2 Best Nightlife in Dongdaemun, Seoul

A grand piano and suave bartenders in white tuxedos lend a 1920s vibe to this cosmopolitan hotel rooftop bar. Craft cocktails, regular live jazz bands, and a terrace featuring one of the best views of Heunginjimun Gate make this a splendid place to while away an evening. The prices reflect the posh ambiance—expect to pay upwards of ₩20,000 per cocktail.

Meant to resemble an old-fashioned fortune-telling shop on the outside, this fanciful speakeasy looks like a tropical jungle on the inside. Ferns and flowers cascade from walls and the ceiling, Buddha statues peek out from nooks and crannies, oriental lanterns and rainbow lighting cast an otherworldly glow, and there’s a tropical fish tank suspended above the bar. There are pasta, tapas, and grilled food options, but this place is all about the zodiac-themed cocktail menu, which features a different libation for each sign. Overall, it's like an Alice in Wonderland adventure for adults.