Seoul has more than a hundred gay bars spread around a handful of gay neighborhoods, but it is easiest to find the gay clubs in Itaewon, a foreigner-friendly enclave that seems to have people from every country on the planet wandering around along with many American and Korean soldiers (it's don't-ask-don't-tell heaven in this tiny 4-block square area). The gay area of Itaewon, nicknamed "Homo Hill", has seen an explosion of foreigner-friendly, upscale gay bars, located in a convenient and friendly environment. English and other foreign languages are spoken by most of the bar staff and customers in Itaewon.
There are also many small bars located in the center of Seoul in the Nagwon Dong neighborhood to the north and east of Topkol Park (Independence Park) which is on Jongno Avenue. They are generally quite small and hard to find, Korean style, with older customers who do not usually speak English. Also, after midnight, the exterior lights may be turned off and the front doors locked. Bars may still be open, but you will have to know how to find the side or back entrances if the front door is locked. The best way to explore Korean-style bars is to let a Korean friend take you and to get a business card for repeat visits. There are gays wandering around this area who may be helpful in directing you to the bars. Be aware that Korean-style bars are much more expensive than Itaewon's international-style bars as you will likely be served a compulsory snack as well as sharing drinks with the bar master and your bar mates. However, as this is common in Asia, many Utopians from the region will be interested to visit a traditional Korean gay bar, especially if they speak a little Korean and love a more mature crowd.
Other areas with some gay life are Apkujong, Kangnam, Myongdong, and Shinchon |
