‘Tis the season for crisp breezes, and it’s time to get outside instead of inside. to celebrate the romance of a night out with fatty appetizers, a cold drink, and the crisp fall air, we’ve handpicked five authentic, long-established restaurants in Seoul that combine accessibility, menu, and value for money. Here’s our list of the best places to go in Seoul to soak up the fall spirit right after work.

Content Information

1. dengmaru: The ultimate post-hike makgeolli (Gwanaksan)

a stalwart of Gwanak Mountain hikers. the fatigue of the day’s hike melts away with a cup of makgeolli served by the jugful. crispy chives, refreshing kimchi, and flavorful acorn muk, a simple but sincere and generous meal will comfort your tired body and mind. there’s no better place to check out the seasonal availability of makgeolli in the cool mountain air.
address: 1F, 13 Janggunbong 2-gil, Gwanak-gu, Seoul (closed every Monday)

2. yaya Oak Wood Grilled Chicken: The temptation of wood-fired whole chicken (Apgujeong)

whole chicken roasted over oak wood until fatty and golden defines the time of day here. the thin, crispy skin, juicy flesh, and subtle smoky flavor call for an endless supply of cold draft beer. it’s the most primal and unmistakable taste pleasure in the chic Apgujeong district.
address: 122 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

3. dilmaji Plaza Barbecue: Drink in the vibrancy of Euljiro (Euljiro)

a large-scale night market where you can enjoy Euljiro at its liveliest. amidst the roar of charcoal and smoke, you’ll find crispy whole chicken barbecue and nostalgic hop snacks. tteokbokki, fries, and sausage, the plates are piled high and so are the beers. if you’re looking for a real “hipster” night out, where the chaos feels lively, this is the place to be.
address: 1F, 112-1 Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul

4. hambak Laughter Sundae Guk: Hot soup with the confidence of a veteran (Jongno)

a place where the old breath of Jongno continues unabated. the cloudy but clear soup and the generous portion of meat exudes the simple confidence of a longtime restaurant. sitting at an outdoor table, breathing in the hot steam and sipping a glass of soju, the tiredness of the day is washed away with the clear broth. the tender suyuk is also a delicacy.
address: 422 Samil-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul

5. palsundang & Jeju Black Pork: A nightlife alley for all tastes (Suraksan)

in front of Suraksan Station, the entire alley transforms into a giant night market after dark. palseondang, a Chinese restaurant serving jajangmyeon and gundumdumplings, and Jeju Black Pork, a restaurant serving charcoal-flavored pork belly, are right next to each other, so it doesn’t matter if your group has different tastes. The best part of this nightlife alley is that you can enjoy a variety of dishes in one place.
address: 60, Dongseong-ro 242-gil, Nowon-gu, Seoul / 37, Dongseong-ro 242-gil, Seoul

frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q. what does ‘Yajang’ mean?

A. It’s short for “outdoor store,” and refers to restaurants and bars that set up tables on the sidewalks or vacant lots in front of their stores. It’s especially popular in the cooler spring and fall months.

Q. what should I be aware of when using a night market?

A. Night spots are often adjacent to residential neighborhoods, so it’s a good idea to keep your voice down late at night to avoid disturbing your neighbors. Also, many of them only accept cash or bank transfers, so it’s a good idea to check in advance.

Q. can I use a nightclub in the rain?

A. Most nightclubs have tents or umbrellas and are open in light rain, but they may not be open in severe weather due to safety concerns. it’s best to call to confirm before visiting.