The Best Things To Do At Night in Seoul
The city of Seoul is vibrant at night. Neon lights brighten the view everywhere you look and the nightlife in Seoul is amazing. I had never been in a place where things just don’t close before arriving here. From night markets to noraebangs, or karaoke rooms, there is so much to do at night in Seoul, Korea.
Are you a night owl? An insomniac? This is the city for you. You can take night walks in Seoul along the Seoul Fortress Wall or go to a night market in Seoul to eat all of the delicious food. Where do you think you’ll go first?
Things to know about going out at night in Seoul:
- Transportation Tips for going out at night in Seoul
- Things to do at night in Seoul
- Visit an Art Museum
- Visit a Traditional Market at night
- Walk along the Cheonggyecheon Stream (청계천)
- Sing your heart out at Luxury Su Noraebang (럭셔리 수노래방)
- Take a Ghost Tour in downtown Seoul
- See the Night Lights from N Seoul Tower (남산타워)
- Take in the views and Champagne at Lotte Tower (롯데타워)
- Take a Hangang River Ferry Cruise (한강 페리 크루즈)
- Go on a Seoul Evening E-Bike Tour
- Stay Out at the Han River Parks
- See the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain
- Join the Seoul Pub Crawl
- Have fun at Lotte World (롯데월드)
- See a Performance
- Play Games in a PC Room (PC방)
- Seoul City Night Bus Tour (서울 시내 야간버스 투어)
- Seoul Night Fortress Wall Tour
- Visit Seoullo 7017
- Visit a Korean Palace at Night
- Walk Around the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (동대문디자인플라자)
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Transportation Tips for going out at night in Seoul
Public Transportation
Subways: The subway system operates until 1:00am on the weekdays, and actually a bit earlier on the weekends despite what you might expect. It’s important to check your Seoul subway app to ensure you know when the last train to your destination is running if you’re looking to get home that way.
Buses: There are some late night bus routes that operate from 11:00pm until 6:00am but you’ll want to ensure you know how close these are to your destination. The N65 route runs from Gaehwa-dong to Siheung-dong, for example. N75 runs from Eunpyeong-gu to Gwanak-gu. The Night buses (N routes) are the best budget friendly option if you can manage and want to go home after the subways end.
Taxis: Taxis are prevalent, however, they are difficult to get these days so you’ll want to plan to head out earlier than you might think to get a taxi and use an app to book a taxi like Kakao Taxi if possible.
Things to do at night in Seoul
There is a lot to do at night in Seoul and something for everyone really. If you’re looking to party, maybe go to Gangnam for the clubs, or head to Hongdae for busking and live music. From karaoke rooms to markets, and lots of food spots, there is so much to see and do at night and the neon lights are dazzling along the streets. Here is a list of what to do at night in Seoul… what will you choose first?
Visit An Art Museum
Did you know that the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art’s Seoul (국립현대미술관 서울) and Deoksugung (국립현대미술관 덕수궁) branches regularly offer extended hours? On Wednesdays and Saturdays each week, the museum is open until 9:00pm!
Take in some arts after dinner and then walk around the palace walls. On top of that, the Seoul Museum of Art (서울시립미술관) is open until 10:00pm on the last Wednesday of every month. Check out the exhibitions that are on and enjoy the arts at night this month.
- MMCA Seoul: 30 Samcheong-ro (Sogyeok-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 삼청로 30)
- Days: Wednesdays & Saturdays
- Hours: 10:00am ~ 9:00pm*
- MMCA Deoksugung: 99 Sejong-daero (Jeong-dong), Jung-gu, Seoul (서울 중구 세종대로 99)
- Days: Wednesdays & Saturdays
- Hours: 10:00am ~ 9:00pm*
- Seoul Museum of Art: 61 Deoksugung-gil (Seosomun-dong), Jung-gu, Seoul (서울 중구 덕수궁길 61)
- Days: Last Wednesday of the month
- Hours: 10:00am ~ 10:00pm*
*Just the late night hours have been listed above. Of course the museums are open during the other days as well.
Visit A Traditional Market at Night
Dongdaemun Night Market (동대문 야시장)
Whether you’re going to shop for fashion finds or food, Dongdaemun Market is one of the best spots to visit at night in Seoul. With thousands of shops and dozens of shopping malls, it’s one of the largest venues in Korea. The sweet tantalizing aroma from the food vendors will have you inspect each and every food truck on the street for a unique experience and taste.
