Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is one of the most stylish and lively cities on the planet. It is one of the cultural capitals of the world. Alongside boasting an impressive array of historical sites and museums, amazing national parks, and being the undisputed home of K-Pop. But we aren’t going to be focusing on all of that today.
Instead we are going to be looking at the nightlife on offer. Particularly the nightlife on offer in Gangnam! The most stylish district in Seoul. Made most famous by the song ‘Gangnam Style’ released by Psy in 2012. Gangnam is where the most fashionable and most iconic members of Seoul’s social circles come to party.
It can be daunting spending a night out in Gangnam. With so much on offer and so many fashionable people around you. It’s hard not to become overwhelmed. This guide will provide you with some tips to help you wrap your head around Gangnam culture. While also highlighting some of the best nightlife spots in the area!
Gangnam Nightlife Culture
The nightlife culture in Gangnam, and Seoul as a whole, isn’t too dissimilar from the nightlife culture in many Western countries. Particularly European nations. The people of South Korea love to party. Drinking, dancing, singing, parading about in elaborate outfits and decadent costumes. Everything you’d want from an amazing night out.
Gangnam is one of the richest and most stylish districts in Seoul. So you can expect the venues you visit, and the outfits you see to reflect that idea. Style matters in Gangnam. To the extent that some clubs might even refuse you entry if you aren’t dressed up nice. Dress codes aren’t as extreme as somewhere like Berlin. But you need to at least put in some effort.
Karaoke is also a huge part of Gangnam nightlife culture, as it is across all of South Korea. You will find a mix of the classic coin noraebang and more luxury noraebang too. Many Gangnam residents like to start their nights out drinking in a private karaoke room before hitting the more popular clubs and bars.
Gangnam Baseball Stadium
One of the up-and-coming spots in Gangnam. Gangnam Baseball Stadium is a multi-entertainment facility that oozes luxury. Private karaoke rooms, whisky and beer tastings alongside a bustling bar. Private transportation services and magic mirror installations are all present.
Places like this do tend to book up fast. So it is well worth arranging your visit ahead of time at gangnam1st.com. This is the ideal location for groups of travelers looking to let their hair down and indulge in the very best Gangnam has to offer.
Club Sound
For the longest time Club Bound was the hottest after-hours club in all of Gangnam. They recently closed Bound and launched a new venue. Club Sound. And it is surpassing Bound in every way possible.
It is still the premier after-hours club. Staying open until well past sunrise. This is where you will find the biggest players in Gangnam’s thriving online social scene spend their nights. It is an influencer hotspot. So expect stunning outfits, amazing DJs, and the sort of clubbing experience you often only see in the movies.
This is one such club where your outfit needs to meet the mark. We recommend spending some time studying what Gangnam influencers are wearing and try to emulate that.
Club Arena
This is the go-to club for lovers of EDM and House music. Arena has been open since 2014 and has made a name for itself as one of the most social and lively clubs in Gangnam. Its success has largely been in part due to the huge number of celebrities that regularly attend. So anyone who is hoping to run into one of their favorite K-Pop stars, this would be the place to do it.
The dress coding isn’t as strict as Sound. But there still is one. Primarily for men though. You need to avoid wearing shorts or any open toed shoes. Other than that, as long as your outfit is clean and stylish, you should be good to go! Club Arena is open Thursday through to Sunday. And is often the busiest weekend clubbing spot. So make sure to get there early to beat the ques.
