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15 Popular Things to Do in Seoul at Night

ByRoseanne Ducut

Seoul is one of my favorite cities to explore at night, especially as a solo traveler.

There’s always locals and tourists out at night, and (as a visitor) I always felt safe.

There’s lots of things to do at night in Seoul, whether you enjoy nature, nightlife, LED views, or peaceful walks.

Most of these sites can be enjoyed during the day too, but some are even better in the evening.

If you’re new to South Korea, make sure to read my travel guide to South Korea.

Night Tours in Seoul

If you want to explore Seoul at night with a group, here are some night tours:

🌌 Visit Changgyeonggung Palace at night with a walking tour

⛴ Join a sunset or moonlight Han River cruise for only $10 USD

🍶 Something fun: Join the Seoul pub crawl

👻 Take an evening Ghost Stories Walking Tour in Seoul

1. DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza)

The image shows Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul, South Korea, illuminated at night. The building's futuristic curved architecture is lit with colorful digital projections, creating a vibrant and dynamic display. A crowd of people gathers below, enjoying the nighttime ambiance of this iconic landmark.

DDP is impressive during the day, but at night it’s illuminated. You can catch seasonal light shows where light art is displayed on the buildings or when there are LED decorations.

While you can visit DDP in the late hours, the actual stores inside close at 8pm.

2. Cheonggyecheon Stream

Cheonggyecheon Stream during summer night - Seoul, South Korea

This is one of my go-to sites to enjoy Seoul at night.

Cheonggyecheon Stream stretches for 7 miles (12 km) through downtown Seoul. It’s open 24/7, and is lit up at night.

At the tail end of the stream closer to the Gwanghwamun subway station there are daily light shows at night.

Unless it’s raining, you can sit by the water or take a stroll.

3. Yeouido Hangang Park

I Seoul You Sign Courtyard at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul Korea

The Han River is one of the most popular sites to visit in Seoul at night, especially for locals.

At night, you’ll see many people having picnics by the river or eating ramen from the nearby convenience store.

There are also bench tables along the river. The views of the river and bridge are really peaceful.

4. Myeongdong Night Market

The image captures a lively scene of Myeongdong Street in Seoul, South Korea, viewed from above. Shoppers stroll past various street food vendors and stalls under strings of decorative lights, while a prominent SPAO clothing store with its bright red facade is seen in the background. The bustling atmosphere highlights the vibrant shopping and dining culture of this popular district.

While Myeongdong is one of the most touristy places in Seoul, I still enjoy visiting at night. It’s lively and when most food stalls are open.

You can try street food like hotteok, tornado potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, and tanghulu.

Many stores are also still open in the evening.

5. Seoul Tower / Namsan Park

Namsan Park Staircase at Night, Seoul, South Korea: A nighttime view of a scenic staircase in Namsan Park, leading to a small observation deck. The deck, softly lit, overlooks the vast cityscape of Seoul, sparkling with lights in the distance. The red steps are inscribed with words like "TOGETHER" and "I LOVE," adding a romantic touch to the peaceful setting. The dark silhouette of the surrounding trees contrasts with the brightly illuminated city below.

This is in my top 3 places to visit at night in Seoul. While the actual park is open 24/7, the tower observatory and shops close around 10pm on weekdays, and 11pm on weekends.

There’s lots of viewing decks to see Seoul at night, including the Locks of Love area.

I’ve hiked up and down going to Seoul Tower at night and there’s many others doing the same too.

You can also take the bus or take the Namsan Cable Car, which closes at 11pm.

6. Changgyeonggung Palace

A large courtyard with a traditional Korean palace building surrounded by green trees at Changgyeonggung Palace in Seoul

Most royal palaces in Seoul are only open to visitors at night during specific months of the year.

But you’ll be able to visit Changgyeonggung Palace at night all-year round.

🎫 Join the group tour to explore Changgyeonggung Palace at night.

7. Banpo Hangang Park & Bridge

Banpo Hangang Park Light Show with purple lights with water spraying out of bridge at night. Top parks in Seoul.

Banpo Hangang Park is best visited in the evening or right before sunset and when you can watch the rainbow fountain show.

I’ve also walked on the bridge at night where you can see the light show and water flowing above you.

A lot of people run on the bridge during nighttime too.

8. Itaewon

The image shows a lively street scene in Itaewon, Seoul, South Korea, at night. The street is lined with brightly lit signs, bars, and restaurants, with a large advertisement for 1664 Blanc beer prominently displayed on a building. People are seen walking along the bustling street, enjoying the vibrant nightlife atmosphere that Itaewon is known for.

