No Need for Street-Smarts

It might sound irresponsible to advise tourists to enjoy the night life of the city they have never been to. Anyone who travels is naturally expected to use caution for safety, especially at night. Endless new information, unfamiliar situations and people, this doesn¡¯t sound unreasonable. However, you can relax a little bit and don¡¯t need to hold your purse too tight when traveling to Korea. Known as one of the safest places in the world, it is not uncommon to see people leaving their valuable items like a phone or wallet on the table when they temporarily leave their seat. A lot of non-Koreans traveling or living in Korea found it interesting and they even made videos about why people don¡¯t have to worry about losing things or being scammed on the street.

As the night goes deeper, the day still goes on, with people everywhere sitting on benches or walking down the street, with shops and restaurant remaining wide open, and with owl buses running in the middle of the night until 5 a.m. Even though the darkness comes along with a good dose of tranquility, the city never sleeps.

Night Life Means Freedom

Believe it or not, the active night life in Korea is a recent development. Starting in 1945 in Seoul, a nighttime curfew policy was strictly enforced, and by 1954, it had been extended throughout the rest of the country until the law changed in 1982. Government cars would alert people with a siren and hustle them into the last bus back home. Without any permission or emergency reasons, it was illegal to go out after the siren, and if anyone got caught, they had to stay at a police station until 4 a.m. This regulation lasted for 36 years, leaving the city in dead silence every night.

Some special occasions such as Christmas or major national holidays were the only time people were allowed to stay outside till late at night. Christmas became a special day for couples, trying to get the most out of the rare chance to be together all day and all night. It is probably for this reason Christmas became a ¡°couple¡¯s day¡± in Korea unlike in any other country where Christmas is a family holiday. To those who couldn¡¯t even imagine walking out at night, being able to enjoy the night life still remains special.

Lifestyles that have become more diverse contributed to the dazzling night life in the city. Some would sarcastically comment the night looks beautiful only because of the people who have to work till late. Although part of that is true, enjoying life is appreciated as much as working hard these days. As the new trendy word weola-bael, meaning work and life balance demonstrates, a great increase in the demand for personal time is redefining the night culture in the city.

Where Tradition Meets Modern Life

The city of Seoul is a harmonious ensemble of modernity and tradition. The Seoul City Wall is all the more interesting when considering its practical function that served the city for a long time. With a height of 7 to 8 m, and a total length of nearly 18.6 km, it provides a variety of different trails for visitors. Standing high up on the Seoul City Wall, the view of the city—a mixture of the warming, orange glow of streetlamps and buildings brighter than the stars, ever-moving cars endlessly passing by—is comforting. It often becomes the stage for popular movies and TV shows. Old palaces nested in the fortress are well maintained, inviting guests even at night. The Starlight Tour at Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the most popular Seoul experiences for both tourists and locals. Holding a lamp in hand, walking along the stone-wall street and by a lake and passing through multiple gates will take you back in time.

N Seoul Tower is another popular attraction. 480 m tall, it offers a panoramic view of Seoul. It has long been a landmark of the city, attracting thousands of visitors every year. It has also been marked as the No.1 must-see spot among tourists. Situated on the 2nd floor of the N Plaza, you will see ¡°Locks of Love¡± where people hang named padlocks on the fence which symbolize eternal love. Not so far from here is the Hangang River flowing through the heart of Seoul. Surrounded by skyscrapers and roads, the riverside offers a relaxing, quality time for friends and families who are exhausted by the hectic pace of city life. The Hangang River area also holds cultural events such as music concerts and performances. Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain with water and colorful lights dancing to the beat of music is not to be missed.

The Night Is Still Young

Hongdae is one of the most popular party areas in Seoul. Club Street in Hongdae is dedicated to clubbing with different genres from hip-hop to electronic music. From midnight to 2 or 3 a.m. is the peak time for clubs, with the most crowds and music. Here, you can literally dance the night away when many clubs are usually open till morning. Clubs are, however, not the only place you can enjoy music. When you walk down the street of the trendy areas of Sinchon, Sangsu, or Yeonnam, you will come across street musicians and artists surrounded by a big crowd. Offering dynamic experiences, busking performances and street dances have become a symbol of Hongdae.

You will be surprised to see how culturally diverse Korea is when you visit Itaewon. This area is full of restaurants that offer all kinds of international cuisine and grocery stores that carry local groceries from all over the world. Considering most international embassies, a U.S. military base, and a mosque are located in Itaewon, it is no surprise why it has so many international options. Night life in Itaewon has its own vibe, streets filled with Koreans and foreigners, restaurants serving late night snack, and exotic music streaming out from clubs and bars.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza, as a center of the fashion industry in Korea, is vitalized when the sun goes down. Hundreds of wholesale and retail vendors attract customers and shop owners who buy large quantities of clothes for their own retail shop. You can easily get overwhelmed by the number of stores, shops, and stands that are there. It¡¯s best to know where you want to go specifically and not get lost in this giant fashion center. Street food with grilled skewers or tteokbokki stir-fried rice cake will fill your belly and boost your energy when you get tired from all the shopping.

The city of Seoul has everything you need from an international city. It is the place where traditions and modernity meet, revivifying the culture that is unique to its self. Just because the day is over, don¡¯t hesitate to take on a new adventure, the night always welcomes you in Seoul.