5 Best Nightlife in Jung-gu, Seoul

A bar and bottle shop with an interior as memorable as its name, After Jerk Off's cinematic space is inspired by the aesthetic of Asian street food markets. Each detail of the bistro—from the Buddha head in one corner to the towering green plants under the dim, red lights—comes together for a powerful effect. The menu, which changes seasonally, offers natural wine, cocktails, and simple Asian-inspired dishes. Note that the bar is less kid-friendly than most as there are some provocative photos on display.

Approximately a dozen bars occupy two parallel streets outside Euljiro 3-ga Station to make up Nogari Alley, one of Seoul’s most festive places to have fresh beer and nogari (dried pollack). While the fish snack is not everyone’s cup of tea, the ambiance is a crowd pleaser unlike anything else you’ll experience in the city, especially in warmer weather. Each bar sets up red and blue lawn furniture outside, and the streets fill with friends and coworkers kicking back with cold drinks. It may be difficult to find a table between 8 pm and 10 pm, but if one bar is full you can easily hop to another. There’s little to differentiate them. Fried chicken and jwipo (fish jerky) are also on the menu.

The blue velvet seating, dark wood, and glamorous details of this cocktail bar make for a sumptuous setting to sip drinks that often tell a story about Korea. The signature Spirit of Jeju highlights tangerines from the island and is served in citrus over ice. Other fanciful presentations are common; you might just find your coupe glass is topped with an orb of smoke. Mocktails are also available.

Located on the fifth floor of an industrial warehouse, this artsy and ornate bar is a must-see for Euljiro area first-timers. Simple cocktails and a few craft beers are served in the space, better defined by its decor of neon lights and kitschy objects. Visitors can also bring their drinks to the rooftop, furnished simply with lawn furniture and a digital waterfall.

Before modern cafes became the norm across South Korea, people visited dabangs, establishments much like today’s coffeeshops. This contemporary dabang has a twist: it serves cocktails made with sul (traditional Korean alcohol) along with light snacks. As sul is continuing to evolve, the availability of the liquor is subject to change. However, the Jeju-bada, made with tangerines from Jeju Island, and Euljiro, made with famous Samhae soju, are two Suldabang signatures.