Things to Know Before Hitting the Clubs in Koreatown


There’s a feeling of anticipation when you head out to a club in Koreatown. You could find trouble or meet the girl or guy of your dreams.

Here are the best ways to enjoy clubs in Koreatown.

Lingua Asia_Things to Know Before Hitting the Clubs in Koreatown

Key Takeaways

  • Koreatown clubs are a nice mix of Korean and local ways to party.
  • If you bring a car, check out the daeri unjeon service.
  • Dress to impress as appearances are a big deal in Korea.
  • You can split the bill or someone, usually the older person, grabs it and pays.

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. One is the loneliest number

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

Chilling 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:

Did we miss anything?

Let us know your thoughts or questions about Koreatown clubs!

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