewon are probably the best areas for nightlife, Hongdae if you want to meet Korean women, Itaewon if you want to meet expats. All the neighborhoods in your poll have their fun spots, though.

If you're looking for a neighborhood to live in, though, don't worry about it. Seoul has good enough public transportation that it's easy to get around for your nightlife. Worry more about the job, and just make sure you are in or have easy access to Seoul.