It’s all about the mix here.
Seoul’s borough famous for it’s diverse population and extra zest. In Itaewon, you can find a wide variety of music clubs, and often catch some expat performers as well. Good eats and good sounds to be found here. You’ll never feel out of place here. Yongsan-gu is a very central location which also boasts some of the best views of Namsan Tower. Unlike other neighborhoods in Seoul, Itaewon is one of a kind.
부기우기 Boogie Woogie
A classic red room ambiance for your jazz fix. Boogie Woogie hosts live, local jazz musicians every night of the week. They even have an English phone line to make reservations! Boogie Woogie doesn’t charge a cover, however they do give you the option to make donations to the band. It feels good to support local artists.
펫사운즈 Pet Sounds
Located above Boogie Woogie, this music pub caters to alternative music lovers. Once again, they have live music every night of the week. It’s dark, grungy, and the drinks are reasonable.
무어 moor
A relatively new spot in bougie 한남동 Hannam-dong, moor is in essence one word: chic. The room is spacious with a roundtable bar in the rear of the room. Lights are dim and the space is minimalistic. If you’re a fan of high quality cheese, wine, and more, this is the place for you. Food and drinks are A+ albeit on the pricier side. EDM music is curated in a multitude of ways: dance all night or take an evening to enjoy some ambient therapy. Check the weekend calendar for live performances and collaborations.
LIVIN’
Self-proclaimed urban music venue. LIVIN’ is not open regular hours. You need to keep tabs on their IG page to see when live performances are happening. The space itself is open, warm, and modern.
monostereo
This coffee-shop by day, located in 해방촌 ‘Haebangchon,’ or as the foreign community likes to call it, HBC, is a seriously gorgeous space. The interior is almost rustic: wide mirrors reflect a space furnished with dark, vintage wooden cabinets adorned with lush plants. HBC is a neighborhood known for it’s beautiful views in Seoul. The village is built up a mountain and offers great views of Namsan Tower and more. It’s a bit of a hike up to monostereo, but it’s worth each and every step. The space is warm and cozy. This is not a loud, high energy venue. You can expect to hear a lot of mellow jazz music here.
The Studio HBC
As you can tell by it’s name, The Studio is another venue located in scenic HBC. While the studio hosts many live music performances, they host a variety of other events as well, such as stand-up comedy or poetry. HBC is likely the most diverse neighborhood in Seoul. Many expats live and work here, so much of the performers are non-Korean as well. Drinks and food are reasonably priced and the room is a close, intimate setting.
사운드독 Sound Dog
Sound Dog is a classy jazz bar located in 용산구 Yongsan-gu, though it’s a bit west of HBC. With a warm ambiance and a booze menu to brag about, grab a whiskey, take a seat, and unwind with some live jazz music. They host live music most nights of the week.
아이덴하우스 IDENHouse
Self-proclaimed speakeasy, IDENHouse is a brick-laden, warm room that hosts jazz performances on the regular. The whiskey menu here is extensive, and Thursday through the weekends you can be sure to hear some live music. Wednesday is ladies night! Located in bougie Hannam-dong, it’s a hip area to take a spin. Check out their IG for their schedule.
꿀잼 COOLJAM 