As a Korean who grew up in the neighborhood, I’m so excited to share the best bars in Itaewon!

From post-Korean War in the 1950s until 2018, the largest American military base in South Korea was located right next to Itaewon. Bars and clubs opened to serve American soldiers.
Today, Itaewon remains its flare as an international neighborhood influenced by American and Western culture. You’ll find international restaurants to American-style pubs offering draft beers.
Itaewon is also the heart of South Korea’s gay and queer scene.
Unfortunately, it’s pretty common for clubs to refuse entry to foreigners in Korea (“No Foreigners,” they’ll say). I don’t understand why this is the case – as a Korean myself – but it’s part of the reality of going out if you don’t look East Asian.
Given its roots, though, Itaewon can be an ideal spot for foreigners to experience Seoul’s nightlife.
The only downside is that you might be surrounded by more tourists. But I’ll introduce you to hidden gems as well.
With that, let’s dive into the best bars in Itaewon!
Best Bars in Itaewon
Best Rooftop Bars in Itaewon
1. Sunsetmood Rooftop (선셋 무드): Intimate Rooftop with Incredible Views

Enjoy the captivating views of Namsan and N Seoul Tower from any corner of this bar.
The indoor space is blessed with high ceilings, from which you can look out to the wide-open rooftop terrace.
The townhouses of Itaewon are typically only a few floors high, in contrast to the rest of Seoul, which is full of residential and commercial skyscrapers.

The view at Sunsetmood is special, because you can see the rows of these lower-floored townhouses as they climb up toward Namsan.
Sunsetmood is more intimate than your typical rooftop bar, with friendly staff and reasonable prices.
Address: 4th floor, 41 Hoenamu-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
2. Privilege (몬드리안서울이태원 프리빌리지 바): Elegant Rooftop Bar with Stunning Views
The views of N Seoul Tower and the upscale vibes are top-notch at this hotel rooftop bar atop the Mondrian.
The subtle lighting from the high-top tables and the sleek rounded bar rooftop create an elegant mood.
The indoor seating is moody and elevated, a great fit for date night (maybe even a blind date, in Korean fashion!).
But the star of the show is certainly the great view, more so than the cocktails themselves.
Address: 23 Jangmun-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
3. Gozib (고집): Cozy Rooftop Wine Bar with Tasty Italian Food
Tired and ready to catch up with a friend?
Gozib is the perfect, cozy place to kick back and devour tasty Korean-style Italian food with dazzling views of N Seoul Tower.
Try the rich and flavorful Truffle Cream Risotto (20,000 KRW, 15 USD) while you’re there.
You can enjoy a glass of house wine at an affordable price of 9,000 KRW (6.70 USD).
Plus, the owner is super friendly and helpful. If you’re lucky, you might get some sparklers to light on the terrace ✨
Address: 3-3 Noksapyeong-daero 40ga-gil, Itaewon 2-dong Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
Best Hidden Gems in Itaewon
4. Salon de MU/ART (뮤아트 본점): Cozy Nook with Live Music Every Saturday
The name MU/ART comes from “mute” plus “art,” encapsulating the idea that white space and moderation are requisites in art.
Old photos, posters and scraps form the backdrop of MU/ART’s stage, from which singer songwriters, pianists and jazz trios pour their hearts out every Saturday night starting 9pm.
You’ll feel like a local right away in this grungy and cozy hidden gem, which has been open since 1992.
You can see N Seoul Tower from the small back patio, but it’s the performances and the vibe that will keep you at MU/ART.
The cover charge for the performances is 10,000 KRW (7.40 USD).
Address: 2nd floor, 41 Hoenamu-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
5. Carlos’ Bar (까를로스 바): Whiskey Bar with Cabin Vibes

Carlos has an extensive whiskey menu that includes 70 malted whiskeys, 30 American whiskeys and 10 Japanese whiskeys.

This smol bar is planked with wood all around and glows with ambient cove lighting.

In good weather, the window doors are slid open, revealing a terrace that’s perfect for groups and parties.
Address: 57-15 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
6. Dusk Till Dawn (더스크 틸 던): Classy Yet Comfortable Cocktail Bar

Hidden in a little alleyway, this classy cocktail bar gets a lot right.
It’s quiet enough for date nights or an intimate chat, complete with comfy leather seats and a chandelier overhead.

With 26 years under his belt, the owner-bartender prepares delicious cocktails with the utmost care.
There’s over 100 cocktails and 1,000 single malt whiskeys to pick from, but from a Moscow Mule to a Cosmo, they’ve got it all when it comes to classic cocktails.
Address: 20 Itaewon-ro 19-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
Best Clubs in Itaewon
7. Faust (파우스트): Go-To for Techno Lovers
There’s a piece of Berlin waiting for you in Itaewon – at Faust.
This club, which has been a popular spot for techno lovers for 10+ years, is frequently the Korean debut pad for DJs who’ve performed at the likes of Berghain and Tresor.
The cover charge is typically around 20,000 KRW (15 USD). Check their Instagram for for their upcoming set list.
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Yongsan District, Bogwang-ro 60-gil, 7 3/F
8. Volnost: Underground Techno with Boundless Sound
Expect to get sweaty and bump all night long at this small but hardcore underground club with an excellent sound system.
You’re in for some proper techno at Volnost. Check their Instagram for their upcoming line up.
The cover charge is 15,000 KRW (11 USD) on Fridays and 20,000 KRW (15 USD) on Saturdays.
Address: 136-11 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
9. Kockiri (코끼리): Gay-Friendly Lounge with Vibey Music
Until recently, the main American military base in Korea was next to Itaewon, which led to its development as a nightlife hub – and the center of Seoul’s queer scene.
Kockiri, meaning elephant in Korean 😉is a gay-friendly lounge bar with incredible music.
It’s dimly lit, with a lively atmosphere. The music is vibey but not too overpowering.
Check out their Instagram for their line up, including their men-only events. DJ sets typically run Wednesday through Sunday.
Most nights don’t require a cover charge, which range from 10,000-20,000 KRW (7.40-15 USD).
Best Bars in Itaewon (Conclusion)
In this guide, we went over the best bars in Itaewon.
With roots as the home to the largest American military base in Korea, Itaewon is a popular place for international cuisine, cheap drinks and a good time.
From the best rooftop bar with a scenic view to a cocktail bar in a more secluded location, we went over 9 incredible bars and clubs in Itaewon with rave reviews.
Save these 9 bars on your future bucket list for things to do in Korea!
- Sunsetmood Rooftop (선셋 무드): Intimate Rooftop with Incredible Views
- Privilege (몬드리안서울이태원 프리빌리지 바): Elegant Rooftop Bar with Stunning Views
- Gozib (고집): Cozy Rooftop Wine Bar with Tasty Italian Food
- Salon de MU/ART (뮤아트 본점): Cozy Nook with Live Music Every Saturday
- Carlos’ Bar (까를로스 바): Whiskey Bar with Cabin Vibes
- Dusk Till Dawn (더스크 틸 던): Classy Yet Comfortable Cocktail Bar
- Faust (파우스트): Go-To for Techno Lovers
- Volnost: Underground Techno with Boundless Sound
- Kockiri (코끼리): Gay-Friendly Lounge with Vibey Music
Thanks for checking out my article about the best bars in Itaewon!
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