What do you get when you mix cultural ambiguity, a diverse crowd and alcohol? You get some crazy nightlife, that’s what.
There’s a feeling of anticipation when you head out to a club in Koreatown. You could get into fistfight or meet the girl or guy of your dreams. Anything is possible. Including a boring night out.
I’m here to help you avoid that last one.
Koreatown clubs get wild. They’re a nice mix of Korean and local ways to party.
Get some culture while you have fun at K-town clubs with these tips.
1. Uber it
Parking is awful in LA and NYC. DUIs are even worse and it’s no fun being the designated driver.
Leave all those worries behind with an Uber or Lyft.
2. Daeri drivers
If you do bring a car, check out the daeri unjeon service. Two dudes show up in a car, and one drives you and your car home. Boom, instant designated driver. Awesome!
3. Bomb squad it
Send in one of your finest to check the temperature of the room. If it’s a bunch of dudes flexing in VIP with an empty dance floor, you might want to back out the door. Unless that’s your thing.
This is why you don’t book a table in advance.
4. Dress to impress*
Appearances are an even bigger deal in Korea. That being said, natural is usually better.
Don’t try too hard with a shiny shirt or full BTS get-up. Just wear something sharp that fits your personality and looks good on you. Something with buttons for men and going out clothes for women.
5. Tough to solo
K-town clubs aren’t the best place to go alone. Bring a group of fun-loving people and you’ll have a blast.
6. To booth or not to booth
Flexing in a private booth with bottle service gives you that exclusive feeling. It’s like business class light.
Make sure you have a lively group of friends or you’ll be bored while looking down your nose at the crowd.
7. Booking adventures
If your friends aren’t that fun, make new ones at a booking club!
Booking clubs are where you tip waiters to drag someone of the gender of choice to your table. Then you and your friends can judge them. It’s quite the experience. Kind of like speed dating meets American Idol.
8. Bring a veteran
You wouldn’t climb Mt Everest without a Sherpa. Doesn’t necessarily have to be a Korean. Anyone who has been out and knows a few waiters will be clutch. Who you know goes a long way in both K-town and Korea.
9. Getting cliquey
Koreans don’t mingle as much as you’d hope. Unless of course you go to a booking club.
But once you make friends, you’re in. How you do that is a matter of great conjecture. You might need to save someone’s life or meet someone at a language class first.
10. Do a lap
This goes for every club, but explore uncharted territory. You never know what you might find.
11. Who pays?
There’s two ways this can go down. You split the bill or someone (usually the older person) grabs it and pays. You can try to grab the check and pretend to want to pay or say “thank you”.
Things get complicated in western countries where people traditionally split the bill. Just don’t feel bad if someone pays the whole thing. They get a sense of pride and accomplishment from it, so just offer to buy them a meal or drink later.
What else can I do in K-town besides clubbing?
Here are a few ideas:
- Sing noraebang
- Go to a spa
- Get your hair done at a Korean salon
- Eat KBBQ
- Play drinking games
- Explore the town
- Learn more about Korea
- Brush up on your hallyu history
- Watch a Korean movie or TV show
- Listen to Korean music
- Get involved in a Korean American Association
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Did we miss anything?
Let us know your thoughts or questions about Koreatown clubs!
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