General understanding of Seoul

To have better experience in Seoul, you might need to spend a little bit more of time on understanding its general facts. Introduction in Wikipedia seems quite correct so here is a link to Wikipedia Seoul.

Visit Seoul on Wikipedia

Gay-friendly accommodations in Seoul?

There are huge number of accommodations in Seoul from 5 star fancy hotels to budget rooms costing you less than $35 per night. I need some research to see if Seoul has any of true 'gay-friendly' hotel but I can say that there are A LOT of budget accommodations on Jongro-3 ga, one of gay centers in Seoul.

Since a lot of young Korean gays live with their family before they get married as in many other Asian cities, many of them check into those places for a night out with their partner or a stranger. Though not as fancy as 5 star guest room, in general room is clean and spacious enough for doing what the guests are after. Also It seems that newly renovated ones recently are giving free internet access(welcome to internet paradise, Seoul!) Even more interesting is that there is an online community to evaluate the quality of those hotels in the city, to rank them and to update it elaborately.

Those budget hotels near gay area should be used to having gay customers even though they are not gay-friendly.

But if you are after more decent hotels, you have a wide variety of options near gay centers as well - Jongro-3 ga and Itaewon, though you will need to travel a little bit farther.

Best districts giving you quick access to gay centers in Seoul are as follows;

- Jongro
Jongro is a big street with dynamic and vivid culture all through the day which has the oldest gay center in Korea. Hotels near Jongro 1ga, 2ga and 3ga will be perfect locations to enjoy gay nightlife in Seoul.

- Itaewon
Itaewon is the other gay center in Seoul. More globalized atmosphere with plenty of multinational restaurants and shops. Huge US army base camp is nearby as well. It is quite natural there are more gay bars where English is spoken. If you are into disco, definitely Itaewon is your place.

- Namsan(mountain Nam)
Namsan is in the heart of Seoul and on its opposite plains situated are Jongro and Itaewon, which means hotels on Namsan provide you with easy access to both of gay centers. Mostly hotels in this area are equipped with the fanciest rooms you can ever get in Seoul, with a nice view over the landscape of Seoul. You may walk down to Itaewon. Jonngro, however, is a bit farther from the top of mountain so jump into one of those taxis always awaiting you at the hotel.

If you couldn't manage to get a room in the areas above, there are some alternatives. You should remember Seoul is a big city and you might need some 'transportation';

- Gwanghwamun
Gwanghwamun is a name of Korean historic gate from which a huge street stretches which is packed up with tons of office buildings, shops and restaurants. It takes about 10~15 minutes to walk to Jongro area.

- Seoul city hall
There are several hotels near Seoul city hall. You may walk to Gwanghwamun and Jongro but subway line 1 connects Seoul city hall and Jongro area. Jongro-3 ga station is just 2 stops away from Seoul city hall station.

- Seoul train station
Seoul train station is central railway station in Seoul and there are lots of office buildings around it though its neighborhood is not very cheerful. If your hotel is in this area, just jump on subway line 1, which will take you to adjacent Seoul city hall station and Jongro-3 ga station in minutes.

- Myeongdong
Myeongdong is a shopping/entertainment center in Seoul attracting young crowd. As a traditional center of shopping in Seoul, Myoungdong also has number of hotels and restaurants and you may walk to Jongro in about 15~20 minutes (try Google map to measure the walking distance between spots).

From my experiences so far, staying in the right place could help you have better travel experiences depending on what you are after. For a gay conversation over a drink and more afterwards, stay close enough.

Gay hotel : Straight friendly

I happened to stay at this very new hotel in Berlin. According to its own introduction, it is the first gay hotel chain which has branches in several cities. Berlin is one of them.

This new hotel provides nicely furnished guest rooms with sexy glass wall which you can look through it at your partner bathing. Or you can perform some strip show yourself under the red light ;-) Also staffs are really helpful and CUTE.

