Gay district seoul
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There is a wide range of tours on offer, but all are run by passionate professionals who have your best interests at heart. So let’s embrace diversity, explore these hidden treasures, and uplift the voices and dreams of the LGBTQ+ community.
Q&A
What is the LGBTQ+ scene like in Seoul?
The LGBTQ+ scene in Seoul is vibrant and diverse, with a range of venues including bars, clubs, and cafes catering to the community. There are also annual events like the Seoul Queer Culture Festival, which celebrates LGBTQ+ culture and promotes equality.
Are LGBTQ+ rights recognized and protected in South Korea?
While homosexuality is legal in South Korea, same-sex marriage is not recognized, and LGBTQ+ individuals still face some discrimination and prejudice.
Fill your camera with selfies featuring narrow streets lined with restored traditional homes.
Love Museum
A quirky museum of interactive erotic art, this is Seoul’s first and so far only museum for adults – but we are sure others are eagerly being planned. Hip nightclubs with electrifying atmospheres attract both locals and tourists alike, creating a lively and inclusive party scene.
Jongno: Situated in the heart of Seoul, Jongno is a treasure trove of LGBTQ+ hotspots.
Key Takeaways
As the sun sinks beneath the picturesque skyline of Seoul, our journey through the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene comes to an end.
Recently renovated from top-to-bottom and still just a short stumble from Homo Hill, HOMPA by Le Queen and Club HIM.
IP Boutique Hotel ☆☆☆☆
Located in Seoul’s cosmopolitan shopping and entertainment district, Itaewon, IP Boutique Hotel, presents a new lifestyle experience for gay guests.
Signiel Seoul has rapidly established itself as the most lavish (and costly) hotel in South Korea. There is also a nice rooftop view and affordable cocktails.
Bar Friends
A local gay bar but one of the few outside Homo Hill, where a foreigner can still hang out at the bar by herself and not feel unwelcome.
Only a few customers ever seem to be in here, but they are generally friendly and willing to try to navigate a conversation with any foreigner who manages to stumble in here. Today Jongmyo is the perfect escape from the urban hustle and bustle and an intriguing looking into Old Seoul.
Café Onion
Serving post-industrial decay realness, this Uber-hip design cafe in Seongdong-gu is basically how we would imagine Chornobyl to be if Brooklyn hipsters moved in.
Better known for Samsung and political tensions with North Korea, there is a thriving queer scene here hidden right in plain sight – you just need to know where to look!
Fast-paced and utterly obsessed with fashion and technology, the dynamic city of Seoul is also profoundly traditional, with peaceful palaces, temples and mountain trails.
There is a nice terrace to escape the fire with large glass windows looking back in, but you won’t want to stay outside for long – there is too much mindless dancing to be done.
Q-Bar
Seoul’s newest premier LGBT venue, with three separate areas, shows at 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays and a party that goes until 5 am.
Excellent value, IP Boutique Hotel is only a short walk to the Always Homme gay bar and Club HIM by Pulse, adding to its gay popularity.
Hotel ITW ☆☆☆
(Temporarily or permanently closed.
Whether you want a fun and social hostel, a cheap place to crash after a night of partying or an ultra-chic designer option to sip cocktails and surround yourself with fabulous people – Gay Seoul has something for everyone!
Gay-friendly Hotels in Itaewon
Hamilton Hotel ☆☆☆☆
A landmark in Seoul’s Itaewon, this relaxed hotel in a modest redbrick building is only a minute’s walk from the subway station with unfussy rooms, free Wi-Fi and helpful staff.
While Korea is ultra-quick to pick up on trends, the country remains behind neighbouring nations when it comes to LGBTQ rights, as conservative Confucian roots die hard and politicians pander to Christian fundamentalists.
Now a core of the local Seoul gay scene, the friendly owner and staff are more than happy to answer any questions for a first-timer in gay Seoul, so ask away.
Always Homme
A small yet erudite bar with extroverted regulars and a constant invasion of foreigners keeping things interesting.
Supportive Organizations: Seoul also boasts several organizations that actively promote LGBTQ+ rights and provide safe spaces for the community. There is also a refined steakhouse, a trendy rooftop bar, an indoor pool, a gym, a spa, and a sauna/steam room. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
A recent addition to the gay clubs on Homo Hill, but very welcome.
The property’s piece de resistance is its remarkable spa complex, featuring Korean sauna facilities, and an indoor pool with a mesmerising LED ceiling. You can cool off and socialize on the outdoor patio or show off your dance moves on stage, although sadly, the service from the attractive staff is very hit-and-miss.
King
A K-POP & club music club for men run by the same team as Gray Club.
Food, design, culture, history and wild nightlife – this sprawling metropolis has it all!
In this article we will cover...
Attractions in Seoul
Naturally, being gay does not define which attractions most of us will want to see in each city, and most queer travelers will simply want to check out the top things to see in Seoul during the day!
There is so much to do here – but we found our favorite memories were wandering through getting lost on back-streets, visiting all the weird cafes, hitting up Lotte World and wandering through design studios!
One of the best tips we can give you for exploring Gay Seoul is to pre-order a travel SIM card for easy airport pickup and activation the moment you arrive so you will not pay a fortune in international roaming charges.
Tucked away in an alley close to Wallpaper bar if you want to steal glances at the cute guys coming and going…
Torio Torio
A simple/ traditional Korean bar with a loyal gay following of bears and their admirers. Indulge in the flavors of the local street food while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of this historically rich area.
These LGBTQ+ neighborhoods not only provide spaces for self-expression but also foster a sense of community, acceptance, and celebration.