Updated December 2010
1- Trance
Basement bar with a few tables and a stage for drag performances. Open daily from 11pm. Open until 5am on Friday and Saturday night; gets busy around 1am. Catch one of their entertaining drag performances at 2:30am. Manager speaks some English. 10,000 Won cover + 1 free drink.
Highlights
entertaining drag queens
reasonable drink prices
close to other venues
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight until you reach the intersection (you will see a firehall in front of you). Turn right and walk up the hill. Cross the road when you see the second street on your left (Homo Hill). Walk up the hill. Trance is on the left hand side next to Queen.
Contact info
website / video
Highlights
entertaining drag queens
reasonable drink prices
close to other venues
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight until you reach the intersection (you will see a firehall in front of you). Turn right and walk up the hill. Cross the road when you see the second street on your left (Homo Hill). Walk up the hill. Trance is on the left hand side next to Queen.
Contact info
website / video
2 - Queen
Queen is situated at the centre of the hill and serves as a stronghold for pretty party-boys. On Friday and Saturday nights this vibrant bar is transformed into a congested dance club. There are two stages and some floor space where patrons enjoy dancing to the latest Western beats and k-pop. Sexy bartenders serve-up strong drinks and you can sometimes catch them go-go'ing on the counters and tables. Open Tuesday-Saturday. Crowd is 20-30 somethings. Girl-friendly. 2-4-1 Happy Hour mixed drinks everyday from 8-11pm.
Highlights
No cover charge
raised outdoor patio
primpin cocktails
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight until you reach the intersection (you will see a firehall in front of you). Turn right and walk up the hill. Cross the road when you see the second street on your left (Homo Hill). Walk up the hill. Queen is on the left hand side next to Trance.
Contact info
Myspace / Facebook / Phone: 010-9039-2583
Highlights
No cover charge
raised outdoor patio
primpin cocktails
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight until you reach the intersection (you will see a firehall in front of you). Turn right and walk up the hill. Cross the road when you see the second street on your left (Homo Hill). Walk up the hill. Queen is on the left hand side next to Trance.
Contact info
Myspace / Facebook / Phone: 010-9039-2583
3 - Always Homme 올웨이즈옴므
Always Homme is next to Queen and has a few tables for socializing with friends. Can be a good place to go when the other bars are too busy. It's one of the few bars open during the week on the hill and the owner speaks English well. Wine, beers and mixed drinks are available. 7pm - 2am during the week, until 5am on the weekends.
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight until you reach the intersection (you will see a firehall in front of you). Turn right and walk up the hill. Cross the road when you see the second street on your left (Homo Hill). Walk up the hill. Always Homme is to the right of Queen.
Contact info
Phone: 02 798 0578
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight until you reach the intersection (you will see a firehall in front of you). Turn right and walk up the hill. Cross the road when you see the second street on your left (Homo Hill). Walk up the hill. Always Homme is to the right of Queen.
Contact info
Phone: 02 798 0578
4 - OZ
Oz is next to Always Homme and is a very intimate space with seating at the bar. Caters to 30-50 somethings. Open Tuesday-Saturday from 8pm and busy all night long. 7,000 Won for mixed drinks.
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight until you reach the intersection (you will see a firehall in front of you). Turn right and walk up the hill. Cross the road when you see the second street on your left (Homo Hill). Walk up the hill. Oz is to the right of Always Homme.
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight until you reach the intersection (you will see a firehall in front of you). Turn right and walk up the hill. Cross the road when you see the second street on your left (Homo Hill). Walk up the hill. Oz is to the right of Always Homme.
5 - Soho
With a similar interior, menu and music to Queen, Soho often competes for patronage with people gallivanting back and forth between the two bars. There is a stage for dancing and video screens showcase the latest American pop songs. It's usually never overcrowded and there's a nice outdoor patio for smoking and socializing. Crowd is 20-30 somethings. Girl-friendly.
