Where to drink · SEOUL
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 8 seoul drinks tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to check before you commit.
Join English and Korean-speaking guides for a 4.5-hour Seoul night out across four bars and clubs. Friday runs in Itaewon, while Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday events visit Hongdae. Expect free entry, four or more shots, party photos, dancing, and a large international group.
“Guides were all sound and got more free drinks at the Hongdae crawl than the Itaewon Crawl, clubs were knowhere near as rammed either which made it better”
![The Seoul Pub Crawl [official] - Hongdae or Itaewon: choosing the right Seoul night](https://7.tipsyescapes.com/wp-content/uploads/the-seoul-pub-crawl-official.jpg)
Start at 8:30 pm for a four-hour Seoul night out with hosts such as Isabelle, Ava, Cat, or Adam. Visit four bars and clubs in Hongdae or Itaewon, receive four drink coupons, skip lines, and meet an international crowd. Bring photo ID and dress for a club.
“Really fun night out — great music, good mix of people, and awesome vibe overall. The guides kept things moving smoothly, and a special shoutout to the photographer for capturing the fun moments. It was raining like crazy that night, but it didn’t ruin the mood at all. Definitely worth it if you’re in Seoul and want a good night out!”
Join Mike, a Chicago-raised chef and Seoul food expert, for a five-hour small-group walk through Gwangjang Market, Jongro alleys, and Euljiro. Try local dishes, beer, soju, and makgeolli, then pay only for the food and drinks you choose, apart from a final round bought by the guide.
“Really enjoyed the food and drink tour. Went at a great pace. Tried loads of different foods, which were all great, and also introduced to some new drinks. Similar price to tours that last less than half the time and has made me.a lot more.confidemt to take on the traditional Korean food.for.the rest of.my trip. Definitely recommend.”
Join Sam LEE at Samhae Soju in Mapo for a 90-minute tasting of at least seven Korean drinks, including traditional soju made by a master distiller. See fermentation in progress, learn about Joseon-era spirits, and sample premium soju at 45% alcohol or more.
“Sam Lee was a knowledgeable guide and explained the history of Soju as well as the distillation process very clearly.”
Join Seoul Night Life for a hosted night through Itaewon or Hongdae. Guides such as Adam, Xen, Grazia, and Yeonjoo lead you into selected bars and clubs with open bottle service, included entry, reserved space, snacks, and priority access. Bring valid ID and wear closed shoes.
“Amazing the host Dafne is the best she put the energy and dance, she make a great job so good that I’m coming back every time !!!!”
Join Taeseong, also known as the Hongdae Boy, for two hours of Korean drinking games in a small Hongdae bar. Beer, soju, kimchi seafood pancake, and soft drinks are included. You can play with alcohol or choose non-alcoholic drinks.
“I had an amazing evening with Taesong and our group! The atmosphere was incredible and we had so much fun learning Korean drinking games together. It was such a memorable experience — I highly recommend this activity and would gladly do it again!”
Join a 40 to 60 person Seoul pub crawl through Hongdae or Itaewon, with four guided bar stops, one shot at each, discounted drinks, and skip-the-line club entry. Guides such as Isabelle, Yoon, Ava, and Alexis keep the group connected, though the final club and meeting point vary by date.
“The tour was fun! We met lots of fun people and the vibes were good! The only thing was that the last club was pretty far away and not our favorite.”
Meet Sam near Hongdae for an 80-minute English-language tasting of traditional Korean alcohol. You’ll learn how takju, cheongju, and soju differ, sample at least seven drinks, and taste premium 45 to 50 percent spirits linked to a long family tradition.
“Soju tasting was a great experience. We learned a lot about the process of making soju and tried seven different types based on various brewing methods. The atmosphere was amazing, and later a few of us went for Korean BBQ, which was the perfect way to end the evening. I highly recommend this tasting event to anyone visiting Seoul. it’s a must!”
Pick a bottle and see where it is poured properly.
