After a short break at the hotel, we got ready for a night out in Itaewon. Despite feeling a bit tired, we were determined not to let that hinder our plans. Our intention all along was to experience Itaewon on a Friday evening, and we were eager to fulfill that plan.
In the heart of Seoul, Itaewon comes alive at night, offering a lively mix of bars, clubs, and eateries. With something for everyone, from trendy rooftop bars to cozy pubs, Itaewon’s nightlife is a must-experience for locals and visitors alike. Renowned as the most international area of Seoul, it brings together diverse cultures for a vibrant and unforgettable night out. Despite my usual preference for local experiences, Itaewon’s unique blend of international vibes and Korean character made it an exceptional destination.
Our strategy was to visit various spots and try the signature dish at each place. However, we soon realized that this approach wouldn’t work for every spot due to the large portion sizes, even when shared.
Ugly Society: We began our night at a place recommended by my Korean friend, called Ugly Society, a rooftop bar with a view of Itaewon. It was quite cold outside, so the outdoor area on the roof was naturally closed. Nevertheless, we had the chance to go up briefly to take some photos with the beautiful view. Due to the chilly weather, we kept the photo session short, especially since I was wearing a dress and hadn’t packed winter clothes, assuming the forecasted 20-degree weather from our home country would hold true (which later changed). It’s worth noting that the daytime temperature was much more pleasant, making April a decent time to visit Korea. Returning to the rooftop bar, the place was full, but we managed to secure a table—though without a view. We ordered their signature dish, a pizza made of French pastry. It turned out to be the best non-Italian pizza I’ve ever had; I can still recall the delicious flavor. Koreans, by the way, display surprising skill with pizza, and they have a fondness for cheese, which I truly appreciate.
The cocktails at this place were beautifully presented, wrapped in paper, and enhanced with edible flowers, displaying vibrant colors. They were so visually appealing that I almost hesitated to drink them, feeling a sense of pity for their artistry. Nevertheless, this was a fantastic spot, and I highly recommend it. I can only imagine how enjoyable it must be in warmer weather, sitting outdoors and relishing the view over the entire Itaewon!
Unexpectedly Quiet Streets: Walking down the street with interesting shops, cozy cafes, and inviting restaurants, the colorful Vietnamese lanterns overhead created a lively atmosphere. The disappointment hit us when we reached the main party street, finding it surprisingly empty. Was it the cold weather, the off-season, or our early arrival around 9 pm? We explored various restaurant/bars, including a Mexican spot. Yet, we quickly left as it was entirely empty, and being alone in Itaewon wasn’t what we had in mind. To add to the unexpected turn, some of the places we had planned to visit were no longer there.
Korean Culinary Exploration: As our exploration continued, we found ourselves in a lively Korean restaurant where people ordered their food using iPads, featuring exclusively Korean items. Once again, we stood out as the only non-Koreans, surrounded by a youthful crowd enjoying beer and soju. Intrigued by the idea of trying more signature dishes, we decided on squid mouth. Served with nori, nuts, and sauce, it required crafting a wrap for consumption. However, the experience didn’t match my taste preferences, as the plastic-like texture inside the head, initially presumed removable, turned out to be an essential part meant to be eaten. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite align with my taste preferences.
Sipping Shots at Another Rooftop Bar: Continuing our walk down the streets, the drinks had surprisingly little effect on us. It felt like the alcohol served in Korea was diluted, as no matter how much I consumed, the tipsy feeling remained out of reach.
When we reached the main party street, it was surprisingly empty. An employee from one of the bars approached us, offering a free shot to entice us to their place, and we couldn’t resist. We found ourselves in another lovely rooftop bar with a fantastic view. Despite the emptiness, the cool vibe persisted, with only a couple of other guests.The waitress, who happened to be French, contributed to the diverse atmosphere of Itaewon. We enjoyed our shots, followed by a glass of red wine that seemed to have a more noticeable effect than the soju. Curious about the limited crowd, we learned from the waitress that the emptiness is due to the Halloween tragedy in Itaewon, a devastating event during which 159 lives were lost in a crowd crush during Halloween festivities in late October 2022, happening right on that street.Because of this, people tend to avoid this area due to the sentimental association. Despite this, when we left the rooftop bar, we ventured out and found the two floors underneath starting to get lively! Okay, so perhaps the timing did play a role after all.
Bar hopping – From Jack’s Bar to Psytrance Surprises: We continued our exploration, making stops at various bars. One place that caught our attention was Jack’s Bar, evoking memories of “Whiskey in the Jar” in Poland. The place was crowded, filled with video games throughout, creating a game-hall atmosphere. As you walked further in, it transformed into more of a pub/nightclub setting. We had a drink and proceeded to explore more bars along the way.
The streets were becoming packed with people, offering something for everyone! Despite famous bars and nightclubs closing down, there were still numerous options. We stumbled upon a psytrance place where visibility was minimal. I won’t detail all the places we visited as that would require more blog posts, but two highlights include “Hawaii,” a casual spot filled with locals and Koreans from abroad, exuding a happy and social atmosphere. It didn’t feel like we were just the two of us alone out partying. Everyone was welcoming, people danced on tables, and there was great international pop music and K-pop videos playing on screens. In hindsight, we should have stayed there for the evening as the vibe was exceptional. Another memorable spot was a massive nightclub we stumbled upon. With two floors, you could observe the lively scene below from the second floor. Despite having fewer locals, it was a perfect spot for those who enjoy vast nightclubs. So much for the notion that Itaewon has become a ghost town—it’s far from it!
Cab Ride Back to the Hotel: Reflecting on the Night:
After a while, we decided it was time to call it a night; we had experienced a lot, yet there was still more to explore on the party street! Next time, we’ll plan for an extended stay in this area, ensuring we don’t miss out on anything. While we also have a curiosity about Hongdae, the local-favorite party spot, our tight schedule this trip didn’t allow for a visit. Opting for a taxi ride back to the Mondrian Seoul hotel, despite the short 10-minute walk, was a response to the chilly weather and our tiredness. As we traveled from the taxi to the hotel, we couldn’t help but notice the vibrant bars and nightclubs that lined the streets, making us realize we only scratched the surface of what Itaewon had to offer! The night was so enjoyable that we’re already planning to return and spend more time exploring this lively area. After reaching home, we rested, gearing up for another eventful day ahead, including a hotel change to the Gangnam area and exciting plans with my Korean friend Liz. Another night out awaited us, this time in the renowned Gangnam.
Stay tuned for more adventures! 🙂
Anyah Mroz 