Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cwaddell]

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]

[peppermint]

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]

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]

[own_king]

[cellphone]

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]

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!]

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.

[zappadelta]

Yea, you might want to live outside of Seoul, somewhere like Wonju. That is the happening spot in the Korean music scene.

[RACETRAITOR]

Another great place is Chungju (Cheongju, not Choongju).

There is indie rock here, but it's just like any other country: the hip-hoppers and the clubbers are the most numerous and the most visible. You'll find a minority for whatever you're looking for.

[adventureman]

[pest2]

[djsmnc]

If you are looking for a really good time, try the nightclubs in Jong-ro!
They are hard to miss, because guys outside usually promote their clubs by politely greeting you on the street.

When you go there, they usually set you up with some fresh fruit and whiskey, and sometimes a few bottles of beer too. After some time, they will bring the finest women to your table, and the girls are more than willing to be gently escorted across the room. (Ladies, YOU could even be one of them if you go there!)

The music is great, because they often play bouncing electronic versions of current Korean Pop songs. Be sure to keep your new date with you, becuase there are a lot of good dancers in stylish pinstripe suits out there!!

The price is a little expensive, around 300,000 won, but the experience is on par with Studio 54 in New York, or Fabric in London. Jong ro booking clubs are THE in place to go!

[RACETRAITOR]