Nightlife in Korea
One thing about Korea, it truly comes alive in the night regardless of which city you find yourself in. The nightlife in Korea is young, vibrant and bustling.
We had the privilege of exploring and experiencing it in 3 different cities. Let’s start in Jeju.
We came to learn about this establishment through the Waterbomb Festival Instagram page. So, we are in Jeju for waterbomb and boom! The afterparty details are released. We all looked at each other and we knew that the post festival shenanigans would be shenaniging!
The Club is located in Jeju City. They are open from Thursday to Sunday, and they play Hip-hop, RnB and Bass. We were there on a Saturday and Sunday and our experience was truly one for the books. Not only was the staff friendly but they were very hospitable. Fellow patrons were beyond welcoming, and friends were made on the dancefloor. If you are a nightlife girlie, we recommend checking out Club Cliff on your next trip to Jeju.
Seoul
Seoul hits a little bit different. You will definitely be spoilt for choice and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Our Seoul list will be quite extensive but it’s only your starter pack to a good time. Let’s dive right in!
Photo: K-Africa Mag
I am only starting here because this was the first establishment Khanya and I discovered when we went exploring our first night in Iteawon. What was meant to be a quick night walk just to get the layer of the land after a 16-hour flight (with a 10 hour layover in between) turned into an extensive night out. Waikiki Paradise opens at 6pm everyday so it doesn’t matter what day of the week you arrive in Korea, they will always be open for you to pop in and have a good time.
We became regulars here during our time in Seoul because not only was the staff extremely friendly and generous, but the music was also very inclusive. From Hip Hop to Afrobeats and some Ariana Grande for good measure. To quote Yvonne Chaka Chaka “Thank you Mr DJ for playing my song!”. This establishment is a must on your itinerary.
Photo: K-Africa Mag
A lot can be said about Hongdae but a lot more can be said about Devil club. They say you can never find love in the club but love (or lust) was found at Devil every night and multiples times without fail. How did we get to discover this hidden treasure in Hongdae? Well, I was approached by a lively young lady in a schoolgirl uniform and everything about our interaction said to me “Mika, trust and follow her”. I did just that and she led us to Devil Club. Upon discovering this establishment, we fell into the same pattern and became regulars, yes, our time was split between Hongdae and Itaewon for the majority of the trip but with good reason! Hongdae tales aside, The club offers a pole for your utilisation, affordable drinks and Hip Hop music. The staff is beyond generous and friendly!
Gathering happened by mistake, to be quite honest. It’s midweek, we have a flight to Jeju in a few hours, Waikiki has just closed (midweek they close at 2am) and city girls are down. Decisions needed to be made: do we call it a night or let the spirit guide us? While we were wondering I heard music. I was not quite sure where the music was coming from so we decided to investigate (BBC Style) and the result of this investigation was the discovery of club Gathering and gather we did. The night restarted, circles were opened on the dancefloor and nyash was shaken. At some point, three separate circles opened and a South African was at the centre of them all! What does this tell you? The music and the patrons were 10/10! No notes.
Let the Hongdae tales continue! When I think NB club I think tequila, free tequila at that. We went to NB on 2 or 3 different nights and each night I would swear the DJ had a link to my Spotify playlist. You will struggle to leave because every time you attempt to head to the door they will play your song. I don’t know how they do it, but we suffered such fate every night we visited this establishment. Add it to your list of Hongdae must visit clubs.
While we are still discussing the shenanigans of Hongdae, let me tell you about Awesome club. Well, I won’t have much to tell you because it feels like I was in a trance and all I recall is an overwhelming feeling of glee and satisfaction. If you ever find yourself in a morning queue to get into a club during your stay in Korea that club should be club Awesome. It’s truly all in the name.
Yes, you read that right! It isn’t a duplication. Waikiki has a sister club/pub. One Waikiki wasn’t enough because why have one when you can have two! Waikiki 2 (that’s what we started calling it) is located within walking distance from Waikiki Paradise. Here is how it works. When Waikiki Paradise closes at 2am midweek, you are ushered (usually by your one friend who doesn’t want to go home or the cool people you just met) to Waikiki 2 to finish the rest of your partying there. What time do you leave Waikiki 2? Well, that is entirely up to you.
Busan
Wondering what Busan might have to offer? Well, we are here so you don’t have to. Let’s slow things down now. We weren’t in Busan for long and the weather wasn’t on our side (it rained everyday while we were there) so we couldn’t fully explore the nightlife but we did find some cool places to hangout during our short stay there.
The Medici Busan (Speak easy)
This place wasn’t easy to find and that’s by design. The vibe is totally different here. It isn’t a pub or club but more of a lounge with soft music and laid-back vibes. If you are a person who likes to chill and have a conversation on a night out, then this place is definitely your kind of vibe. It is beautifully decorated, and the staff is beyond friendly. We spent almost the entire night there just having great conversations.
Photo: K-Africa Mag
Thursday party (Busan)
Not a club but a vibe. Conveniently located on a busy street and surrounded by restaurants. So, finish your dinner and head over there for good music and fun games. You will meet a lot of people including expats.
With all this information you have no choice but to get out there and have some fun!
Article by Mikateko
