Party All Night Long at Ultra Korea Music Festival
I’ll never forget the first time I stepped foot in Seoul, South Korea back in August 2013. As a fresh-faced English teacher ready to embark on a new adventure, I quickly discovered that the nightlife in this bustling city was like nothing I had ever experienced before. From the moment I started raging in the legendary Gangnam district, I knew I was in for the time of my life.
Soju-Fueled Nights and EDM Beats
One of the main reasons the nightlife in Seoul is so insane is the Koreans’ love for getting absolutely plastered. In fact, South Korea tops the charts each year as the country with the highest alcohol consumption per person with an average of 137 shots of liquor per person per week. That’s more than double the amount that Russians drink! And the alcohol of choice? Soju, a Korean rice liquor that packs a punch despite containing only 20% alcohol content. Trust me, those green bottles will have you feeling wobbly in no time.
But it’s not just the sheer volume of alcohol consumption that makes Seoul’s nightlife so legendary – it’s also the Koreans’ insatiable appetite for electronic dance music (EDM). This city frequently attracts the biggest names in the game, from Tiësto and Avicii to Above & Beyond and Kaskade. I’ve had the privilege of seeing so many world-class DJs perform at the city’s top clubs and festivals, and let me tell you, the energy of the crowds is unparalleled.
Gangnam: The Epicenter of Seoul Nightlife
If you really want to experience the full force of Seoul’s nightlife, you need to head to the Gangnam district – the Beverly Hills of South Korea. This is where you’ll find the city’s most luxurious, high-end clubs, with posh interiors, mammoth dance floors, and top-notch sound systems that’ll have you raving until the sun comes up.
One of my personal favorites is Octagon, which was ranked the 6th best club in the world by DJ Mag. The first floor is a sprawling wonderland of VIP tables, a massive DJ stage, and a bar in the back, while the upper level is reserved for the true ballers with their bottle service. I’ve seen some of the biggest names in EDM like Laidback Luke, Deniz Koyu, and Dash Berlin take the stage here, and let me tell you, the energy is truly electric.
Another one of my favorites is Club Answer, which has dominated the electro-house scene in Seoul. This three-story behemoth features a giant stage on the first floor, VIP tables on the second, and even private rooms on the third. The interior is the epitome of luxury, with leather seating, chandeliers, and a marbled dance floor that’ll make you feel like the richest person in Korea. I’ve seen the likes of Deadmau5, Benny Benassi, and Paul Van Dyk absolutely destroy the decks here, and the crowd is always dressed to the nines, ready to party all night long.
Mega-Clubs and Insane Festivals
But the nightlife in Seoul isn’t just limited to the Gangnam district. There are a slew of other neighborhoods that offer their own unique brand of debauchery, like Itaewon, Hongdae, and Sincheon. And let’s not forget about the city’s epic music festivals, which draw in revelers from all over the world.
One of the biggest and most insane clubs in Seoul is Syndrome, which operates under the motto “representing a new culture of Electronica in Seoul.” With a massive dance floor, a swimming pool (!), and a giant DJ stage up front, this place is an absolute madhouse on the weekends. I’ve left this club at 6am and it was still packed to the brim with sweaty, euphoric partygoers.
And then there’s Ellui, which claims to be the largest nightclub in all of Asia. I’m talking multiple levels, bouncing balls on the dance floor, and a light show that will have you questioning the very fabric of reality. I’ve seen some of the biggest DJs in the world perform here, and the energy is simply unreal. You’ll get lost in a sea of Koreans, but trust me, that’s exactly where you want to be.
Of course, no discussion of Seoul’s nightlife would be complete without mentioning the city’s world-famous music festivals. Ultra Korea is hands down one of the craziest and most epic events I’ve ever attended. The lineup is stacked with the crème de la crème of the EDM scene, and the crowds are nothing short of electric. I’ve danced my ass off to sets by the likes of Martin Garrix, Calvin Harris, and Armin van Buuren, and the memories will be forever seared into my brain.
Dressing Up, Drinking Up, and Partying Hard
One of the things that sets the nightlife in Seoul apart is the dress code. Unlike in the West, where the vibe is often more casual, Koreans love to get dolled up when they go out. The girls will be rocking sky-high heels, short dresses, and impeccable makeup, while the guys will be sporting button-downs, slacks, and fancy shoes. It’s a whole different level of style and sophistication.
And of course, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got your ID on you, as the clubs are pretty strict about checking IDs at the door. But once you’re inside, the real fun begins. My advice? Get a good buzz going at a cheap convenience store beforehand, then head to the club and splurge on some bottle service. Trust me, it’s worth the extra cost for the epic experience.
Partying Until the Sun Comes Up
One of the things that still blows my mind about Seoul’s nightlife is the sheer stamina of the Koreans. These people can party until the sun comes up, and then some. I’ve stumbled out of clubs at 10am, absolutely exhausted, only to see the dance floor still packed to the brim with revelers who are just getting their second wind.
So if you’re looking to experience the ultimate in debauchery, Seoul is the place to be. From the soju-soaked clubs of Gangnam to the mega-festivals that draw in the biggest names in EDM, this city knows how to party hard. And trust me, once you’ve experienced it for yourself, you’ll be hooked for life.
Of course, if you’re planning a trip to Seoul, you’ll need a comfortable place to rest your head in between all the wild nights. That’s where Hotel Stayin’ Seoul comes in. With its prime location in the heart of the city and its luxurious amenities, it’s the perfect home base for your epic Seoul adventure. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, brush up on your Korean dance moves, and get ready to party all night long at Ultra Korea!