Above all, however, what impressed me most is that they say "We are straight-friendly gay hotel." When you check-in, kind and cute receptionist gives you two different maps - basic city map and gay map for Berlin. If you need any information regarding gay places nearby, just run to the reception and ask. This unbelievably natural way of getting information has been something that is not allowed to gay culture.

Getting proper services from your hotel as a decent gay traveler, isn't it something we all hope for?

Grand journey into European gay scenes

New post after a long while. End of last year, I was lucky enough to get off to see European culture for half a year and am still on my journey. As a gay traveler, it is great fun to mix with local gays, which made me visit lots of cocktail bars for nice conversation and Chardonnay.

While gathering information on local gay scenes in each different cities, I realized AGAIN the typical information I need on my travel should be also provided to gay travelers visiting Seoul, which are gay(friendly) accommodation, details of gay places where English is spoken and local gay culture such as what to respect or to avoid.

This is the idea that brought me back at my laptop. So stay tuned for more updates.

Gatai + kuma

Gatai + kuma
Originally uploaded by queerseoul

Japanese izakaya style gay bistro located near Dansungsa theatre in
Chongro 3 ga.

Its name, Gatai, is said to mean 'Solid body type' in Japanese gay
terminology.

If you look for a gay bar where you could have Sake, this is the place
you shouldn't miss. Also guess bear lovers will feel for Gatai once
they see the bar owner here.

Coffee Prince

Now one Korean TV drama is heating up the whole country from gays to straights, which is called 'Coffee Prince'. Actually I've just watched a couple of episodes and I had to admit it is so damn interesting.

Main plot goes like this; there are 4 baristas in a small cafe 'Coffee Prince'. There is a girl pretending to be a boy (for a secret reason) and a man, the owner of the cafe, falls in love with this APPARENT boy who's super cute and pretty. Despite all his denials, he eventually couldn't help but to face the reality that he falls for a boy even though he's not gay at all. Interesting, uh?



(Love goes between a boy(girl) sitting in the middle and a guy in a black shirt)

This situation brought about a debate on homosexuality among audiences in more casual way. And all the gays have fall in love with this straight actor even though all know he's not really into a BOY. Not being a serious gay drama, 'Coffee Prince' brings homo sexuality to the table and let people talk about it more openly. People say that's why this drama is highly appreciated.

Just a couple of episodes I watched so I can't point out something insightful now but I guess this social response to 'Coffee prince' means something to Korean gay society.

For more info: English blog on Coffee Prince
Much more info : Coffee Prince Wiki

Gay Korean Resources

As in other countries, it's not handy to collect information on Gay scenes in Korea, especially for visitors. So here's a list of a few gay info resources available in English. 

1. Queerseoul Blog
You're on it, so don't bother to revisit ;-) 

2. Utopia Korea Guide
This is a brief guide on trip to South Korean gay scenes.

3. Chingusai
Chingusai is a community of gay rights activists.

There are many other neatly summarized travel guides to Korea on many online gay services so that you may refer to them. Any question on living as a gay in Seoul is more than welcomed.

Blood G

Blood G
Originally uploaded by queerseoul

Master here wouldn't call his place 'wine bar' but it's for sure that this is a recommendable place if you enjoy wine in a casual atmosphere. All the red walls decorated with flower patterns are pretty sensual.

Located on the 4th floor of a building-I'd rather call this building QUEER GIFT PACKAGE since 3 bars gather in this one building. How convenient!- near Jongno 3 ga station(gate 5 of line 5), it is quite easy to spot.

Blood G closes earlier than other bars during weekdays at 2:30. One thing I dislike about it is that there's no elevator so you need to walk up the stairs to the 4th floor. Quite an excercise?

Uploaded by queerseoul on 15 Aug 07, 10.19AM KST.

AI

AI
Originally uploaded by queerseoul

Another soju place in Jongno 3 ga. Hit this with my friend and I would say this place is no more than just a tasteless, boring and unattractive bar. Friendly and charming crew, nice atmosphere telling its own story and good food/drink - any of these essential factors to be a good bar was hardly found here.

