Theres a lot of foreigner friendly clubs in Itaewon and thats the best district if you are looking on the weekdays

Important question: how old are you?

might want to check out indieinvite. has selection of weeknight events in seoul, foreigner-friendly, live music

Yes, some clubs will not let foreigners in. It’s okay, us foreigners have our own clubs!

Just not fountain

Hongdae has a lot of clubs they will tell you if it’s foreigner friendly before you go in. I actually tried to go to this EDM place last night and was told Korean only but itaewon, is always a safe bet

Itaewon has plenty, actually every club in Itaewon is somewhat LGBT friendly probably

check r/koreatravel someone posted a list a few weeks ago

Rabbit Hole

I'm not LGBT myself, so it can be inaccurate, but;

Yes, Itaewon is indeed nice place for LGBT friendly clubs or bars. It's more 'full of foreigners' rather than 'foreigner friendly'

I believe they reopened in Hongdae.

You should also look for 신림, Sillim, too.

​

Mind you, Koreans doesn't really 'care' about others', especially foreigners, so don't worry too much on hate crimes.

There is a YouTube channel called Sisilessthan3 (Hopefully I typed that right) She gives a list of the poc foreigner friendly clubs on her channel. Hopefully that helps

Hongdae near Hongik University is always fun. I’m a foreigner and always have a blast there!!

Someone created a list of clubs and bars that are good for POC. Here is the link

Please also note any risks and dangers you might have going to a club in korea.

Even if you can enter a foreigner friendly club there are always predatory locals who assume you an easy target.

Unfortunately the general mindset these local guys have against foreigner women is that they are easy to bed and will put out easily too and all they have to do is buy you a drink to seal the deal. I'm not sure where this idea stems from but its the general idea they all have.

Personally had a friend had this happen to them at the club and because she wanted to make it very clear she was not interested in his attention he dropped his cigarette ashes onto her leg for rejecting him.

Not to say you should change your plans or anything but to be aware things can happen and make sure you keep an eye on each other through the whole night.

Also clubbing attire is a lot more understated then you'd think compared to western ones so you'd be okay with a cute top and skirt and minimal makeup

gangnam apgujeong doesnt have that type of vibe bar/club scene. best bet would be itaewon. pretty much like the US. people are friendly, bar hopping common, and good mix of knatvies and expats in all age brackets. close to gangnam. 20min bus or taxi ride. although trying to get taxi to go home can be challenge. expect long wait and upcharge and grouchy drivers who wont take you. so try to grab one like an hour before last call.

In Apgujeon try Soho Lounge, Safari social bar, and Times

Walked around itaewon 2 nights ago, seemed very fun! Gonna go there one of the coming days i think :)

Don't be so thirsty, brother.

Even in Itaewon a lot of places won't let you in at the door bc of your age. There is JJ Mahoneys which is a small club attached to the Hyatt which is for older people.

Another option is to contact a promoter and book a table instead, pricey but that's generally the tradeoff if you still want to hang where all the young pretty people are.

I’ve never been rejected in apgujeong and that’s my spot every weekend (31f) i think i’ve been to almost every club there with no issues, you’ll be fine. once i did have to change my shoes because they were open toed heels and they didn’t want to assume liability if i fell while drunk lmao. that’s the only instance of getting stopped at the door there i’ve had

I'd say pretty much all the clubs in Itaewon are a go. Don't think I've ever turned down for being too old or a foreigner. At least, nothing that I can remember.

Itaewon is less likely to card you than Hongdae. I heard of people being excluded from clubs in Itaewon for looking old, but it is not the norm. Itaewon is where Koreans of all ages come out to meet foreigners. So, you might be fine.

You must understand that Hongdae was set up for trendy college students. I was about to write "Carding Station Central" because Hongdae is where more complaints happen about being carded for being too old or rejected for not being Korean. Hongdae started out as an extension of the universities that are nearby, with a 19-23 age group, more or less. The reasoning is that it should stay that way.

Itaewon grew out of the US Army. It grew as a response to the needs of military men, who were, by definition, foreign. Then English teachers started coming in, adding to the mix. Later on, Muslims and Africans came. So, it began to be seen as a foreign area and a place for Koreans who were "different." That is why Itaewon has a small section crowded with gay bars. But you also have more Koreans who want to meet foreigners.

Good luck finding a dance floor in Itaewon. Tell me how you get on.

If he doesn't look like an ajusshi, he mighr pass.Last time I went clubbing in Itaewon was last year. I was 49, but no gray hair and I don't wear a scarf 😅.

That makes sense. I’ve only tried Itaewon once before, and my companions, uhm… let’s just say they are comfortable telling dad jokes. Hopefully my buddy and I give off a different vibe!

Any good edm in Itaewon?