Highlights
Less crowded than queen during peak hours
cute staff
frequent events
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight until you reach the intersection (you will see a firehall in front of you). Turn right and walk up the hill. Cross the road when you see the second street on your left (Homo Hill). Walk up the hill. Soho is to the left of Why Not.
Highlights
Less crowded than queen during peak hours
cute staff
frequent events
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight until you reach the intersection (you will see a firehall in front of you). Turn right and walk up the hill. Cross the road when you see the second street on your left (Homo Hill). Walk up the hill. Soho is to the left of Why Not.
6 - Why Not?
This is the best place to witness wacky renditions of your favourite k-pop choreographies. The young boy troupes that let loose here are arguably better dancers than the Wondergirls and Girls Generation (well, at least much more entertaining!) Make this one of your stops during a tour of the Hill. Cover is 10,000 Won + 1 free drink.
Highlights
cute Koreans
sometimes shirtless staff
fog machine
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight until you reach the intersection (you will see a firehall in front of you). Turn right and walk up the hill. Cross the road when you see the second street on your left (Homo Hill). Walk up the hill. Why Not is on the right hand side next to Soho.
Highlights
cute Koreans
sometimes shirtless staff
fog machine
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight until you reach the intersection (you will see a firehall in front of you). Turn right and walk up the hill. Cross the road when you see the second street on your left (Homo Hill). Walk up the hill. Why Not is on the right hand side next to Soho.
7 - Eat Me
Restaurant serving munchies like wings, chicken tenders, calamari and cheese stick.
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight until you reach the intersection (you will see a firehall in front of you). Turn right and walk up the hill. Cross the road when you see the second street on your left (Homo Hill). Walk up the hill. Eat Me is to the right of Why Not.
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight until you reach the intersection (you will see a firehall in front of you). Turn right and walk up the hill. Cross the road when you see the second street on your left (Homo Hill). Walk up the hill. Eat Me is to the right of Why Not.
8- Hive
Hive has changed names several times throughout the years and was once a filming location of the popular gay-themed Korean comedy-drama Antique. Once you walk down the narrow stairwell you are greeted by a bouncer asking for 15,000 Won cover which gets you one free drink. A nice open space away from other crowded dance spots in Itaewon. Have a seat around the circular bar and admire the bartenders at work or dance to the DJ's spinning beats. Lounge space is also available. Young, mixed crowd. 15,000 Won cover + 1 free drink.
Highlights
5,000 Won tiquila shots
Dancing space
Friendly people
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight until you reach the intersection (you will see a firehall in front of you). Turn right and walk up the hill. Cross the road when you see the second street on your left (Homo Hill). Hive is the first building on your right.
Highlights
5,000 Won tiquila shots
Dancing space
Friendly people
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight until you reach the intersection (you will see a firehall in front of you). Turn right and walk up the hill. Cross the road when you see the second street on your left (Homo Hill). Hive is the first building on your right.
9 - Club After
"Dance like a bitch, play like a dog," is the Club After motto. A gay friendly after-hours club that sometimes hosts special drag queen events, this club likes to think of itself as "chick but casual, trendy but relaxed, modern but crazy." Owner speaks English. Open Friday's from 11pm-6am, Saturday's from 12am-12pm.
Highlights
colourful interior
performance stage
drag shows
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Turn around and walk toward the intersection. Turn left. Walk straight and turn right at the first street. Walk straight, turn right at the next street. Club After is just up ahead on your right.
Phone: 02 792 2232 / 227922232 / www.clubafter.co.kr
Highlights
colourful interior
performance stage
drag shows
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Turn around and walk toward the intersection. Turn left. Walk straight and turn right at the first street. Walk straight, turn right at the next street. Club After is just up ahead on your right.
Phone: 02 792 2232 / 227922232 / www.clubafter.co.kr
10 - Energy Factory
This use to be a gay club but has recently changed it's name and demographic. Despite our loss it still looks like a place worth checking out. New name is Club Ex-toxic.