BTW, AI, its name, means 'love' in Japanese. Love, AI. 

AI
Originally uploaded by queerseoul

What I loved about AI was copies of Gogh paintings hung on the wall.

Location of Itaewon and Jongno, Seoul

As I mentioned earlier, there are two famous gay areas in Seoul; Jongno 3 ga and Itaewon. Since Seoul is a big city, it might not be as easy for you hop from one area to the other one unless you don't know the accurate location of those areas.

Take a look at the map below. You will see 3 arrows locating Seoul station (Landmark of Kangbuk area), Jongno-3-ga Station and Itaewon Station. One of the easiest ways to get to Jongno-3-ga and Itaewon is to use subways (subway system in Seoul is quite convenient). At Jongno-3-ga Station, No1, 3, 5 lines cross so just take any one nearest your hotel. And as for Itaewon Station, No.6 line is the only one going there but No.6 line meets No.3, 4, 5 lines near Itaewon Station so you can easily transfer.

But if you're willing to use a little more money for the sake of convenience, take a cab at your hotel and tell your driver to go to 'Nak-won-Sang-Ga'(for Jongno-3-ga) or 'Hamilton Hotel'(for Itaewon). Quite an adventure? ;-)

For bigger map, click HERE

Fu, bar in Itaewon

Fu, bar in Itaewon
Originally uploaded by queerseoul

Low light, hip and ambient musics and tasty cocktails. Many gay cocktail bars are flourishing in Itaewon in their every unique ways but this 'Fu' bar is still being my favourite since it opened last (maybe) 1997.

Bring your friends or enjoy your time alone - whaever your choice is, you'll feel relaxed and comfortable there.

Shanghai Lily
Originally uploaded by queerseoul

My fave, Sanghai lily, vodca mixed with milk and flavoured with citron liqeuer. Served at Fu bar.

[Queer Movie Festival] Let's Queer!

New movie theatre 'CQN' presents a series of queer movies collected global wide. This 1 week movie festival ends tomorrow(22 Jul) so if you want to check up with one of those movies, better hurry up to visit CQN theatre.

Theatre info : www.cqn.co.kr
Programme info : http://blog.naver.com/cqn_cinema
Ticket : 7000 Korean Won.
(* note that no English translation is provided.)

Summer night out with bunch of queers

Summer night out with bunch of queers
Originally uploaded by queerseoul

Doesn't look hygienic to have a drinks and snacks on the street? Some say Yes and some say No.

Whatever they say, dominant gay gathering scenes are being found at (so called) tent bars on the street like this. There could be a couple of reasons for that; First, its seasonal atmosphere attracts gays out of buildings to enjoy summer nights on a cool breeze. Second, a tent bar provides an easy atmosphere for any gays and straights who enjoy drinking. That's a quite convenient option for those who gathered for social drinking.

BTW, night time drinking is just a part of gay scenes in Seoul. Korea society is now much opening up its door to social minorities and consequently many other kinds of gay cultures are being COMING OUT, from queer movie productions to lovely gay choir concert. Exciting, isn't it?

Barcode

Barcode
Originally uploaded by queerseoul

A cocktail bar quite a few foreigners enjoy visiting. Good cocktails reasonably priced. Located in Jongno-3-ga. If you look for a bar that's not too exotic nor strange, this is a place you may try. Another good thing here is that you may have free WIFI connection if you're at some urgent e-mailing.

Lethe

Lethe
Originally uploaded by queerseoul

One of the karaokes in Jongro area, which has been known well among gays in their late 20s/30s. Quite typical karaoke atmosphere and not very special.

But it's always fun if you're with your friends, wherever you are. Enjoy

Gilsalon

Gilsalon
Originally uploaded by queerseoul.