- Address: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (동대문역사문화공원역)
- Days: Friday & Saturday
- Hours: 6pm ~ 11:00pm
Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market (서울 밤도깨비 야시장)
Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market is a seasonal event, changing every year and offering a variety of concepts and specialized products. It started as a roving market with a different location each weekend, but in recent years, there were multiple locations around the city on summer weekends. It’s a vibrant and fun market to enjoy from summer through autumn in Seoul. With nearly 30 food trucks and 1,000 slots available, it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss. They sell everything from steak and dakganjeong (deep-fried and braised chicken), to hotdogs, beverages, and more.
- Website: https://www.bamdokkaebi.org/
Namdaemun Market (남대문시장)
From daily necessities to souvenirs, Namdaemun Market is the largest market in Seoul and many of the stalls here are open until late into the night. Look for the specialized streets of goods between bites like the camera street, souvenir street, and stationary alley. There are over 10,000 vendors from day into night in Namdaemun. Plenty to find.
- Address: 21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (04529 서울 중구 남대문시장4길 21)
- Directions: From Subway Line 4, Hoehyeon Station, take exit 7
Gwangjang Market (광장시장)
From day to night, Gwngjang Market is vibrant and offers some of the most delicious foods in the city if you ask me. It’s the perfect place to find a piping hot bowl of noodles or drink in the atmosphere of the unique area of street food. It can get crowded, but there’s so many places to sit and enjoy that you won’t have a problem finding a seat after too long.
- For More Information: Check out this guide to what to eat at Gwangjang Traditional Market before you go.
- Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul(03195 서울 종로구 창경궁로 88)
- Directions: Take subway Line 1 at Jongno 5(o)-ga Station and use Exit 7. It’s a one minute walk from there.
- Days: Closed on Sunday
- Hours: Food Alley: 9:00am ~ 11:00pm
Walk along the Cheonggyecheon Stream (청계천)
At nearly 11 kilometers, the Cheonggyecheon Stream is a great place to spend some time and relax for a tranquil evening in downtown Seoul. It’s a short descent under the main road and has a lot of space to walk around and enjoy the scenery.
Colorful lights brighten the path and there are often exhibitions and lanterns set up throughout the year making it a popular place to stroll. This can be a very romantic place to head in the evenings so if you’re looking for a date spot, this is it. In the summer, take off your shoes and dip them into the stream to cool off a bit.
- For More Information: Check out this guide to the Cheonggyecheon Stream which you can walk the entire distance of.
- Address:1 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 청계천로 1)
Take a Ghost Tour in downtown Seoul
Throughout the year, but especially popular around Halloween in Korea, you can go on a ghost tour in downtown Seoul. Listen to ghostly stories and learn about Korean culture and horrible crimes. Visit well-known haunted places in Seoul and hear about real crimes in Korean history. Would you dare?
- Book A Tour: Book a tour on Trazy.com
- Tour Options: The regular tour is 1.5 hours long and the extended tour is 2.5 hours long.
- Admission: Regular Tour: $37.00; Extended Tour: $42
- Directions: Weekdays the tour starts from Seodaemun Station and weekends the tour starts from Anguk Station.
- Tour Time: 8:00pm
Sing your heart out at Luxury Su Noraebang (럭셔리 수노래방)
Want a place to jam out with your friends with your below-average voices? Then visiting a Korean-style karaoke room is just for you. Noraebang translates to ‘song room’ and they are ALL over the city. Check out this Ode to the Noraebang if you want to see just how great they are.
There are many of these singing rooms located throughout Seoul. Just order some popcorn or other various foods, chug down some soju or beer if you need something to lower those inhibitions, and sing your hearts out with the boys or the girls or your family as they laugh with you or at you, but it’s fun all the same!
Luxury Su Noraebang in Hongdae is one of the best locations to desecrate—or bless—with your voice. It’s open 24 hours a day and has a somewhat opulent sheen with very social-media-worthy views to take home with you when you leave. Even if you don’t go inside, you can see people singing delightfully inside from the street. Go check it out and all of the other great things to do in Hongdae.
