South-Koreans may work some of the longest hours in the world but they sure know how to party harder. That makes Seoul, one of the top tourist-favored destinations in the world, also an amazing stop for party mongers and night owls. Grab a soju, put on your party pants and hit the road without thinking twice. Unlike the case is in most Western countries where partying is reserved to the weekends, Seoul sees heavy drinking sessions almost every night of the week. A peculiar thing about the night scene is that instead of staying at just one place and guzzling down the brew till the night ends, Koreans take their party to multiple locations on the same night, usually restricting it to three until a special occasion arises like a birthday party when the party goes up to five different locations. Seoul’s nightlife centers mainly around the four hubs of Itaewon, Hongdae, Gangnam, and Apgujeong.

1. Itaewon

The nightlife of Itaewon is most suited to foreigners. It is the most tourist-friendly district in Seoul as it sees the most tourist footfall and its streets are filled with clubs and bars of an international touch. You can find communicating easier here than in other parts of Korea as most who frequent the place speak English very well. Itaewon has it all, from cheap western clubs to luxurious tapas bars and classy lounges. If it’s your first time in Seoul, Itaewon is where you start from.

2. Hongdae

If you want a real taste of how the young Koreans party, you should head to Hongdae. The place mostly caters to the college-crowd and has cheap restaurants and bars lined up in its streets. The drinks are cheap and so is the club cover. On the last Friday of each month, you just have to pay for one club cover and you can get access to about two dozen clubs in a night. Though a great way to check out the club scene of Hongdae, the Club Day also endless huge queues outside the most popular clubs.

3. Gangnam and Apgujeong

If you are however looking for a Korean party experience that is classier and a tad bit quieter head to see the nightlife of Gangnam and Apgujeong. Though Gangnam station has a lot of affordable restaurants to choose from, it is also home to some of the most expensive and classy restaurants in Seoul. These venues tend to get classier, the cocktails more expensive and foreigners a rare sight. Apgujeong is slightly more chic with even costlier venues and some of the most amazing clubs and lounge bars of Seoul. It wouldn’t be completely out of place to say that the Korean nightlife experience is incomplete without a visit to Apgujeong.

Korean culture is very distinct and the same is reflected in Seoul’s nightlife. Though the above mentioned are the main Seoul nightlife areas, it is still advisable to be on your best behavior when in the city and steer clear of the establishments that do not allow non-Koreans.