Sujin Lee

Seoul

Samcheon-dong is a very old classic art area. There have many art galleries and it’s also near by Gyeongbokgung Palace where you can experience old art culture.

I love to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace when I want to feel calm.

This is a very nice spot to see local Korean art exhibitions. If you want to feel some young art, you have to go Hongdae. This area is very famous in young art culture because of Hongik-university which is one of the famous art universities in Korea.

I usually visit here for buying art suppliers, especially Homi art supply store. You can see good quality art supplies here.

Sungsu-dong is getting popular not just for art, you can see the fashion and design culture. Samuel Smalls is really good to see vintage furniture and home accessories.

If you like vintage clothes you have to visit Million Archive! So many beautiful vintage clothes are there, you can enjoy to see.

Sujin Lee's Guide to Seoul’s Art Scene

It’s a modern Korean restaurant with Makgeolli pairings. If my friend visits me from abroad, I definitely want to take them to this place. You can try Korean food here easily and beautifully. They have a ‘by-the-glass’ tasting where you can try different Korean liquors paired with the food. I recommend it! My favourite dish is the ‘squid sundae,’ which comes in ink sauce and butter crumbs on top. If you choose based on your favourite ingredients, you can’t go wrong.

I heard that a lot of foreigners come to Korea looking for Dakhanmari (a whole chicken soup). Dakgomtang is a similar dish, but it’s a bit easier to eat. Koreans are crazy about the soup and rice combo. Here, you can order a dish called Dakgopjil, which is tender chicken skin and meat served with the soup. You can either eat it as a side dish or mix it into the soup – whatever you prefer. If you’re curious about what Koreans really eat daily, you should try this place!

It’s an organic-style café and wine bar with large windows, great for reading or chatting. The music selection is great, and the food is delicious too. The vibe changes between day and night – both are worth experiencing. The daytime is laid-back, while the evening feels more romantic. Sometimes they host parties at night, and enjoying the music with their ‘shiso gin tonic’ or ‘roasted sweet potato with ice cream’ makes for an unforgettable night.

Just a bit north of central Seoul, where the museums and the old city gates are, you’ll find this retro café with an ‘80s vibe. At night, they play music on LPs, creating a unique atmosphere. Their drip coffee is great, and their special ‘Himalayan Masala Chai’ – a spicy milk tea – is really interesting. It’s definitely worth trying.

Every weekend (Thu to Sun), they host a variety of events. They have a system that records DJ and artist performances, and the space is really friendly, so it’s easy to connect with people through the music. They also run a YouTube channel where you can check out mixes and shows from different people. I’ve hosted parties and performed here myself, and it’s always been a lovely experience.

It’s one of my favourite clubs in Seoul. They host a lot of curated parties and pull in a diverse crowd from the underground scene. The vibe is super chill, with a rooftop overlooking the Sang-su area and a separate dancefloor downstairs, so you can go back and forth between them and take breaks as needed. Some nights you’ll see breakdancing battles, and other times they’ve got hot dogs on the rooftop. It’s a fun spot, and even Peggy Gou has shown up for a surprise set!

It’s a book café/library for adults. They mainly feature graphic novels, but don’t worry if you don’t speak Korean – there are plenty of photo books, art books, and English titles available too. There are lots of interesting reads. You can enjoy a coffee or a drink while you read in a comfortable setting, and you can even buy any books you like.

It’s a bar and café run by a web magazine that’s all about South Korea’s underground scene. If you check their schedule ahead of time, you might catch local DJs doing special radio shows. They also have events like ‘Tekken tournaments’ and ‘record flea markets’ from time to time. It’s a great spot to grab a drink before you head out to the clubs in Itaewon on a weekend night. Plus, the bartenders are friendly.

It’s not in Seoul, but it’s pretty close and totally worth the trip. It’s a fantastic spot for enjoying classical, jazz, and opera. They play music on LPs and vintage gear, and you can move around the big space to see how the sound changes and how the view outside shifts. The place itself has a really cool vibe, and the view of the Imjin River is stunning. They don’t allow outside drinks and don’t sell anything but water. The atmosphere is so beautiful that I once dreamed of having my wedding here!

It’s not in Seoul, but it’s a great spot nearby where you can really enjoy nature. It’s a lookout point where you can camp and even stay overnight with a view of North Korea. The view changes a bit with the seasons, and it’s just a 10-minute walk from the parking lot to the lookout, so it’s super easy to get to. I think it’s perfect for bringing some coffee and snacks and just chilling out for a few hours.

Squid Sundae and Potatoes with Ice Cream: NECTA’s Guide to Seoul’s Best-Kept Secrets

Get the mussel bibimbap for ₩1600 (about $16).

Architectural coffee house in Hannam, also open late for night owls.

Meet new people while drinking soju and barbecuing frozen pork belly.

Look up to see the traditional Korean roof tiles.

Editors note: In Hyangmok’s art, these are hand painted in vibrant blues, greens and yellows.