11 - Pulse
Pulse is an excellent place to dance the night away. Stripper poles, flashy pink lights, a glowing bar counter and a performance stage are the make-up of this vibrant interior and is a spacious place that often get's packed after midnight. Loud techno and pop music. Rumoured to be Hong Seok-cheon's favourite after-hours hangout. Most out-of-towners consider this a must-stop. See it for yourself! Open Friday + Saturday nights. 10,000 Won cover + 1 free drink on Fridays and 15,000 Won + 1 free drink on Saturdays. Not very female-friendly.
Highlights
stripper poles
spacious interior
celebrity sightings
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight and you will see Pulse on your right (just past the police station and before the Starbucks)
Highlights
stripper poles
spacious interior
celebrity sightings
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight and you will see Pulse on your right (just past the police station and before the Starbucks)
12 - B1
A medium-sized gay-friendly bar and mingling place where a DJ spins music and people dance around tables. Comfortable seating and delicious cocktails. Hookah's are available upon request. It's usually pretty crowded on weekends and gets really smoky. 5,000 Won cover on Saturdays.
Highlights
mingling space
great dj beats
mixed crowd
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 1. Turn right at the first street. B1 is at the top of the hill on your left.
Highlights
mingling space
great dj beats
mixed crowd
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 1. Turn right at the first street. B1 is at the top of the hill on your left.
14 - OWOO
A stylish Nordic lounge overlooking one of the busiest pedestrian streets in Itaewon, gay-owned OWOO is a calm place that feels more like you're in the middle of the woods rather than the city centre. bring your date and enjoy the atmosphere while sipping on a martini and nibbling on pretzels over candlelight. An impressive selection of wine, champaign, cocktails and beer on the menu.
Highlights
intimate decor
European beers
cute bar staff
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight until you reach the intersection (you will see a firehall in front of you). Turn right and It's the first building on your right (same building as My Chicken). Take the elevator up to the 4th floor.
Highlights
intimate decor
European beers
cute bar staff
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight until you reach the intersection (you will see a firehall in front of you). Turn right and It's the first building on your right (same building as My Chicken). Take the elevator up to the 4th floor.
15 - Bar Bliss
This cozy, intimate bar is the perfect place for chatting with your friends over a glass of wine. The interior is decorated with beautiful asian sculptures and red lanterns hang from the ceiling. Bar Biss, one of the oldest gay bars in Seoul, is a nice escape from the heat of the hill and is a comfortable place where Ted Park, the owner, likes to hang out and sometimes host drag queen bingo nights which are not to be missed! Happy Hour drinks from 7-10pm (gin, vodka, rum, bourbon mixed drinks 2-4-1 special). Open from 7pm-2am Sunday to Thursday, 7pm-late on Friday and Saturdays. website / Phone: (02) 749 7738
Highlights
elegant decor
friendly bar staff
drag queen bingo nights
Getting there
Itaewon Station exit 4. Walk straight and turn left when you see Dellinger's bar (also the public pay phones) and walk down the stairs. You will see bar bliss on your right.
Highlights
elegant decor
friendly bar staff
drag queen bingo nights
Getting there
Itaewon Station exit 4. Walk straight and turn left when you see Dellinger's bar (also the public pay phones) and walk down the stairs. You will see bar bliss on your right.
16 - Almaz 알마즈
Plush red seating and disco-ball flavoured walls are the interior trademark of Almaz. A bar this chic is out of place on hooker hill and should be moved one street over to hang with the rest of it's gay posse. Friends come here to sit and socialize over cocktails before getting the night started.
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight until you reach the intersection (you will see a firehall in front of you). Cross the road and turn right. Make a left at the next street. You will see a sign for Almaz on your right as you walk up the hill.
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight until you reach the intersection (you will see a firehall in front of you). Cross the road and turn right. Make a left at the next street. You will see a sign for Almaz on your right as you walk up the hill.