- Su Noraebang Address: 367-39 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울 마포구 서교동 367-39 수노래방)
- Admission: Before noon: W1,000/Before 7:00pm: W10,000/After 7:00pm: W18,000 ~ W22,000
See the Night Lights from N Seoul Tower (남산타워)
N Seoul Tower, also called Namsan Tower, shoots up to a whopping 774 feet, providing you with a vast view of Seoul. Plan a visit before the sun drops and you can enjoy gorgeous views of the city from daylight into night and watch as the city lights flicker on and the night drapes the city with neon lights. This is also considered one of the most romantic places in Seoul so if you’re looking for a good date night spot, this is it!
- Get your tickets: Get your tickets for N Seoul Tower on Klook for a more convenient experience.
- Address: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan 2(i)ga-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea (서울 용산구 용산2가동 남산공원길 105)
- Days: Monday ~ Sunday
- Hours: Sunday ~ Friday 10am ~ 11pm/Saturday: 10am ~ 12am
- Admission: W10,000 (Adult) W7,000 (Child/Elderly)
Take in the views and champagne at Lotte Tower (롯데타워)
Another amazing tower in Seoul, Lotte Tower is home to Seoul Sky as well as Signiel Hotel and Bar 81. Bar 81 boasts the widest champagne collection in all of Asia while being located in the tallest building in all of Korea. SIGNIEL is also the second tallest hotel in the world. With a stunning view of the Han River that will make your breath catch, it is a sight you can’t afford to miss. If you’re looking for a luxury night out, then this is the place to be.
- Address: Lotte World Tower, 81st Floor 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu Seoul (서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 300 롯데월드타워 81층)
- By Subway: If you’re already in the city and just want to hop on public transportation, you can find the hotel easily by heading to Jamsil Subway Station and going out of exit 1 or 2. You can’t miss the tower as soon as you exit!
- Important Note: Whether you drive or take a subway or bus, you need to go to the first floor of Seoul Sky Tower and find the specific elevators that go up to SIGNIEL Seoul. The elevators go up to certain places because the building is just massive. Only a couple of elevators in the basement go all the way to Seoul Sky Observatory, for example. Not all of the elevators go up to the hotel. There are specific elevators that only go to hotel floors and you can find them easily when you walk around the first floor of the building.
- Hours: 5:30pm ~ 10:00pm
Take a Hangang River Ferry Cruise (한강 페리 크루즈)
Treat yourself to one of the most beautiful places at night, the Hangang River. Take in the most scenic of views as you breathe in the night air and have a great time on the water. Some landmarks you will see will be places like Seoul Tower, Jeoldusan Park, and the 63 City Building. Funtastic Korea or Funko is the site you want to visit if you want to sign up for a tour. They also provide firework shows on Saturdays and a Dinner buffet Cruise Package.
- Book Your Tickets: You can get tickets for the E-land Cruise on Trazy.
- Address: From Yeouinaru Station exit 2, take a right until you are down by the water. There should be a grouping of boats out there. One of them will have the cruise name on it.
- Hours: 7:30pm ~ 9:00pm
- Admission: W75,000 (Adult), W60,000 (7-13 years old), W45,000 (3-6 years old)
Go on a Seoul Evening E-Bike Tour
Want to get a bit active and see the city at night? Check out this e-bike tour with a professional guide. It’s definitely something a bit different and something for the more active traveler.
- Book A Tour: You can book this tour on Klook.
Stay Out at the Han River Parks
The 11 Han River Parks are great places to spend an evening, but there’s a special sight to be seen every October. Fireworks, or fire flowers, as they call them in Korean can be seen exploding in the deep abyss of darkness, lighting up the night. If you are around in October, the Seoul Fireworks Festival is a sight you don’t want to miss.
If you are a fan of the 2006 movie, The Host, there is also a statue of the monster on the side of the river closest to Yeouinaru exit 2 on the right side. There are some great things to see and do in every park along the Han River so check out the guide above to learn more about each of them.
See the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain (반포대교)
One of the highlights of the Han River Parks at night is the Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain. Often seen in Korean dramas, people head to the area in the evening, lay out a picnic blanket, order some chicken and enjoy the show. 380 fountains burst and 60 tons of water come out every 60 seconds during the show.
