KMK: Hot Spots - Itaewon | Kiss My Kimchi

The hub of Korea’s foreign population, Itaewon is one of the places to go when you want to party all night with expats. You’ll find everything from Jamaican Reggae to Irish pubs. Itaewon has what you want, now go get it!

Club Caliente

The patrons are so diverse, DJ Josh sometimes has a hard job appealing to everyone. But he keeps the dance floor going, playing a variety of standbys and new Latin music. The song selection is what keeps people coming back. Located near exit 4 of Itaewon Station subway line 6. Call (011) 9094 8484

King Club

Get ready to go back in time and go old school with King Club. You’ll think you’ve stepped back into another decade, not because of the music, but because of the machismo on the dance floor. Go hard or go home. Ladies bring a bodyguard. Located near Itaewon Station subway line 6 near hooker hill.

Nashville

Just down from the subway station before Hamilton Shirts you’ll find the staircase to Nashville. The rooftop terrace is the perfect spot to grab a burger, some fresh air, and a nice cold beer. Inside you’ll find pool tables and plenty of folks to chum around with.

Queen

House music blares and the tiny dance floor is always packed. Go to Queen especially if you want that up close and personal feeling as everyone is packed into the tiny bar. Go early for happy hour and to stake out a spot. Bring your gays or maybe let them bring you. Located near Itaewon Station subway line 6 near homo hill.

WolfHound

The Wolfhound has the Irish pub niche cornered in Itaewon. Go cop a squat and grab a Guinness. While you’re there be sure to grab a bite as the place has a killer menu.

Woodstock

Just across from the Dunk n’ Donuts you’ll find Woodstock. It’s a great space for live music, a little bit of pool or a quick game of darts. The mood is low key but the music is rock hard. Expats and Koreans alike hang at Woodstock.

Reggae Bar

Just down past Hamilton Shirts, Outback and Tom n Toms coffee on your left hand side is Reggae Pub. Go kick back and have a Red Stripe or some Ginger Beer. Try the grub its got a Jamaican flair you won’t find anywhere else in Korea.

Rocky Mountain Tavern
A down-to-earth place, the club was started by a couple of Canadians. With a spacious, wooden bar, the tavern is spread out on two floors. Find it in on Itaewon’s main drag across from the International Clinic. Located near exit 3 of Itaewon Station on subway line 6.

Naos Nova
A wine bar and restaurant with a design so stunning it was featured in several interior design magazines before its doors even opened to the public. Its location across from Namsan Park gives it a wonderful, cool atmosphere. Visit http://www.naosnova.com/ (448-120 Huam-dong Yongsan-gu, Seoul) or call (02) 754-2202.

Above
This medium-sized wine bar in the alley behind the Hamilton Hotel is one of Itaewon’s swankiest hangouts. The candlelight, tiled indoor pond and the designs on the door seem Moorish. Located at 19-25 Itaewon-dong store 22-ho. Call (02) 749-0717.

Kabinett

This swanky wine bar in Itaewon is the place to be to enjoy an evening glass of wine with friends or date. It’s relaxed and unpretentious with the right amount of urban chic ambiance.

5 thoughts on “KMK: Hot Spots – Itaewon”

Phil says:

July 23, 2012 at 8:51 am

The Reggae Bar has turned into Dillinger’s. Specials every day (some better, some worse). Much more spacious than the former place.

Johnny says:

July 11, 2012 at 12:14 am

I’ve been to Rocky Mountain Tavern on numerous occasions with only good things to say about the place, food, and ambience; however, the last two times the service was lackluster, I’m really disappointed by the rudeness and inattentiveness of the staff.

This last visit, service was horrendous: our crowd’s orders all came staggered within an hour window, with the last order coming in an hour after ordering when everyone was finished with their meal. We inquired about the delayed orders several times, politely at first, and were shrugged off by 4, count em, 4 wait staff, until deciding to take a stronger stance about the food not arriving. Finally, the wait staff admitted to the order not having been executed because they had messed up, which is fine, but the bad attitude was uncalled for. Even talked to the manager/owner about the poor service, yet we were still given a hard time, being threatened with a “watch your back” remark… What kind of service is that… That’s enough for me to share this experience. That’s not the way to treat a customer.

1. Brian Dye says:
  
  July 18, 2012 at 10:37 am
  
  I’ll never go back to that place. I had a similar experience with a group of friends. I should really write a post about it, because it was enough to keep me from returning. I think I will write about it.
  
TellEsl says:

November 22, 2009 at 12:02 pm

All great spots and some I haven’t checked out before. Thanks.

http://tellesl.blogspot.com

Patrick says:

November 21, 2009 at 5:27 am

Don’t forget Nana; a nice little bar with a warm atmosphere. Couches, palm trees, good deals on fruity soju cocktails to share with a group, and DJs playing some decent House music, Reggae, or sometimes live bands. There is space to dance and the bartenders get generous with the Tequila if you are having a good time.
Located just up a little alley across the street from Tom and Toms coffee.
As a lover of house music, I found this to be one of the only places I could be satisfied.