Fun and entertainment South Korea

A little riddle: knowing that the word san (산) means "mountain" in Korean, what could possibly be the specificity of this coffee? Bingo! Its breathtaking panorama overlooking the mountains. The view is truly sublime, which is why this establishment is always packed. If you don't have room on the terrace, don't worry: 70% of the walls are actually huge windows. You'll always have a direct view of the landscape. The menu includes pastries, cakes and drinks (we recommend the Mint Chocolate Latte).

A charming little café that mixes the soft, modern and traditional (with notably very nice Korean furniture). It is definitely good to rest for a few moments over a good hot drink. A few delicacies complete this delicate moment. Among them, we suggest you discover the very fresh bingsu (Korean dessert made of crushed ice) which will be your most faithful ally on hot summer days. In short, a most pleasant address that is well worth a visit.

Opposite the port, this truly atypical café offers you a very special experience. First step, you choose your drink (coffee, tea, fruit juice, smoothie...), second step, you drink it and third step, you treat yourself to a moment of relaxation by enjoying an aromatherapy foot bath (the staff will be able to explain the different benefits). All your tiredness will disappear in an instant. For your information, the ferries are made from the volcanic rock of the island (they really use it everywhere)

Charming setting for this café. This is certainly the reason why it is so popular with the inhabitants of the city. Coffee lattes and other teas are enjoyed just across the tree-lined Soyang River. An industrial decoration with pallets arranged in tiers, which are enhanced by pretty coloured cushions. In a small adjoining room (glass panes), you can see a large collection of vinyl records, which will lull your relaxing break in this café with their music. We can even enjoy a large garden.

We really like the concept of this cute little place. As the name of the establishment suggests, it is both a bar serving gin cocktails and a flower shop. These, freshly plucked, come to decorate the drinks nicely. The aromas of the flowers delicately embalm the place and blend perfectly with the gin. For a really charming and original cocktail break. Besides, it is the ideal place for a little romantic outing. Successful "Date" in perspective!

A hushed atmosphere, music, smoke and good humor are the order of the day at the TBR bar. This chic yet modern establishment is ideal for a prestigious drink after a busy day of sightseeing. We were charmed by the quality of the cocktails, which, while not cheap, are delicious. A special mention goes to the elegant, Instagrammable presentation. If you're feeling peckish, there's a selection of salads and other dishes, and for cigar aficionados, there's a fine selection of cigars for sale.

We like a lot of things about this café! In first place is the decor, a mix of driftwood, old bricks, pretty green plants, a nice collection of cacti, and a very pleasant little garden. A mix of "elegant countryside" and post-industrial aesthetics, hats off to the decorator! In second place come the sweet and savoury treats, notably the famous bingsu, which is a delight to savour with your latte or americano. The delicacies are delicious and beautifully decorated with flowers and fruit.

Asian countries have a special relationship and connection with tea. Tea takes an important place in everyday life, such as at major events or more formal and traditional celebrations. The Beautiful Tea Museum honours it perfectly by hosting in its modern hanok a museum with elements characteristic of tea and the art of its service. There is also a charming café with an impressive choice of varieties. The covered terrace is particularly enjoyable in summer.

Right at the top of the list of Seoul's hottest clubs, young revellers flock here late into the night and early into the morning. Managed by one of Korea's best-known record companies (YG Entertainment), the DJs here play mostly hip-hop, tracing its evolution from the early 90s to the present day. Great music, great atmosphere, perfect night for dancing the night away! Now you know what you have to do: make some noise! Open every day, we recommend avoiding weekends.

It is in an industrial, very minimalist and somewhat "destroy" setting that you can enjoy very good roasted coffees from the four corners of the world. The establishment also offers us some beers and wines by the glass. But we come here especially for the delicious homemade cakes and pastries, which are a little different from those found in the big chains (Ediya, Angel-in-us...). In case of good weather, we do not hesitate to take advantage of the roof terrace (often crowded we must admit).

Located in the heart of Hadang Peace Square, the centerpiece of this show is a fountain. In the evening, water, lights and music come together to dance in harmony, offering a very nice 20-minute show. The water is also used as a screen guide and videos also join the performance. Sometimes, the organizers project videos of the audience, which gives visitors a unique and personalized souvenir. Perfect to put a bit of enchantment in your day (or evening to be more exact).

Korea's passion for coffee is well known by now, but Gemstone stands out from the crowd. The concept? Using an abandoned building to give it a new lease on life. Here, we're dealing with a former swimming pool. In the pool, in the bleachers, there are cosy little nooks where you can sip your drink in this highly original setting. A touch of greenery adds a touch of exoticism. On the menu, we particularly recommend the Jeju Green Tea Latte or the Black Sugar & Peanut Cream Latte.