You can see the show from spring through autumn at various times in the evenings. Learn more about how to get there and what to expect in this guide to the Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Show.
- Light Show Times: April 1st – June 30th; September 1st – October 31st: Weekdays: noon, 8:00pm; 8:30pm; 9:00pm; Weekends and holidays: noon; 7:30pm; 8:00pm; 8:30pm; 9:00pm; July 1st – August 31st: Weekdays: noon; 7:30pm; 8:00pm; 8:30pm; 9:00pm; Weekends & holidays: noon: 7:30pm; 8:00pm; 8:30pm; 9:00pm; 9:30pm
Join the Seoul Pub Crawl
Korean sure know how to drink! And they have great hangover cures for their crazy nights out too. If you want to experience a somewhat drunken night out in Seoul, then join the Seoul Pub Crawl. You’ll get special drinks, discounts, and VIP access to various places in either Hongdae or Itaewon.
There will be a party captain that will make sure you have a good time and help you meet others. Learn some fun Korean drinking games. If you’re not quite sure where to go or how to get there and want someone to show you the nightlife ropes in Seoul, this is a good place to start.
- Book your night out: Join the Seoul Pub Crawl event on Klook.
Have fun at Lotte World (롯데월드)
Known as the world’s largest indoor theme park by Guinness World records, it’s the perfect place to spend the day or night. There’s the indoor theme park section named “Adventure” and the outdoor area named “Magic Island”. You can take a ride on a carousel or rollercoaster, while also having the chance to learn about Korean history through performances, the Folk Museum, or one of the grand parades.
The outside at night is simply mesmerizing. If you do plan on going, make sure to stay rooted there till nightfall and don’t miss the night parade and fireworks display.
- Get Tickets: Get your tickets in advance with Klook and take advantage of their deals.
- Address: 240 Olympic-ro, Jamsil 3(sam)-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea (서울 송파구 잠실3동 올림픽로 240)
- Hours: 9:30am ~ 10:00pm (closing hours slightly vary so make sure to view the website to make sure)
See a Performance
NANTA Theater (난타 극장)
NANTA provides the unique and authentic experience of a non-verbal cooking performance that leans into using cooking utensils as instrument facsimiles. It took first place at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1997 and even debuted on Broadway in 2004. It’s built around its comedy and enjoyable atmosphere to the point where you can’t help but laugh at every skit they do with body language and movements alone.
- Get Tickets: Book your tickets on Klook.
- Address: 29 Yanghwa-ro 16-gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울 마포구 서교동 양화로16길 29)
- Hours: Tuesday ~ Friday 8:00pm/ 2:00pm & 5:00pm Saturday/ 2:00pm Sunday
- Duration: 90 minutes
Jump
Jump is another non-verbal performance great for everyone to see that infuses martial arts and acrobatics for a very exciting show with a hilarious story. The story is set around a very agile Korean family who has to deal with two burglars that break into their home. The show earned the top box office award at the 2005 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This is a great way to get in a show and enjoy some Korean martial arts like Taekwondo and Taekhyun.
- Get Tickets: Book your tickets on Klook.
- Address: Myeongbo Art Hall: 47 Mareunnae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울 중구 마른내로 47)
- Hours: Tuesday ~ Saturday: 5:00pm; Monday ~ Saturday: 8:00pm; Sundays & holidays: 2:00pm & 6:00pm
- Duration: 80 minutes
Play Games in a PC Bang (PC방)
One of the most fun places to hang out with friends is a PC bang. With over 1,500 of them in Seoul, it is difficult to not see the bright lights and bold letters that say “PC” as you walk down the streets. They offer a variety of games, food and beverages, as well as snacks.
There are also even themed versions that are more expensive, but offer a more unique experience than the general version. And with being open 24/7, it doesn’t matter how late in the night you go. Just drop a few thousand won and get together and play until you’re ready to leave.
- For More Information: Check out this guide to the PC bang before you go to know what you’ll be getting into.
- Best locations: Hongdae, Sinchon, and Gangnam
- Hours: 24/7
- Admission: (On average for non-members) W1,000 for 45 minutes, W3,000 for under 2 hours, and W5,000 for under 3 hours.
- Food & Beverages: The prices all fall under W10,000 and will be brought to your seat.