If 45 is too old in Korea - where do older people go then? That´s a business opportunity:-)

Polly's Kettle let me in, grey hair and all.

hey!! i'm traveling alone to seoul (june ~ august) and would love to hang out with you and your friend :D i was looking to find people that would be down to go to clubs haha

We are staying in hongdae now and have gone to club aura quite a bit. I read a post in here saying it wasn’t a great club but not sure why they are saying that..really good music (edm/house/hip hop/pop mixes). Younger crowd for sure (20’s). We also tried madholic and it was a tighter space. Good music (hip hop and pop).

Any particular type of music/atmosphere you guess are looking for?

There is a club literally called "인클”, short for "International Club". Theres a lot of foreign students therr

How old are you guys?

Well if u like Latina clubs la Rosa and La bamba. But if u like rap b1 and I thinks it’s called 25

mongs in hongdae

In Hongdae, try FF, Madholic, or Gopchang Jeongol for a mixed crowd.

Prost gets way too crowded during peak times on the ground floor

I'm so glad I am old enough to have zero interest in 'hot bars'.

None of these recommendations are really “unique from a local Korean”

They are well known names for years

And even the “real hidden Korean spots” don’t want foreigners so 🤷🏻‍♂️

If you're white then Taiwan is ok but if you're other Asian who's not fit and pretty, Taiwan is not for you either (unless you're a goodlooking bear). Korea and Taiwan are at the top of being lookist. Better head to Thailand then

I agree with some of these posts. Korea and Taiwan are white man obsessed. Quite sad to be honest. I’ve met some hot caramel skin South East Asians who also confirm those experiences.

I myself am half white/Asian. I get stupid comments like “you’re white enough I guess” to “you look too Asian for me.” Haha 🤣

Of course not everyone is like that. And also. Not everyone there looks like K-Pop models. That’s a bold face lie. 🤷

As someone who’s Asian who’s gone to Europe. Lemme tell you if you’re Asian and you’re not skinny and young or a buff masculine Asian you ain’t even getting in the club. It’s just interesting seeing the same energy. Guess it’s a world issue.

Yes Taiwan and Thailand way better for gay scene

I've always found Seoul to be very foreigner friendly. Or at any rate, very "white" friendly. Like anywhere else, there are certain clubs, etc . . . Which are more open to certain types of people. Let's be honest, worldwide, no place is very welcoming of people considered to be "unattractive". . . . Whatever that means by local standards.

I am a brown person and was there with my brother 3 weeks ago. We had heard about racism etc before..but once there? None of it at all. I had more racism in the US or Europe than there.

As for clubs i went to a couple in Hongdae and they were pretty fun.One was called funky Macaroni in particular had pretty good music

Hongdae: There are four really large Korean universities in the area so the crowd is younger. Closer to your age

Gangnam: Is more expensive than Hongdae but the overall quality is probably better. The crowd is slightly older on average, but there are plenty of young college-age people who party there as well. The atmosphere is much different from Hongdae. Think of like all the rich, preppy people from your high school. They moved on to college and now party here.

​

Others:

Apgujeong rodeo: There used to be some lounges and decent LP-bars here.

Shinchon: Right next to Hongdae. Very young crowd, lots of places to eat. Decent hookah bars and some smaller clubs.

Hongdae. Also, depending on where you go I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily racist. Hotel booking clubs may not be as down to serve you but it’s more of a language and understanding of how they work

I used to be a clubhead in Korea. Here's my two cents:

• Mike's Cabin, Hongdae: bar/club plays latin music, old school pops, hiphop. It's non-smoking so better choice if you don't prefer inhaling smokes. They even hire bartenders of different nationality so def foreigner friendly.
• Thursday Party, Hongdae and Corner Pub, Hongdae: also non-smoking. I grouped these two together because they have similar vibes. More lounge feeling and both have a beer pong table. It's packed with foreigners and bartenders are accustomed to speaking with foreigners.
• a playground in front of Hongdae university: it's a gathering place for all sorts of foreigners in Hongdae. Drinks can be bought from a store next to the playground and ppl just drink outside. People are so much eccentric, unlike ordinary Korean people. Good place to catch a breath in-between bar hopping, clubbing.
• Prost, Itaewon: I am not sure this this lounge is still a good place to go since the incident but it used to be. People are somewhat classy there. also non-smoking.

for racism, I think you'll have to be prepared since clubbing = drinking anyway. I've introduced the best foreigner friendly and non smoking venues but who knows(I am a Korean but still I've seen enough troubles), the people there are drunk. Try focus on mild, calmer activities at daytime where you can make Korean friends and try go night drinking with those who you have made connections with. We Koreans usually drink with friends; going clubbing is associated with somewhat bad/spoiled people do. It means going clubbing leads to seeing most extraordinary, eccentric people in Korea. It can be fun but it's far from safe. plus most Koreans want to have friends of different nationality anyway.

If you are a male, then there isn't an issue going to clubs/bars alone. If you are female and attractive, then a guy might just drag you away/be very forceful with you.

