Searching for a good bar in Itaewon can be overwhelming. There are tons of options, but many are loud, overpriced, or just not that great. I live in Seoul and have spent years exploring the city’s nightlife. These are the five places in Itaewon I actually recommend to my friends for a solid drink and a good time in 2026.
| Name | Vibe / Music | Est. Cost (per person) | Nearest Subway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southside Parlor | Casual & Chill / Hip-Hop, R&B | ₩35,000-₩50,000 ($25-$35) | Noksapyeong Stn. (Line 6) |
| Glam Lounge | Upscale Lounge / Deep House | ₩40,000-₩60,000 ($30-$45) | Itaewon Stn. (Line 6) |
| The Bungalow | Tropical Themed / Reggae, Pop | ₩30,000-₩45,000 ($22-$33) | Itaewon Stn. (Line 6) |
| Casa Corona Seoul | Rooftop / Tropical House | ₩35,000-₩55,000 ($25-$40) | Itaewon Stn. (Line 6) |
| Pussyfoot Saloon | Classic & Refined / Jazz | ₩50,000-₩70,000 ($37-$50) | Hangangjin Stn. (Line 6) |
1. Southside Parlor – For Legit Craft Cocktails
This is my top pick for a proper cocktail bar. It was opened by a few guys from Texas, and they take their drinks seriously. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, and the whole place has a relaxed, unpretentious feel. Last time I went in summer 2025, I had a custom mezcal drink that was just perfect.
The Details
- Location: 4F, 220 Noksapyeong-daero, Yongsan-gu (5-min walk from Noksapyeong Stn., Exit 2)
- Price: Cocktails are around ₩17,000 – ₩22,000 ($12 – $16).
- Why go: The staff is fully bilingual, making it super easy for expats and tourists. They have an amazing selection of American whiskeys and tequilas you won’t find elsewhere in Seoul.
- PROS: The cocktails are consistently excellent. No sugary premixes here. It’s a great place to actually talk to your friends without shouting.
- CONS: It’s a 4th-floor walk-up with no elevator, which can be a bit of a climb. It can get crowded and a little loud on weekend nights.
[IMAGE: A close-up of a handcrafted cocktail on the bar at Southside Parlor | ALT: A craft cocktail at a bar in Itaewon, Seoul]
2. Glam Lounge – Dress Up and See the Scene
Located in the heart of Itaewon’s main drag, Glam Lounge is a classic upscale spot. It’s been around for years and has definitely gotten more crowded over time. When I first went about five years ago it was more chill, but now it’s a go-to for people looking for a see-and-be-seen atmosphere. The giant horse statue in the middle is an Itaewon landmark.
The Details
- Location: 2F, 26 Itaewon-ro 27ga-gil, Yongsan-gu (3-min walk from Itaewon Stn., Exit 1)
- Price: Cocktails around ₩20,000 ($15), bottles start at ₩200,000+.
- Why go: The interior is impressive and it’s a good spot to go if you want to dress up a little. The deep house music is always good but never so loud that you can’t have a conversation.
- PROS: Great for people-watching. The location is perfect for bar-hopping as it’s right next to other popular venues.
- CONS: It gets extremely packed on weekends. The drinks are decent but you’re paying more for the location and interior design than for world-class mixology.
3. The Bungalow – A Tropical Escape with Sand
Yes, there is actual sand on the floor. The Bungalow is a tropical-themed Itaewon bar that fully commits to the concept. You can sit on swings, chill in cabana-style booths, or just hang out at the bar. It’s a fun, quirky place that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The Details
- Location: 10 Itaewon-ro 27ga-gil, Yongsan-gu (5-min walk from Itaewon Stn., Exit 1)
- Price: Cocktails are in the ₩15,000 – ₩18,000 ($11 – $13) range.
- Why go: It’s a unique setting that’s great for photos and a more relaxed night out. I took a friend from out of town here in fall 2025 and she loved the novelty of it.
- PROS: The atmosphere is fun and different from any other bar in Seoul. Prices are very reasonable for Itaewon.
- CONS: The cocktails are okay, but not amazing—think standard tropical drinks. Don’t wear nice shoes, as they will get full of sand.
