Gay Seoul is among the world’s most underestimated vacation places, overlooked constantly because of its more famous eastern Asian neighbors. Better-known for Samsung and governmental tensions with North Korea, there is certainly a thriving queer world right here hidden inside simple view – you simply need to understand where to search!

Fast-paced and entirely obsessed with trend and technology, the powerful city of Seoul can also be profoundly traditional, with calm palaces, temples and mountain trails. Skyscrapers overshadow elegant hanbok (standard wooden domiciles), eco-friendly rooms and cycle tracks soften commercial tough borders, and K-Pop can be heard blaring on nearly every road corner.

Seoulites have a lot to be pleased with within their 24/7 town – where you can get whatever you desire, anytime – and their gay scene is no exception. We want the society at large would be more accepting…

Southern Korea as one has a less accepting look at the LGBTQ community than a lot of remainder of Asia – although the effectiveness of conservatives and Christian fundamentalists wanes slowly, things are nevertheless perhaps not in which they need to be.

LGBT recognition provides, but fast expanded previously ten years, especially in the younger years,  by way of intercontinental influences, a lot more queer occasions, and a higher presence with the regional LGBT society, including –rather famously – star
Hong Seok-cheon
, being released in public places.

Lots of in Korea believe they usually have never met a gay individual, and it’s also an interest not often spoken of, with governmental functions steering clear of conversation of LGBT legal rights and lots of folks burying their particular minds into the mud.

As a customer, you’re exceptionally unlikely enjoy any outright discrimination but remember, many queer natives lead double resides and succumb on overwhelming societal pressure to maintain their sexuality personal.

South Korea is without question one of the more old-fashioned countries in Asia, but actually here, truly commercially illegal is discriminated against on such basis as sexual orientation. Nonetheless, numerous people in the LGBT area nevertheless face troubles in the home and work, meaning Gay Korea provides quite a distance to visit nevertheless to catch up with the even more progressive neighbors – Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and progressively Vietnam.

The gay world in Seoul, but is continuing to grow from year to year and has now an abundance of fantastic queer fun available. International celebration boys seeking blended foreign/local enjoyable should check out the popular Homo Hill in Itaewon, long connected with gay nightlife, but residents are more likely to frequent the main region of Jongno.

Just skyscrapers, the bustle of Insadong and street barbecues, there clearly was in fact a hidden-in-plain-sight gay world right here with increased pubs, karaoke joints, gay saunas and cafes than we could depend.

Few visitors previously venture to Gay Jongno but know if you are doing that for the pubs and groups, you’ll continually be welcomed with a smile. Sadly, the same can not be stated for Seoul’s gay saunas and cruise groups scene, which actively discriminate against and club anyone who is actually non-Korean – it doesn’t matter how acquainted traditions or even the vocabulary you will be.

Hopefully this changes in the long term while having suggestions that can help, in this esteem, the gay scene in Seoul however definitely has some developing up to carry out.

However, with well over 10 million folks, Seoul is just one of the greatest metropolitan areas on the planet and has something for everyone. Foods, design, culture, record and untamed night life – this sprawling metropolis has actually everything!

Tourist attractions in Seoul

Naturally, getting gay will not define which destinations most of us should see in each town, & most queer travelers will simply want to read the top items to see in Seoul during the day!

There clearly was such to complete here – but we found the most popular recollections were roaming through acquiring lost on back-streets, seeing most of the unusual cafes, hitting up Lotte World and wandering through style studios!

Among the best guidelines we are able to provide you with for checking out Gay Seoul is to pre-order a vacation SIM credit for simple airport collection and activation the moment you arrive so that you won’t pay a fortune in worldwide roaming charges.

Get restaurants suggestion and reservations throughout the travel, trains and buses guidelines up to the minute, bar opening several hours, and, in case it is your thing – access to homosexual hook-up software for more information concerning the local scene.

Cellphone data is fast, low priced and offered just about everywhere in Asia, it is therefore not surprising most travelers decide to stay linked to get off of the beaten track (without actually fretting about obtaining lost). Why wait?
Pre-order the best local SIM card now having it waiting for you as soon as you appear.

Nevertheless – it assists to have some idea of what’s going on, very here you will find the greatest activities to do in Seoul, per us!

Things you can do  in Seoul

Standard Korean Bathhouse

Not in to the homosexual spa? Uncover a distinctive and family-friendly area of the Korean culture in a beautifully adorned and standard Korean-style bathhouse. Unwind from a demanding day’s sightseeing – or evening or partying – in a normal oak timber sauna, and enjoy usage of all hot rooms and vapor areas which include various sodium and minerals treatments for the skin.

