Seoul’s nightlife pulsates with energy: the clink of soju glasses, the curl of smoke tendrils rising from open barbecue flames, the flicker of neon lights beckoning in passers-by, the sizzle of charred meat laced with a hint of kimchi funk, and the spirited shouts of "jjan짠” (cheers in Korean) fill the air. 

As night descends on Seoul, locals and travelers alike converge to indulge in this city’s dynamic drink and culinary scene, where intimate cocktail bars and lively street vendors coexist, offering an inimitable exploration of the senses.

READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Seoul

Zest

One standout is Zest, a bar that has earned its place as No. 2 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025. A portmanteau of “zero” and “waste,” Zest is known for its sustainable cocktail approach, where signatures resourcefully incorporate locally-sourced ingredients poured into glassware procured from regional artisans. 

READ MORE: Zest: Sustainability for the Seoul

After a long shift at Zest, co-owner Demie Kim seeks comfort in grilled samgyeopsal (pork belly) paired with soju. “Hyundae Jeongyuk Sikdang is a late-night go-to for heartier fare” he shares. “The grilled gopchang (beef intestine) is also a guilty pleasure especially after a stressful day,” adds Zest co-founder Jisu Park.“Sundae-guk (blood sausage soup) is another affordable option that is comforting and deeply familiar – a kind of Korean soul food. Just one hot bowl of soup in a stone pot is enough to melt away the fatigue of the day,” mentions Kim.

“A bowl of sundae-guk with a bottle of soju from Cheongdamdong Sundori Cheongdamjeom feels like a reward” lends Zest co-founder Jisu Park. “It’s open 24-hours and popular with the chef crowd too.”

For after-hours outings, Kim and Park count themselves amongst the city’s bartender crowd that frequent The Lion’s Den, a Japanese-style bar and industry hangout that stays open until 5am on weekends, and the recently opened Kiez for a standout highball.

Alice Cheongdam

Just a short distance away is Alice Cheongdam, a whimsical cocktail haven. The bar’s fantastical décor adds to the immersive experience, transporting guests into a world where cocktails become stories. With a menu that features imaginative concoctions, Alice stands out for its attention to detail and creativity. 

Owner Terry Kim often enjoys winding down with a bowl of seolleongtang (milky ox bone soup) from Yeongdong Seolleongtang. “Their rich bone broth is clean and deeply flavored, pairing beautifully with soju and kkakdugi (radish kimchi), especially after a long night,” he notes.

After getting my food fill, I head to Zest to connect with familiar faces or Pine & Co. where co-owners Jo and Pat have a natural talent for making guests feel welcome,” says Kim.

Pine & Co.

Speaking of Pine & Co., tucked away down a back-alley stairwell, this globally-recognized speakeasy has carved its niche with a spunky vibe and experimental libation menu. Ranked No. 52 on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list, this hidden gem offers twists on classis, with highlights like homemade boozy ice cream that adds a playful touch. 

As the bar winds down for the night, co-owner Pat Park finds himself craving Korean-Chinese fried noodles like jjajangmyeon from Chueok-ui Chaudong Jjajang. “The food arrives in under two minutes, a miracle at that hour, oozing that very familiar, very Korean taste in every bite; it’s comforting and consistent – exactly what you want late at night.”

Similar to Kim and Park from Zest, Park regularly finds himself at Hyundae Jeongyuk Sikdang. “As a Korean, it’s impossible to separate soju from food, and samgyeopsal is soju’s match made in heaven. Here, the banchan is standout, with proper Korean kimchi that makes all the difference. The 5am closing time is ideal for those in the industry.”

Cricket

Park is also a co-owner of Cricket, a dram den that champions Korean spirits. Paying homage to Korean legacy alcohol, Cricket offers one of the widest arrays of boutique soju, makgeolli, and cheongju, plus cocktails that focus on niche Korean tastes, all against a nature-inspired backdrop.

“Seoul has an endless supply of party options in Itaewon, especially Bolero, but if you’re after something more chill, Yeonnam Masil in Yeonhui dong and Damn Good Seoul in Yongsan are where industry veterans relax after work,” says Park.

Just around the corner from Cricket, Park’s favorite new opening is Don’t Tell Mama, a dive bar underneath Le Chamber with “a perfectly crafted highball – with quality ice and soda – made at a Le Chamber level, even at 4am. This alone makes it special.”

Le Chamber

The aforementioned Le Chamber stands as a high-end speakeasy in Gangnam, boasting opulent décor and a hidden bookshelf entrance that adds an air of mystery. Renowned for its extensive whiskey selection and theatrical cocktail presentation, the live piano music enhances the sophisticated atmospher.

Co-owner JJ enjoys the comfort of fried chicken from Hyeonjeong Chicken after a shift, reveling in the classic Korean pairing of chimaek, or chicken and beer, that captures the essence of Seoul’s late-night dining culture.

“With its variety of sausages, ramen noodles, and rich, sweet and spicy broth, budae-jjigae (army stew), particularly from Namsanter is another comforting dish that everyone loves. The best pairing is somaek (a mix of soju and beer),” offers JJ.

Bar Cham

Another must-visit cocktail destination, Bar Cham takes a modern approach to Korean mixology, showcasing niche Korean ingredients in its innovative cocktails. The bar’s commitment to elevating heritage spirits sets it apart, allowing patrons to sip on Korea’s culinary richness.

Owner Lim Byungjin enjoys a Korean “hangover cure,” a steaming bowl of gamja-tang (pork back-bone stew) from Ttukkam, echoing the sentiment shared by many bartenders who find comfort in traditional dishes after hours. “It’s truly our happy hour,” he reflects, emphasizing the emotional connection between food and nightlife.

For twilight drinking, Byungjin visits Kissk at least once a week. “Their funky hospitality and genuine dedication to classic cocktails are far from just a trend; it’s where I go for inspiration.” The younger generation frequents Moogeunbon. “It’s incredibly free-spirited; while some think of Korean bars as formal or static, this place is vibrant and overflowing with energy. Even on my quiet nights off, I find myself sneaking in just to soak up that infectious energy,” explains Byungjin.

Soko

Soko transports visitors to the 1920s via décor reminiscent of a vintage British train carriage. The skilled bartenders don impeccably tailored attire, performing choreographed martini-shaking routines that add an element of entertainment to the cocktail experience.

After work, owner Soko Son unwinds at Daeseong High Pork. “It’s where I take my team for a proper staff dinner. I grill the meat myself, slowly without rushing. For me, late-night food in Seoul isn’t just about taste; it’s about decompressing after hours of intensity behind the bar.”

Mania Street Jay is run by a first-generation owner-bartender whose deep roots in the scene, old-school approach to mixology, and familiar hospitality is the kind that only comes with time. “It’s one of those places where the industry goes when we’re not working – to drink properly, talk honestly, and just be ourselves,” states Son

Son also stops by Blind Pig where generous whiskey prices coupled with the dangerously good sausage platter result in the ultimate place to decompress.

It is exactly this harmonious relationship between food and drink that reflects the heart of Seoul’s nightlife – a celebration of flavors, connections, and the joy of unwinding in a city that never truly sleeps.

READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Seoul

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