[INTERNAL LINK: Best Rooftop Bars in Seoul]
4. Casa Corona Seoul – The Sunset View Spot
This rooftop bar is just a short walk from the main Itaewon area and offers one of the best views of the Namsan Tower. On a clear evening, this is the place to be for sunset. As the name suggests, it’s a casual spot perfect for grabbing a Corona or a simple cocktail and enjoying the open air.
The Details
- Location: 7 Bogwang-ro 60-gil, Yongsan-gu (10-min walk from Itaewon Stn., Exit 4)
- Price: Beers from ₩9,000 ($6.50), cocktails from ₩17,000 ($12).
- Why go: The view is the main draw. It’s fantastic. The vibe is relaxed with tropical house music, making it a great place to start your evening.
- PROS: Unbeatable view of the Seoul skyline and Namsan Tower. The casual, open-air setting is perfect for summer nights.
- CONS: Totally weather-dependent. The food menu is limited and a bit basic. Rooftop seats fill up fast, so go early.
5. Pussyfoot Saloon – For the Serious Drinker
While technically in the adjacent Hannam-dong neighborhood, it’s a short walk from Itaewon and is an absolute must for anyone who appreciates a truly great cocktail. It’s consistently ranked as one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars. The interior is designed to look like a luxurious, vintage train carriage.
The Details
- Location: 2F, 21 Itaewon-ro 26-gil, Yongsan-gu (5-min walk from Hangangjin Stn., Exit 3)
- Price: Cocktails start at ₩25,000 ($18) and go up.
- Why go: To have one of the best cocktails of your life. The bartenders are true professionals who can create something based on your specific tastes. It’s quiet, sophisticated, and perfect for a date or a deep conversation.
- PROS: The drink quality and service are exceptional. The atmosphere is calm and refined, a nice break from the chaos of Itaewon.
- CONS: It’s expensive. This isn’t a place for pre-gaming; it’s a destination in itself. The vibe is more formal, so you might feel out of place in shorts and a t-shirt.
[IMAGE: The elegant, wood-paneled interior of Pussyfoot Saloon | ALT: The classy interior of a top cocktail bar in Itaewon, Seoul]
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Itaewon
The “Homo Hill” misconception: While this area has many fantastic gay bars and clubs, some straight tourists think it’s the *only* nightlife area and miss out on everything else. Itaewon is huge; explore the main strip, the backstreets, and the Noksapyeong and Hannam-dong areas.
The Taxi Scam: Late at night, some taxi drivers near the main station will refuse to use the meter and try to quote you a flat, inflated fare (especially if you’re a foreigner). Walk a block or two away from the main chaos before hailing a cab, or use an app like Kakao T to call one.
The Bottom Line
- For the best cocktails, period: Go to Southside Parlor for a friendly vibe or Pussyfoot Saloon for a high-end experience.
- For the best atmosphere and views: Head to Casa Corona Seoul for a sunset rooftop drink or The Bungalow for a unique, sandy-floored escape.
- For a classic Itaewon night out: Glam Lounge is a reliable choice for a stylish lounge bar in Itaewon with good people-watching.
Frequently Asked Questions About Itaewon Bars
Is Itaewon expensive?
It can be, but there’s a wide range. You can get a beer for ₩8,000 ($6) at a casual pub or a cocktail for ₩28,000 ($20) at a high-end lounge. Compared to areas like Gangnam, it’s generally similar or slightly cheaper.
Is Itaewon safe for foreigners at night?
Yes, Itaewon is generally very safe. Like any major nightlife district in the world, just be aware of your surroundings and your drinks. The biggest annoyance is usually just how crowded it gets on weekends.
Do I need to tip bartenders in Seoul?
No, tipping is not a part of the culture in Korea. It is not expected and can sometimes even cause confusion. The price on the menu is the final price you pay.
What time do bars close in Itaewon?
It varies. Many bars stay open until 1 or 2 AM on weekdays and 3 AM or later on weekends. Some smaller, more specialized cocktail bars may close a bit earlier, around midnight or 1 AM.
Is it easy to pay with a credit card?
Absolutely. Korea is a very card-friendly country. Every bar on this list, and virtually every other establishment, will accept foreign credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex). You rarely need to carry large amounts of cash.