​

If you are alone, my suggestion is to go to a Language Exchange meetup at meetup.com and join one of their language exchange + clubbing events. You should be able to meet both Koreans and Foreigners and hang out/get to know some people before going to the club with them.

​

Stay safe.

Don't go to a bar called "Thursday Party" unless you want to be around American, Australian and British expats. Want to be around the timid foreigners who are afraid of being rejected on the door of a club, go there. That's pretty much the #1 spot for meetup groups. Usually starting and "ending" there at the same time.

I'd recommend search for Noise Basement 2 and there that is where all the Hongdae clubs are pretty much. NB2 is nice, though a lot of places are very similar there, just choose by what you like from the outside as you will pass places to go there anyways. Aura can be nice as well (though Aura has a higher attractiveness standard, means if it gets later you'd require to be more attractive to get in), cocoon can be nice, all depends on the day, the people, you.

Than another day just search for Soap in Itaewon, and all around it are the Itaewon clubs, same game there.

You can totally go there alone. Depending on you, you may be able to join a group of Koreans on the streets. Though, keep in mind, Korean nightlife dating game is harsher than Western. You'll realize anyways.

As other have said, normally Itaewon would be your best bet.

It's not impossible in Hongdae.. though be prepared that some clubs *might* turn you down. I went to Seoul this October and one of my foreign friends that I got to know there had no problems at all, despite being 36 and looking his age.

It'll be harder now after the Itaewon incident. The other main party district is Hongdae which is a uni - mid 20's crowd. During normal times you would've been fine in Itaewon.

I’ve gone out with my mid-30s friends in Hongdae and Gangnam, and the places we went we never had a problem getting in.

Never had an issues with this. Just go to Hongdae area and relieve your old college days lol then quickly realize you are too old to stay up all night and the music is too loud.

Had no problems...was there at 39.

Hongdae is the 'party street' of Seoul. There's a whole bunch of clubs here. Personally I haven't been to any as I'm not a club person but my friend has and has talked to me about a few. Mongs is her favourite. Wings is a extension of Mongs. She really doesn't like B1 because it's more of the 'I'm here to only get laid' vibe and that's not her style.

As for places to visit - what kind of things interest you?

I’m early 30s and I’ve had no problem in hongdae

I loved staying in Hongdae and I am not young! It depends on people’s priorities but the lively vibe, street music, and restaurant choices in Hongdae met my needs. I also stayed in Jongno and that was great too for exploring all the great areas around there. I think you can do well in any of the places you are considering.

Itaewon or Gangnam.

Jongro and plus Euljiro is good local option!

There is a pub in Itaewon, called Shenanigans. Good people, good staff, fun atmosphere.

A bit late but if you want to meet people, South Side Parlor is a great spot or walk away little bit further up hill to HBC (해방촌) and drop by Social Haven.

Social Haven is a great Aperativo bar and have lots of foreigners and locals come for spritz by the hill. Met a lot of my good friends there too.

I'm 36 and bald. Have zero issues getting into anywhere in Hongdae. Granted, I'm still the oldest mofo anywhere I go 😅

You might like Glam, posh-ish cocktail bar that plays deep house

Truth is if you look good, most places will let you in despite being early 30's

Yeah Itaewon Glam is the best for this (for classy hunting) or Thursday party for cheap hunting

Man the silence here is dispiriting

Yeah nothing really like in seoul, but try and meet some women randomly and albeit they can take you around...

I agree with the comment above that Itaewon is getting busier. I’ve been going to Itaewon most weekends lately and on Saturday just past it was the busiest I’ve seen it in a while. All the bars/ clubs I went to were packed and even heading home at 7am I was shocked that so many people were still out and about

I really don’t understand all these people saying Itaewon is dead. I’ve been going there almost every weekend and all the clubs are packed. Just this Saturday I left a club at 4:30 am and it was still going strong. For LGBTQ clubs go to homo hill in Itaewon.

you could try gathering, cakeshop, lit lounge, fader, danco

You just realized that Hongdae is "no longer suitable" for you because of your age, when you've just spent three weeks clubbing there? How does this make any sense? 🙄

im always curious what makes accounts get insta suspended ??

(20m) Same here just got to Seoul the other nite, fams still in Ulsan till Thursday so I’m free to go for some drinks and explore the area

Hey there, if you wanna go out this friday or later I am in !

Itaewon danco and hive

Well the problem with foreigner friendly clubs is that 50-60 % of the people will be foreigner😅 most people want to experience Korean nightlife and not the foreign ones they could just experience in their home country’s ^^ that’s my experience. Clubs Like FF or the Thursday night party in hongdae for example were some of those

I've only been turned down once in Hongdae for being too old. Never been denied in Itaewon for age. If you like trance music there's a fairly popular DJ playing tonight in Itaewon at Off the Record.

40m. I mostly went out in Itaewon and never had any problems at the door. I did some club hopping with 1-2 backpackers, but I'm more interested in electronic music.