Itaewon is probably the most well-known area in Seoul for its nightlife, for both locals and foreigners.

I’ve visited bars in the main area and on adjacent streets.

No matter the day, there are people still partying til early morning.

Explore the bars, shops, and restaurants at night. (And please take care and drink responsibly!)

9. Hongdae

Hongdae Street Performers and a large crowd watching at night in Seoul

Hongdae is another popular place to enjoy Seoul at night, and is the “youth-indie” district.

You can visit shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as watch live performances at night. It’s always lively, but still solo traveler-friendly too.

If you want to experience going to a club or bar in Seoul, Hongdae is another alternative to Itaewon.

10. Hanok Bars

Outside of Bar Cham, a small bar in a traditional hanok-style wooden building

If you want to try a less-club-vibe bar in Seoul, visit a hanok bar like Bar Cham, located inside a hanok and was ranked as one of Asia’s top 50 bars.

Try their traditional Korean spirits and drinks.

11. Haneul Park

A field of pampas grass with wind turbines in the background, captured at sunset at Haneul Park in Seoul, Korea.

Haneul Park is one of the five parks located within the World Cup Park area in Mapo-gu.

It’s most popular in the fall months when you can catch the silver grass (eulalia/pampas grass).

I visited right before sunset, and then explored the park at night when art installations and sitting areas are lit up.

A night view from Haneul Park in Seoul, Korea, showing the city lights and the park's wooden stairs lined with string lights, with the cityscape in the background.

You also get a beautiful view of Seoul at night from the top of the entrance stairs. One of my favorite views I’ve seen at night in Seoul.

See more photos on my Haneul Park post.

12. Fortress Wall of Seoul

Namsan Baekbeom Square at night - Seoul Fortress Wall where kdramas were filmed

If you watch a lot of kdramas like I do, this area probably looks familiar to you.

The Fortress Wall of Seoul trail is actually quite long.

The closest trail to Namsan Park is Baekbeom Square and the part I visited. It’s beautifully lit up at night with a backdrop of the city.

13. Digital Media City

This image depicts an evening view in Digital Media City, Seoul, South Korea. In the foreground, there's a plaza with trees and seating areas, and in the background stands a futuristic building with a unique, curvilinear design, illuminated with ambient lighting. To the right, there's a highlighted digital artwork of two human figures, adding a modern touch to the scene.

A lesser know area in Seoul to visit at night is Digital Media City, a hub of entertainment networks and shows, including kpop programs like Idol Radio and The Show.

There are many art installations lit up at night, as well as restaurants in the area.

14. Go to a Concert or Festival

Crowd at Super Junior concert in Seoul 2022 with synced purple lightstick color

There are always concerts happening in Seoul, whether local or international, kpop, rock, or jazz.

For foreigners, it’s easier to book tickets on Melon Global or Interpark Global.

🎶 Read my experience of going to concerts in Seoul.

15. Gwanghwamun Square

A bronze statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin on a cement placer in Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul at night

In downtown Seoul, visit Gwanghwamun Square at night, a public square featuring statues of King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-sin.

I found downtown Seoul to be a nice level of lively and quiet.

The park and fountain is lit up at night, and depending on the season, there are illuminated art displays.

I hope this post was helpful and that you enjoy Seoul at night as much as I do!

Seoul Checklist: have you booked these yet?

▢ Discover Seoul Pass + transit card

▢ Ride from the airport: prebook a transfer | airport bus | AREX train

▢ Book from the best hotels in Seoul (what I use)

▢ If you want to drive, rent a car in Seoul. Check rates here

▢ Check out the most popular tours in Seoul

More Seoul Posts

Where to Stay in Seoul Based on Your Interests (from a Frequent Visitor)

The Best 5 Days Seoul Itinerary for First Timers

28 Top Seoul Attractions to Check Out

Best One Day in Seoul Itineraries (+ Hour Breakdown)

7 Essential Seoul Travel Tips for First-Timers (+ everything I wished I knew)

7 Best Parks in Seoul to Visit in 2024 – Don’t Skip These!

Best Palaces of Seoul to Visit + All You Need to Know

ALL SEOUL GUIDES
🇰🇷 28 Places to Visit in Seoul 2024 - Korea Travel Vlog - Top Seoul Attractions

Roseanne Ducut is a solo female traveler and Filipina from the Bay Area, California. She writes practical and culture-rich travel guides and lives a not-so-secret double life as a fangirl. A veghead for over 15 years, Roseanne also writes vegan guides to help others plan their trips.