ⓒ Seoul Selection

Hongdae | 홍대

Stop hibernating—it’s time to kick into action. Its creative energy, artsy community, and bars and clubs are all legitimate reasons for conquering the night at Hongdae. Hit up your club of choice by purchasing a Club Day bracelet for KRW 20,000, which will get you into each of the 20-plus participating clubs.

EAT>
Bonjour Hawaii (T. 02-336-5406) is a unique brief getaway from quirky Hongdae—a nice place to lounge around with friends and Tiki drinks.

BUY>
Unlike the other stores handling mostly “hippie” merchandise, Platform Place and STYLE NANDA, for men and women respectively, carry pricier import brands and fashion items like shoes, casual wear, books, bags, and cosmetics.

SEE>
Meander around the campus of Korea’s hallmark fine arts college, Hongik University. On-campus art exhibits and other activities are worth checking out.

FYI>
Tourist Information Center: T. 02-323-2240, 02-3153-6740
(Seogyo-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul | 서울시 서대문구 서교동)

GO>
Hongik Univ. Station 홍대입구역 (Line 2, A’REX Line)

크게 보기

Clubbing with the pretty people

Written by Daisy Larios

Just one mention of its name is apt to send locals into a tizzy of haute couture: Cheongdam-dong. The now-infamous Gangnam district’s paragon of opulence is truly a fashionista’s playground. Its wide avenues and snug side streets are lined with global luxury brand names and immaculate art galleries—but nighttime is when posh Gangnamites, aspirational or otherwise, truly come out to play. If the hipsters and suits north of the Hangang have left you longing for something a little more luxurious, make your way south to Cheongdam-dong, home to some of Seoul’s swankiest nightlife hotspots. The newly opened Apgujeong Rodeo Station 압구정로데오역 on the Bundang Line—a welcome addition to Line 7’s Cheongdam-dong Station 청담역—has made Cheongdam-dong’s glamour and glitz all the more accessible. Be forewarned, though: Cheongdam-dong’s nightlife is not quite dense enough to support a robust cab scene, so available cabs are far and few between. Rubbing elbows with the charming beauties of Cheongdam-dong also comes at a price: Cover charge into clubs will set you back 20,000–30,000 won, and expect to pay roughly half of that for a drink. Big city fun, big city prices!

© Col.l.age+

Col.l.age+ | 꼴라쥬플러스

If Gangnam’s unabashed affluence has you itching for Hongdae’s artsier shores, pay a visit to one of Cheongdam-dong’s latest destinations, Col.l.age+—you might just find your next favorite place. Col.l.age+ escapes definition. Although it bills itself as a dining lounge, it aims to create a cocktail of experiences: it’s a restaurant, art gallery, performance venue, and interactive space all rolled into one. Open for lunch, dinner, and late-night tapas (and of course, drinks) every day of the week save Sunday.

FYI>
T. 02-549-7700, www.facebook.com/Collageplus915
(B1F, 91-5 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul | 서울시 강남구 청담동 91-5 지하1층)

GO>
Apgujeong Rodeo Station 압구정로데오역 (Bundang Line), Exit 4

크게 보기

© Seoul Selection

Club Ellui | 클럽 엘루이

Sitting underneath the Ellui Hotel, this club’s location is nearly as exclusive as its clientele—it’s nestled in the northeast corner of Cheongdam-dong near the Hangang River’s Yeongdong Bridge. With its confetti-littered dancefl oors, impressive light system, and world-class DJs, Ellui is Cheongdam-dong’s go-to club. Call ahead to reserve bottle service amidst their dizzying array of VIP table and room options, otherwise you’ll want to get there early if you want to snag a locker to stash your coat in.

FYI>
T. 02-1577-9669, www.ellui.net
(129 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul | 서울시 강남구 청담동 129)

GO>
Cheongdam Station 청담역 (Line 7), Exit 13

크게 보기

© LISTEN Super Lounge

LISTEN Super Lounge | 리슨 슈퍼라운지

The latest addition to the Cheongdam-dong’s legion of lounges is LISTEN Super Lounge, an amber- and lavender-tinted haven of hipness that oozes cool. Check out their bimonthly Coup de Etat party, a veritable global gathering of beautiful people. Dress to impress—and keep an eye out for local celebrities in their VIP section. Open weekends til late (or rather, til morning).

FYI>
T. 02-540-3386, www.facebook.com/ListenSuperLounge
(B1F, 87-9 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul | 서울시 강남구 청담동 87-9 지하1)

GO>
Apgujeong Rodeo Station 압구정로데오역 (Bundang Line), Exit 4

크게 보기