A food stall street in Jongno (known as ‘Pocha’) is not open for lunch, but opens from late afternoon until dawn the next day without an exact closing time. As anyone who knows Korean nightlife knows, I once sat and drank here from 7pm to 7am the next morning. It's hard to get a seat on weekend evenings, and reservations are not available, so if you want to enjoy a variety of traditional Korean food and drinks here, I recommend going a little earlier in the evening or a little later in the evening after you've finished your meal.

Free entry on Wednesday and Saturday evenings.

Leeum Gallery is one of the galleries in Korea that has the largest collection of works encompassing traditional art containing the unique beauty of Korea and contemporary history of the world. Here, what I want others to see is in the exhibition hall titled 'The Journey of White Light' located on the third floor of the exhibition hall. ‘Buncheong ware’ is a unique porcelain made only in Korea in the 15th and 16th centuries, and shows the original form of Korean beauty.

Architect designed coffee space with an underground music bar and non-profit gallery space.

Hyangmok Baik’s City Guide to Seoul

Excellent okonomiyaki, yakisoba and takoyako. Take out’s great but I go there for the dining experience. The latter will double the flavour. 

A place I go to find comfort and peace, cool off and clear my head. You can also find other smaller galleries and art exhibitions at every corner of the area. 

Hands down the best Pyeongyang naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles) I’ve ever had.  

You never know what to expect from this place, what you’ll end up seeing or buying. 


Always liked the 80s ~ 90s vibe of the architecture. The art center has great exhibitions and cool outdoor spaces. I recommend sitting by the music fountain and maybe even going for a short hike. 

Cakeshop has been the central hub for the ever-shifting club scenes in Itaewon. It is also where my DJ career started. 

A long time regular of Henz. Probably the only club in Hongdae I still frequent; as a customer but also as a DJ. It’s a great place to just relax and chill. 

A club located in the same building as Henz but gives off more of a lounge vibe. Make sure to check out their roof top. The Seoul night view is breathtaking. 

Amazing fried chicken with spicy cool shishito pepper and crispy skin coated in earthy nutty sesame seed oil. Get that with some somaek (soju & beer) on the side. It’s a combo made in heaven. 

Places I visit to rest and find solace from the busy city life.

This is where I had my first DJ party ‘Don’t You Know Yet’. It’s a multi-purpose venue that can turn into anything; a club, lounge, live music hall. They have great artist lineups and a nice selection of cocktails. They even have one of those good old arcade game machines. 

Seoul with 250

Byul Kim

My favourite record bar is owned by my close friends. It has very nice speakers with great music, a cosy and sexy interior, and what makes it very special are the very welcoming staff and service.

Key venue for the Seoul club scene, Kockiri is a gay bar/club known for its inclusivity. Another draw of the bar is its beautiful terrace that faces a giant tree, providing a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy drinks and good company.  

One of the best wine joints, with a very relaxing and lively atmosphere, good bites and great selection of natural wine along with great service.

It's hard to find authentic Mexican food in Seoul—this spot brings a true Mexican taste.

Authentic Chinese lamb skewers with a great menu, run by Chinese owners. 

They serve authentic eastern Arabian food. Must try the falafels and mansaf.

One of South Korea's top designers, a nice space to shop their designs.

Funny people and unique experiences, a great stop to admire Ojas speakers with a great selection of music.

Sexy Interiors and Relaxed Wine Bars: Byul Kim's Guide to Seoul Nights

Paola Laf

If K-pop is what led you to Seoul, this is the real deal for music nerds. Established in 1979, this record shop boasts an impressive collection of K-pop albums, including vinyl, spanning decades.

A Seoul nightlife institution probably on everyone's list already but I had to include it anyway. It’s the best club in town - so many legendary DJs, both local and foreign, have played and keep playing here. It's the kind of place where you know the music is going to be good no matter who's on the line-up. 

One of Seoul’s best music venues, hands down. If you’re curious about the local scene, this is where you should go. They regularly host live concerts, but even when it’s just open as a bar the staff plays the best music in the background. I have discovered so much new music there. 

Again, one of Seoul’s best music venues. DIY, experimental, punk-spirited DJ sets and live concerts, where you’ll hear the wildest and most free-spirited mix of genres. Plus, a lovely community of people around it. Shout out to them. 

In all honesty, part of me wanted to gate keep this place, but on the other hand, I wanted to give it a shout-out. It’s a tiny, cosy whiskey bar with a perfect music selection, and I have some cherished memories attached to it.

Quest is the bar of Visla.FM, the radio station where I host my show. A cozy nook in the midst of the craziness of Itaewon where I often found myself shazamming what's playing in the background.

I’m a sucker for panoramic views and stunning sunsets. Comfort has a rooftop that, from afar, looks like a cliff. I often go there to watch the sunset.

A cozy café along the Inwang Mountain Trail that even won an award for Best Public Building and also offers a beautiful view of the city. With no bus stop nearby, you’ll need to walk along the trail for a bit to reach it (unless you take a taxi), but that makes it even better, in my opinion.