Probably the country's most famous Thursday Party franchise. It's simple, there are Thursday Parties everywhere, in every major city! Loud music, booze, laughter, darts, beer pong... in short, a real good time. A very young clientele, of course, from many different backgrounds. The ideal place for international encounters. Please note that they are very strict about age: you have to be 19 (and it will be checked).

Pay close attention to the name and address, as the facade goes unnoticed. It's an old house, with old walls, old wood and eclectic decorative touches that give this café a crazy charm that modern signs don't possess. A variety of coffees, teas and cookies are on the menu. Fans of Korean cinema will recognize this place, where a scene from Hong Sang-soo's Seule sur la plage la nuit was filmed. Others will appreciate the warm smell of coffee and the panoramic view from the second floor. A charming little gem!

Undoubtedly one of Seoul's best-known tea rooms, in a small cul-de-sac in the heart of Insadong, next to the famous Sanchon restaurant. Delicious teas can be accompanied by sweet treats such as toasted tteok or 팥빙수/patbingsu, the famous Korean dessert of crushed ice; or 약과/yakgwa (our favorite), a small cookie made with honey and sesame. The decor and atmosphere are an invitation to relax after a busy day.

It's certainly the busiest place in the neighborhood. Just across from the famous Noriteo Playground Park, this two-storey bar/lounge is popular with foreign and Korean students alike. Meeting people, exchanging, starting to learn a language (one or two beers help for that): this is the program of the place. Cocktails on the terrace, international evenings or "all-you-can-drink", the young students will appreciate. Plus, the drinks are cheap.

Minutes of guaranteed fun with friends or family. Here, sport and virtual reality are combined brilliantly. There are festivities, baseball, football, horseback riding, archery... and much more. Our small preference goes for the "Jump Jump" in which you have to jump on a trampoline to avoid the obstacles that appear on the screen. All games have an English translation so that you understand the rules. An atypical activity resolutely anchored in the 21st century.

Super intimate jazz club where concerts start at 9pm. Over a drink, we are spellbound by the very good programming of the artists and we let ourselves be lulled by the sound of saxophones, piano and trumpets. Wonderful place to discover for fans of the genre but also for those looking to go out at night while avoiding the hustle and bustle, crowded bars and nightclubs that are legion in Seoul. In short, Club Evans is the perfect place to chill out while listening to good music. A highly recommended address.

Named after the famous Korean king, this large cultural complex in the center of Seoul has several theaters, museums, exhibition halls, and more.... The music is declined there: classical, traditional, opera, modern, experimental? Folk music and dance shows are organized regularly. In the small building on the left in the basement, interesting temporary exhibitions are sometimes set up. The Sejong Art Center is quite simply the largest art complex in Seoul, worthy of the grandeur of its name!

This large complex, a Korean cultural stronghold, offers an excellent program: traditional, classical or popular music, ballet, musicals, theater ... you will find your happiness! The biggest Korean and international names have already performed there.

It is particularly appreciated by the public because it offers them perfect acoustics. Indeed, it benefits from a system that allows it to be completely soundproofed from street noise. If you have the time and the opportunity, go and attend a program, you will be delighted!

This rooftop bar is the place to enjoy the sunset before throwing yourself into Itaewon's wild nights! It offers a wide range of drinks, including delicious cocktails, as well as gourmet dishes. A variety of concerts and DJ sets by local and international artists are organized every week. In addition to the rooftop and its incredible view, you can also enjoy a cosy indoor space. Run by two Frenchmen and frequented by both local and international clientele, it's the ideal place to meet new people.

With its fabulous, mouth-watering pastries and warm, industrial interior, Vintage 38 is a favorite with an upscale clientele. But don't panic if you prefer savoury dishes, as they also serve chicken, salads and burgers. The drinks on offer include original compositions such as cinnamon and avocado lattes. Open all night, it's also a paradise for late-night gourmands. To top it all off, the staff are truly adorable.

This is the best place to see a traditional show in Korea. The artists who perform there are students of the National Institute of Classical Music, or "Human Cultural Properties", outstanding artists protected as part of the cultural heritage.

The program, which changes every week, is truly varied. From formal court music to peasant folk dances and kayageum (horizontal harp) solos, the program features the purest Korean art.

Since 1981, Korea House has been one of the leading institutions for experiencing classical Korean culture. Through the beautifully tragic folk story of Shimcheong, you'll be able to marvel at dances, sung stories, typical instruments... All in period costume, of course. This show, beloved by Koreans and especially foreigners, is a real invitation to delve into the deepest roots of Korean culture. No false notes, this poetic performance will enchant you.