17 - Itaewon Adult Shop
A small place for your saving grace. Unlike the West, pornography is illegal in Korea so you won't find it here. But you will find all of those fancy things that you were too embarrassed to pack in your suitcase. Stock up on lube, rubbers, synthetic toys and other things that you won't find at your local E-mart.
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight. You will pass three intersections and will eventually see the Adult Shop on your right beside a Japanese restaurant. Walk up to the second floor.
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight. You will pass three intersections and will eventually see the Adult Shop on your right beside a Japanese restaurant. Walk up to the second floor.
18 - Domotori
Damotori is a buzzing restaurant every hour of the night and serves as a rest-stop for weekend partygoers. Fuel up on some spicy sounds or other Korean dishes.
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight until you reach the intersection (you will see a firehall in front of you). Turn right and walk up the hill. Turn right at the first street. You will see Domotori on your left.
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight until you reach the intersection (you will see a firehall in front of you). Turn right and walk up the hill. Turn right at the first street. You will see Domotori on your left.
19 - Hamilton Hotel Pool
Gays migrate here in the summer to dine, dance, swim and play by the poolside at one of Hamilton Hotel's popular daily summer patio parties. No where else will you see this many shirtless Korean studs oiling up their muscles all in one place. Sip on a pint of Cass while enjoying a mouth-watering barbecued burger.
*not a gay-specific venue but you will find them coming here in droves
Things to bring:
beach towel
sunscreen / tanning lotion
sunglasses
your best dance moves
Getting there
Itaewon Subway station exit 1. The pool is on the 5th floor of Hamilton Hotel.
*not a gay-specific venue but you will find them coming here in droves
Things to bring:
beach towel
sunscreen / tanning lotion
sunglasses
your best dance moves
Getting there
Itaewon Subway station exit 1. The pool is on the 5th floor of Hamilton Hotel.
20 - My Bed
My bed is a gay-friendly, comfortable lounge area and bar with live DJ music and standard cocktails, mixed drinks and beers.
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 2. Turn left at the first street. You will see My Bed on the right next to My Thai.
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 2. Turn left at the first street. You will see My Bed on the right next to My Thai.
21 - My Thai
A restaurant with delicious fusion thai food owned by Hong Seok-cheon. You will often see him here greeting customers and taking pictures with fans.
Highlights
authentic interior
beautiful artwork
tasty thai food
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 2. Turn left at the first street. You will see My Thai to the right of My Bed.
Highlights
authentic interior
beautiful artwork
tasty thai food
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 2. Turn left at the first street. You will see My Thai to the right of My Bed.
22 - My Chelsea
Hong Seok-cheon's 4th restaurant.
Getting there
Itaewon subway station, exit 1. Turn right at the first street. Walk up to the top of the hill and turn left and walk straight. You will see My Chelsea on your right.
Getting there
Itaewon subway station, exit 1. Turn right at the first street. Walk up to the top of the hill and turn left and walk straight. You will see My Chelsea on your right.
23 - Rose Trans Bar
A tranny bar in a basement.
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight until you reach the intersection (you will see a firehall in front of you). Turn right and walk up the hill. Turn right at the first street. You will see Rose Trans Bar on your left.
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight until you reach the intersection (you will see a firehall in front of you). Turn right and walk up the hill. Turn right at the first street. You will see Rose Trans Bar on your left.
24 - My Ex
My Ex is Hong Seok-cheon's newest restaurant where Our Place use to be. Opening Friday!
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight until you reach the intersection (you will see a firehall in front of you). Turn right and it's the first building on your right. Take the elevator up to the 6th or 7th floor.
Getting there
Itaewon subway station exit 3. Walk straight until you reach the intersection (you will see a firehall in front of you). Turn right and it's the first building on your right. Take the elevator up to the 6th or 7th floor.
Updated December 2010