My Korean isn’t good enough to read entire books yet, so this is my go-to spot. This bookstore sells second-hand books in English and a few other languages. It has classics, books by Korean authors, and an interesting selection of books on Korea too. Avoid the big chains and support your local store! 

Café Gaeppul is a café, bar, and gallery nestled in the Ihwa Mural Village on the slope of Naksan. While most cafés in Seoul don't sell beer, this one does, on a terrace over a stunning panoramic view stretching across the city, from a new angle.

Cosy Whiskey Bars to Kpop Havens: Paola Laf’s Guide to Seoul

SooJin

Usually open from sun up to sun down, it's best to visit during the weekday considering what a shit show it is on the weekends. You have to rummage to find gems and beware of counterfeit goods.

Chill cafe/bar tucked away in Eulji-ro that is run simultaneously by the owner of vinyl shop Clique Records. Great high balls, wine, cheese and music.

Hotel in the heart of Hongdae that boasts it's connection with the subculture. Grilled cheese at Tartine is one of the best and you can grab a drink at Side Note Club on their terrace.

A cafe/bar situated on the top floor of the showroom and shop of brand AJOBYAJO - at first it’s intimidating but just walk up the stairs to the 4th floor. Offers a zen-like vibe with Buddhist statues and an aquarium with white carp as their bar table. Their tea/coffee usually comes with traditional dried persimmons.

Located in the Hannam-dong neighborhood of Itaewon, Warped is a streetwear based clothing store where local creatives go to just chill.

A two-room techno club in Itaewon with possibly one of the best sound systems.

Entrance fee to the garden is separate from the Palace.

Small and cozy record bar that was opened by Jinmoo, one of the founders for OG DJ crew 360 Sounds. You can easily hear hip hop, jazz, soul and funk sounds by 360 Sounds members and other local DJs.

Not only a bar but an artistic space that has been used for live performances, film screenings and exhibitions. Sindosi offers books, cassettes and artwork for sale as well as a church going experience on their roof as they have pews for seating.

SooJin Park's Best Spots in Seoul

Omega Sapien 

Ring is a techno club in Korea and you know Korean nightlife is infamous. It’s one of the coolest places, check it out.

It is a big traditional market in Korea. There are various restaurants that sell yukhoe(Beef Tartare). (Jamaejib, HyeongJe YukHwe, Buchon Yukhoe, etc.) And the restaurants sell 'Nakji tang-tang-e’(sliced and chopped live octopus and beef tartare), which is eaten with live octopus and yukhoe. 


This is where the Korean OG’s hang out - it’s a good place to check out. 
There are so many old people in Dongmyo. And there are many different kinds of junk shops selling old things. If you want to buy vintage clothing at a vintage market in Dongmyo, you can buy it at a very low price.


My favorite vegan restaurant. It’s beautiful there

Omega Sapien's Guide to Seoul

Mount XLR

This is one of the classic places to go after clubbing in Itaewon. They’re famous for their Korean hangover soup (뼈해장국), but I always choose the spicy braised pork (뼈찜). Open 24 hours, which is a charm. Always a lovely vibe around.

Seoul’s finest club. Somewhere all my youth is at. No description needed.

If someone asks where the most unique experience is to feel the subculture, I would definitely recommend Seendosi. The place has a bar on the 5th floor and a venue on the 4th. Both are highly unique and feel very local. If you are a subculture fan and coming to Seoul for the first time, definitely give it a try.

Another subculture realm in Seoul. It’s located in a very old neighbourhood (Eulji-ro), where you’ll witness all the raw goodness of the place.

My favourite walking place. I remember that I used to walk down the road around 2 a.m., after watching a late-night movie at a nearby cinema. The boulevard mainly consists of a lot of big companies. But late at night, everything is just dark with tall buildings. Maybe it is a bit away from the “nightlife” people usually expect, but I strongly recommend exploring the empty city vibe in Seoul.

Open 24 hours, serving solid Korean army soup. After a long night out, this place will treat you well. There’s also a branch near Gangnam Station.

Han River is the heart of Seoul. One of the best things about the city is being able to walk safely anywhere, anytime. If you’re tired of high-energy nightlife, head here with friends and order fried chicken via delivery app—you can even pick it up from the roadside.

One of my favourite soup spots. In Korean cuisine, soups are everything—food that belongs to everyone, food you can share drinks with, food that feeds your soul. This place is a great introduction to that vibe.

‘Sundae’ (순대) is Korean blood pudding (though very different from the Western kind). Sundae soup is another hearty classic. I often come here late at night after finishing sessions with friends—it’s near my studio, in a quiet, local neighbourhood. If you’re looking for a hidden gem in Seoul, this might be it.

A small bar near Hanguk Sundae. Slightly different block, but surrounded by restaurants and bars that stay open late. Friendly staff, great dishes, and a strong whisky selection (especially single malts) at affordable prices. Definitely recommend.