- Special note: If you are a non-member you can only pay for hours in cash, but food can still be paid by card. You can become a member by speaking to the staff, though it’s pretty easy to get by as a non-member.
Seoul City Night Bus Tour (서울 시내 야간버스 투어)
Have you taken the Seoul City Bus Tour yet? The night course is a different experience from the day ones. The main focus of this tour is traversing across the various Han River bridges and witnessing the spectacle of dazzling lights under the night sky. It also stops at vistas if that’s your kind of thing.
It truly is a sight to experience under the veil of dusk. Ten people are required for this tour to take place so keep that in mind. If not enough people show up, it won’t run.
- Book your trip: You can book tickets in advance for the Seoul City Night Bus Tour on Klook.
- Departure point: Gwanghwamun Station, exit 6 in front of the Koreana Hotel (광화문역 6번출구 코리아나호텔 앞)
- Departure Time: Once a day at 7:30pm; 8:00pm in July and August. The entire route takes 1.5 hours.
- Admission: Adults: W15,000; Children: W9,000
- Stops: Gwanghwamun -> Mapo Bridge -> Seogang Bridge -> Gangbyeon Expressway -> Banpo Bridge -> Somesevit -> Dongjak Bridge -> Seongsu Bridge -> Hannam Bridge -> N Seoul Tower -> Namdaemun Market -> Cheongye Plaza
Seoul Night Fortress Wall Tour
The Seoul Fortress Wall is a great place to take a walk, in some parts, or a hike, in other parts. Lit up, the trail is also night walk friendly. You can get great views out over the city and learn more about the history of the wall as you walk. Day or night, the Seoul Fortress Wall is a must see.
- For More Information: Check out this guide to the Seoul Fortress Wall Gates to learn more about where to start and end.
- Tours: If you’re nervous to hike on your own at night, check out this night tour on the Seoul Fortress Wall on Klook.
Visit Seoullo 7017
Seoullo 7017 has been a dazzling transformation for downtown Seoul and if you’ve visited during the day, then you’re missing out just a bit because at night, there are lights, light shows, and more to see. It’s a fun surprise and a great place to take an evening stroll.
- Get More Information: Learn more about Seoullo 7017 in thie guide.
- Address: 432 Cheongpa-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Hours: 24/7
Visit a Korean Palace at Night
Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
Did you know that at certain points of the year, you can visit a Korean palace at night? In the deep darkness, the lights from the palace shine bright and true against the night. It’s a wonderful sight for anyone in the area and definitely worth the wait. It may look beautiful during the day, but it’s beyond mythical during the night. Dress in Hanboks and see how a Korean palace feels at night. It’s magical.
- For More Information: Learn more about how to visit a Korean palace at night.
- Address: 1-1 Saejong-ro Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea (종로구 세종로 1-1)
- Hours: Night hours are from 7:00pm to 9:30pm with the last entrance at 8:30pm.
- Special Note: There is a limited number of tickets available for the night viewing. You can pre-book tickets, but you can also walk-up as they keep some tickets aside.
- By Subway: Gyeongbukgung Station, exit 5. Exits right directly into the palace complex. For the main gate view before you enter the palace, take Gyeongbukgung Station, exit 6. Make a u-turn and you’ll see the palace’s main gate across the street.
Walk Around the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (동대문디자인플라자)
At Dongdaemun Design Plaza or DDP, you have a myriad of choices to embark on during the hustling and bustling of Seoul at night. Go enjoy the architecture for one thing. You can find a lot of different constructs that stand out both day and night, conveying something special and powerful from the artist that manifested it. Don’t miss out on visiting the exhibitions as well. There are art exhibitions, fashion exhibitions, and eco exhibitions that happen at the design plaza.
- Address: 281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 을지로 281 (을지로7가)
- Directions: Head to the Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station and go out of exit 1.
- On a Tour: Dongdaemun Design Plaza is an epic place to take photos. Head there for a photoshoot on this night photoshoot tour.
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 7:00pm (CLOSED Mondays) These are the building hours, but you can walk around the exterior and get cool photos without going in.
- Admission: FREE, Exhibitions may require an entrance fee.
- Website: www.ddp.or.kr
Seoul at night can be fabulous. There is way more to do than you might think and plenty of places to just go and stroll and enjoy the vibrant night lights in the city. Where are you going to go first?
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