The Cakeshop club is considered one of the city's best clubs, thanks to its crazy atmosphere and renowned DJs. Clubbing in all its glory with electronic music, enhanced by a state-of-the-art speaker system. If you love nightclubs, this one's sure to be in your top 5! Of course, it's expected to be very busy at weekends. Correct dress and a minimum of sobriety are required. The Cakeshop club is waiting for you to party all night long!

Fancy a good, tasty dessert? Then look no further, you've come to the right place. The name of the establishment, a combination of the words "delicious" and "dessert", speaks for itself. Our gold palm goes without hesitation for the waffle filled with a vanilla ganache with generous pieces of strawberries... it makes you want to, doesn't it? The chocolate fondant, the red fruit éclair and the tiramisu are not to be outdone. A simple atmosphere that highlights the undeniable quality of the desserts (and their beautiful dressage).

Minimalist card for this establishment. Some teas and coffees as well as some sweets as an accompaniment, ice cream and sweet breads. What has seduced us here is most certainly the setting, a successful alliance between the modern and the traditional. A wooden hanok (the front door is really beautiful), simple but modern furniture, touches of greenery and play of light. Moment in zenitude and for which time appears suspended. A bubble of serenity appreciable in this capital where everything goes very fast.

The more than minimalist menu of this bar is compensated by the great atmosphere, animated by a very "cool" staff and good music. The cocktails served are well done and not very expensive, so we can afford one more. The Mix Table offers a nice and well presented set including two cocktails + a platter of savoury delicacies (cheese, toast...) + a platter of sweet delicacies (cookies, fresh fruit, chocolates, dried fruit...). Preferably come during the week because on Fridays and Saturdays there is not a single chair available!

Output is one of the leading clubs in Busan, and indeed in Korea, for dancing to quality music. It hosts local and international artists from all over the world, with a particular emphasis on techno and electro. The club attracts a predominantly young local clientele, yet is extremely welcoming to foreigners, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable and welcome. The underground decor and the special attention paid to lighting add an appreciable dimension to the whole.

It is actually one of the oldest theatres in Seoul, built in 1934 during the Japanese occupation. It still preserves the baroque style, especially in its exterior. Until the 1970s it was one of the busiest theatres in the whole of South Korea. But following the construction of the Korean National Theatre in 1975, the Myeongdong Theatre ceased its artistic activity and was rented out. The theatre mainly programmes plays of drama, dance and music.

The best souvenir of Seoul is here, in this café which offers an unobstructed view of the Lotte Sky Tower (really splendid at night). A really well decorated interior with very well done "old fashioned" touches, where it is good to chill. But the highlight of the visit is on the roof terrace, for the famous souvenir photo with the tower in the background and the name Seoul (there may be a little wait to take this picture). On the menu are coffees, beers and cocktails as well as a selection of brunches.

An ideal place to start or continue your evening in a gentle way, your choice! The wine list has been lovingly concocted by Anthony, the owner, who will be happy to tell you about the virtues of each drink and the dishes that go best with it... We tested it and... approved it more than twice. What's more, you can nibble on all kinds of side dishes, pizzas, salads and, of course, cheese platters! All this in a chic and cosy atmosphere but at reasonable prices: we can only love it and recommend it to you!

This playground for adults comes straight from the famous South Korean show of the same name. The goal is very simple: to collect a maximum of R-points. To do this, we launch ourselves into courses and various activities mixing gymnastics, sport, speed... Some moments of real fun are to be expected especially if you go there with friends. Good physical condition recommended. How many points will you manage to get? Present in Seoul as well.

This three-storey store is dedicated to Line friends (characters from the Asian instant messaging service Line), who are real stars in the region. Everything here bears the effigy of these cute and funny stickers. Giant plush toys, key rings, gacha balls, arcade games... Enough to have fun and fill your suitcases with goodies and souvenirs not found in Europe. You too will fall for their adorable little faces! So cute! If you're not passing through, don't worry, there's also a version in Itaewon and Myeongdong.

It's the perfect place to get your brains working (and maybe a little scared too). You can choose your story (they all have different degrees of fright) and use the clues to try and solve their mystery. This escape game is really great: you're immediately hooked on the stories, and what's more, there are versions in English. If you get stuck and can't move forward, don't worry, the staff can help you. Some rooms are even suitable for children! We advise against claustrophobia.

Here's a charming café where you can relax for a while. On the second floor of a charming little clothing boutique, you can sip coffee or tea while enjoying one of their hearty homemade Anglo-Saxon-inspired cakes(cheesecake, brownie...) in a subtly hip, tasteful setting. Their signature drink, black pepperlatte, is surprisingly good! In summer, you can take advantage of the sunny weather on the large terrace. We love it!