There are many street food vendors in Seoul. You can eat as various foods as you imagine such as Chicken barbecue stick, Kimchi pan cake, Japanese Tako-yaki, fruits and Etc. Alcoholic beverage like Soju and beer is one of them. Pojangmacha (sometimes called 'Tent Bar') which is a place you can have light dish and Soju and beer is very common in Seoul. This used to be a working class people's hang out place and to provide food and drinks at a low price. But nowadays, this is a sort of symbol of nostalgia.

Gilsalon is a famous queer Pojangmacha among gays in Jong-ro. The owner is a straight woman but she is keeping a very good relationship with gays and lesbians, which is why this place is crowded with Gays and the hostess is sometimes called 'Aunt' among regular goers. For your information, 'Gilsalon' means 'Gil'(meaning 'Street') + 'Salon'(Salon used to mean a place where you can have luxurious liquors).

Located near Jongro-3-ga and will cost less than 15,000 Won to have 1 dish + a bottle of Soju. It's early Summer in Seoul when the night air is fresh and the breeze is sweet. Perfect season to try outdoor Pojangmacha(Tent Bar) ;)

* Tent Bar(Sort of Bistro)
* Mid. 20s-40s
* Busy 10 pm - 2 am

The 7th Korea Queer Culture Festival

Here's the Queer Festival you must not miss in Seoul. Korea is not very open to homosexuals as other countries usualy arent. However, people here have been keeping trying to come out into the light and to let people hear the voices of social minority with diferrent sexual orientation.

For years, gay people in Seoul holding a festival named "Korea Queer Culture Festival" in the early summer. 5/27 - 6/9 this year, visit Seoul to meet local gays and take glimpse of their culture for Seoul is more crowded with gays during this period than any other season of a year. Queer Film Festival, Parties, Street Parade will be held over jongro, Itaewon and Shinchon area.

Follow the link above for more information. CU in Seoul! :)

Mino

Mino
Originally uploaded by queerseoul.

As I stated before, there are several places in Jongro for your-local liquor-Soju experience. Mino-I'd rather call this type of place 'Bistro'-is one of them.

In bistro type of gay bars, you are required to pick up one of menu to have with Soju. In Korean traditional culture, rice wines and liquors are served with dishes of foods. But if you don't want to order any food, beer might be your next choice.

If you want to try Soju, it might be a better idea to bring one or two of your friend since the dish served with Soju is (generally) too much for one person to finish; One dish with 2 bottles of Soju would cost around a bit more than 20,000 won.

Mino is within 10 minutes' walk distance from Jongro-3-ga station and you may speak to him in English( I heard he spent some time staying in america). The structure of this place is like many other places; counter + tables.

* Bistro
* 30s-40s
* 7 pm - 4 am(or earlier)

The Box

The Box
Originally uploaded by queerseoul.

Personally, I think The Box is a bar where you can have good cocktails at a good price in Jongro Area.

Compared to Itaewon which is another famous gay street in Seoul, Jongro has been crowded with (sort of) aged people who don't like sipping cocktails that much and consequently there haven't been many western style bars. But Jongro is changing lately and now you can find many cocktail places which serve good cocktail. The Box is one the new places like that and I recommend you should come here if you are a gay cocktail lover staying near Jongro(If you choose to visit Itaewon, you will have more options than in Jongro).

Other than cocktails, you may enjoy hip musics and groove atmosphere.

* Bar
* 20s-30s(or higher)
* 7 pm - 4 am

Bar Friends

Bar Friends, originally uploaded by queerseoul.

This is one of my favorite bars, located near Jongro-3-ga station(May take less than 5 minutes on foot from exit No.5 mentioned in the the post below).

People are friendly as its name represents and you have options of bottles of wine, cocktails and bottles of liquor as well as beer. No Soju here. Good music and comfortable atmosphere. It's good for drinking alone and also good for taking tons of your friends. Click on the Picture to view more photos of Bar Friends.

* Bar
* 20s-30s(or higher)
* 7 pm - 4 am
* gofriends.co.kr