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August's Main Article

Nightlife and Night Views in Sizzling Seoul

Rooftop Views and Riverside Festivals

When visiting Seoul, there’s so much to see and do that the day might go by in a flash. Once the sun sets, there are many ways to cool down after a day full of sightseeing. Seoul’s nightlife is full of incredible bars and restaurants as well as outdoor festivals. Visit one of Seoul’s hotel rooftop bars to take in beautiful night views of the city and spend a relaxing and idyllic summer evening with a drink in hand. For a different way to pass the evening, the Hangang Summer Festival offers a huge range of outdoor activities and events for people of all ages to participate in. The festival takes place throughout the Hangang parks system with events and activities divided by theme. Whether it’s a rooftop bar or an outdoor festival, there is no shortage of things to do in Seoul at night.

Rooftop Bars and Idyllic Summer Evenings

Myeong-dong

Myeong-dong is one of Seoul’s most popular tourist areas, and its popularity amongst for foreign visitors remains very strong. Myeong-dong is know for its lively atmosphere, and the evening atmosphere does not disappoint. Myeong-dong by night is lively and dynamic and the perfect time to visit a rooftop bars. Rooftop bars are growing in popularity and numbers these days. They're a fun and different way to spend an evening.  At a rooftop bar, patrons can enjoy cocktails and food outdoors while also seeing beautiful night views of the city. Cool down after a sweltering summer day with a drink in hand.

In Myeong-dong, two great options are the L7 Hotel’s Floating, and the Ibis Ambassador Hotel’s Le Style. L7 Hotel's Floating is large; its floor space clocks in at over 400 square meters and it's Myeong-dong's newest rooftop bar. Despite being new, many people frequent Floating and have been drawn to the bar through good word of mouth. Le Style is well established and probably best known for its breathtaking views of Mount Namsan and the Seoul skyline.

Gangnam

Gangnam is the heart of Seoul’s business and pop cultural worlds. There's no shortage of things to see and do in Gangnam, whether it's day or night. The rooftop bars in Gangnam tend to be modern and  unconventional. Hotel Cappuccino is a boutique hotel with a quirky name and a casual, fun rooftop bar called Rooftop Bar. Visitors can expect to hear loud, lively music in this relaxed bar. Move with the music and enjoy the an offering from their extensive gin and tonic menu. The venue, along with a DJ, is also available for party rentals. Whether just for a drink or for the day, spending time Hotel Cappuccino is sure to be a good time.

Kloud has an entirely different vibe and atmosphere to Rooftop Bar. Kloud is located on the 21st floor of the Mercure Ambassador Gangnam Sodowe Hotel. Where Rooftop bar is rambunctious with a casual and party-like atmosphere, Kloud is more subdued, tranquil; the perfect place to have a chat over drinks and nibbles. Kloud is divided into various zones and patrons can choose where to sit according to their personal tastes. Take in a movie in the Field Zone, the Wood Zone with its huge windows is great even if the weather is terrible, and the terrace a superb place to have a quiet drink or meal and to check out the amazing views of Gangnam. Visitors to Kloud are spoiled for choice when it comes to seating options. Kloud also serves food; try the steak and risotto and round out your meal with a glass of beer, wine, or a cocktail. There is also lighter fare in the way of salads and desserts.

Making Memories at the Hangang Summer Festival

Heat up the Night!

WAVEFILM   photo by Park Chang Hyun

A leisurely, quiet evening is nice, but it's not the only way to have fun in Seoul. The Hangang Summer Festival kicked off in July and will run through August. For an action packed evening full of festivities and people, go to the Hangang Summer Festival! The festival program is full of fun activities, events, and performances. There are almost too many activities and events to count; festival-goers will have the time of their lives.

Lovers of running and EDM (electronic dance music) must take part in Electrodash. Electrodash is a light and EDM (electronic dance music) race-party at Yeouido Hangang Park. Throughout this music-centered racing event, there will be UV bubbles, UV gel, UV color powder, a bubble waterfall, to run through and missions to complete throughout the dash. After the missions, the music party will start on the main stage and festival-goers will be able to dance their hearts out. 

Head to Banpo Hangang Park and the Some Sevit area to catch the Moonlight Circus. Internationally known fire artists such as Alvin Lopez and Fire Bandit will be demonstrating their skills and the Fire Dancing Festival, fireworks, mask dance, lion dance, a fire parade and more will take place as part of the Moonlight Circus. Attend and see some incredible and unique summer performances.

A Evening Full of Culture by the Han River

For more fun, there's the Film Festival Under the Bridge which will take place under several of the beautiful, sparking bridges of the Han River. The Hangang parks at Mangwon, Yeouido, Ttukseom, and Gwangnaru will be showing a different movie every Saturday, for free, throughout August. This year, the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival will be sponsoring this year’s Film Festival Under the Bridge, so attendees can expect to see some fun and entertaining movies.

Jazz lovers shouldn't skip the Hangang Jazz Festival at Banpo Hangang Park. There may be no better way to see a gathering of incredible jazz musicians and artists in one place in Seoul. Enjoy smooth jazz performances from several artists and make memories at the Han River. For a traditional Korean experience, don’t miss the Hangang at Sunset Performance Festival at Ttukseom Hangang Park. The festival will be packed with traditional Korean cultural performances. Everything from traditional folk games, musical performances, traditional dance, and much more will be demonstrated and performed. It’s quite unusual yet special to be able to see outdoor performances of traditional Korean arts in the evening. Spend some time appreciating these underrated arts.