Small establishment with a favourite decoration. It plunges us into the atmosphere of the street, from the 70s to the 80s in South Korea. There are also rain curtains (quite relaxing, it must be said). It's super original, we love it and we adhere to it! It is more a place to drink soju or beer than a bar itself. By drinking our alcohol we can eat spicy noodles with seafood, fried chicken (the latter is very good), breaded shrimp..... There is even a small room dedicated to smokers. Highly recommended establishment.

For a refreshing stopover in summer and a comforting one in winter, here's a place that will delight young and old alike. Part chalet, part traditional Korean house, right in the heart of the Hanok village, this café welcomes large tables and offers a multitude of drinks and sweets. We particularly recommend the rice cakes, equivalent to Japanese mochi, as well as the iced fruit specialties. The infusions are delicious, especially the honey-ginger one - a welcome boost on cold days!

Located in the heart of the antiques district, Nono shop is a vegan café-patisserie that also doubles as a zero-waste grocery store, with a bulk section and organic local and international products. They also host pop-up shops focusing on upcycling and sustainable development. The pastry chef is French and brings her personal, creative touch to the vegan desserts - which are to die for. With its warm decor and friendly team, it's the ideal place for a gourmet break in Itaewon!

The troupe's famous and highly acclaimed shows take you on a meandering journey through the world of art and creativity. Mime, dance, theater, drawing... the artists on stage master them all. Their touch of humor only adds to the pleasure of their performance. A non-verbal show that lets the body express itself, and that's sure to leave you breathless. The performances take place in three different venues: the Myungbo Art Hall, the Kyunghyang Art Hill and the Gimhae Theatre.

This large cultural centre is made up of a large number of performance venues: the Opera House, for operas (as the name suggests), ballets, etc; the Jayu Theater, a small theatre which offers experimental plays; the Concert Hall, the Calligraphy Museum; the Hangaram Art Gallery which presents exhibitions of paintings and sculptures but also organises conferences, etc. Outside, don't miss the grandiose spectacle of dancing fountains against a background of music, even more beautiful in the evening of course!

A girly café, perfect for instagrammers and it girls. Young women from Seoul flock to this café... most of them in powder pink. At the far end, there's also a small swimming pool (which we don't enter), which adds to the originality of the place. Even if the decor is stylish, the drinks are quite ordinary; we come here mainly to take photos, let's face it. It's one of the capital's most famous cafés, but it's a nice one all the same.

Proud representative of the independent rock scene, this bar-club offers live rock performances before turning into a real dance floor. A festive atmosphere that brings together Koreans and foreigners alike and which, it must be said, is uninhibited as the night progresses. It must be said that the signature cocktails of the FF club are particularly tasty (but misleading). Since it opens early and closes late on weekends, it is perfect for those who just want to drink and drink and listen to music, as well as for those who want to dance.

In this large concrete square with its scattered colourful touches, there is a café-library in which it is a pleasure to take a cultural break by leafing through one of the countless books in English. The decoration is really neat, at the top! We would stay for hours sipping his comforting cappuccino so original, well arranged and cosy is the place. To top it all off, you can enjoy the wooden terrace overlooking the water and sunbathing...

This is the most famous tea room in Insa-dong. You can sit in the old Korean T-building in winter, which is always crowded on Sundays. Works have enlarged and renovated the site: there is now a large room pleasant enough for tea and a small gallery exhibiting ceramics. Among the drinks on offer, we recommend matcha tea or sik hye/식 혜 (a surprising rice drink). At the end of the garden, there is a café selling exclusively ice cream.

This large café with a very modern architecture and a refined but neat decoration (all white, but with small touches of colour), offers food and drink (omelette, toast or even a sandwich). We like the delicate flowers that the baristas put in the drinks and which are not without evoking the name of the establishment. Here, we especially love the different and charming little terraces where you can sit quietly while admiring the mountain. An attractive café that can be used as a restaurant.

Now that's a coffee with charm! This huge two-storey traditional-style establishment sits quietly on the waterfront. It is above all the place, the atmosphere as well as the decoration that seduce here. The latter, far from being flashy, is a subtle blend of industrial, vegetation and driftwood... a zenith of surroundings. If it's not too chilly, you can enjoy the charming pebble terrace overlooking the lake. On the menu, you will find the usual coffees and teas, pastries and some savoury dishes

A place for early music lovers who really have style! It is multifunctional because it is first of all a store that sells vinyl records (that you can listen to before buying). But it is also a café that offers some food and drinks (alcoholic or not). We advise you to taste all this on the roof terrace of the establishment because the view of the city and Mount Namsan is magnificent. It's really a very nice place and original in its concept. He really has everything to seduce! We love it!