To get more luxury, you will want to treat you to ultimately a massage therapy, facials or human body scrubs? Although the bathhouse is open 24/7, be sure to reserve beforehand any unique treatment plans in order to prevent missing out.

Cheonggyecheon

A landmark of the latest metropolitan restoration and environmental vitality, this playground area has a revived / ‘day-lighted’ stream with pathways, bridges & greenery.

Myeong-dong

A diverse purchasing & casual international dinner location, the Bustling Myeong-dong is actually filled with worldwide trend companies, luxury malls, and homegrown cosmetic makeup products shops.

Janet’s Cooking Studio

Take-home more than just pictures using this wonderfully distinctive marketplace tour and traditional Korean cooking training with Janet, a Korean chef competed in nyc.

This knowledge isn’t about simply ticking off tourist must-dos, but alternatively examines the real Korea through Janet’s beautiful food fixation – which shines through whether the woman is exposing you to definitely vendors in just one of Seoul’s couple of remaining local road markets or cheerful brightly while disclosing for your requirements how to create the most wonderful Bulgogi Lettuce Wrap in her specialist thug kitchen blog.

Janet features actually worked with the UN to market Korean as well as culture – you simply know this woman is the real deal! You are going to leave Seoul having the ability to recognize unconventional elements in a Korean market and make some tasty conventional dinners – all the while understanding the unique history of Korea and appreciating Janet’s hot character.

A sort and loving heart who’s genuinely excited about what she does, we can’t advise Janet’s preparing Studio extremely enough.

Fireman Show

A remarkable display of acrobatics & dancing, this much-acclaimed tv show utilizes an assortment of performance designs to state the strains of being a fireman. Crazy, we know, but you’ll understand why whenever you are indeed there.

Observe impressive acrobatic pulls and flips, and read about the significance of fire safety and consciousness – and being a non-verbal tv show, it is well-suited for every vocabulary speakers. Have the affirmative fuel produced from the melodramatic yet comical artists that portray lively figures.

Bukchon Hanok Village

A beautiful history community with a pleased 600-year history dating back into 14th century. Fill your camera with selfies featuring thin roadways layered with restored old-fashioned houses.

Adore Museum

a weird museum of entertaining sexual artwork, that is Seoul’s first and therefore far merely art gallery for adults – but we’re yes others are eagerly becoming in the offing. Watch sensory stories of passion and desire unfold right before your eyes, get the opportunity to take to the hand at pole dancing – when you haven’t already – and see various moments of newlyweds’ life through interactive artworks.

You’ll find six-themed galleries, each with an unusual interest for you really to find – and depend on all of us, homosexual, directly, or unicorn …You won’t have seen any such thing such as this before!

Lotte Globe

No day at Seoul could be full without a visit to Korea’s top motif playground, Lotte globe! Lotte community seats are remarkably marked down just for foreign website visitors, so you should not miss out the possibility to see this fun two-part theme playground with backyard thrill rides and a ‘Magic isle’ castle place.

During colder months, simply take a coat or have fun with the adrenaline-charged indoor tourist attractions inside the ‘Adventure’ region, plus sign up for the numerous parades and shows. Should you want to perform even more, there is certainly a Lotte globe + Aquarium combo solution to also contains a visit to the world’s biggest sea ecology tank at the Lotte globe Aquarium, exhibiting over 650 marine types across 13 distinct zones.

Jongmyo

A UNESCO globe history web site and shrine to Joseon dynasty leaders & queens. Ritual ceremonies nonetheless occur during this Confucian shrine dedicated to Joseon dynasty royals. Now Jongmyo is the ideal getting away from the urban hubbub and an intriguing considering Old Seoul.

Café Onion

Serving post-industrial decay realness, this Uber-hip style cafe in Seongdong-gu is basically how we would imagine Chornobyl is if Brooklyn hipsters moved in. Serving cool baked projects and specialization coffee combinations, this place deserves the trip off to learn – if only to realize your entire monochromatic Instagram dreams.

They also are in possession of a conveniently known as Café Onion Anguk in Jongno-gu, except in a switched conventional building/temple, which is similarly remarkable.

Seoul’s Palaces, Temples & Markets

Invest just about every day sightseeing and ticking off Seoul’s most widely used web sites. The chairman’s pad, Blue House (or Cheongwadae), the switching of the guards in the spectacular Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeok Palace and stopping by the nationwide Folk Museum for more information on Korea’s rich record from dynasties as much as the present-day.

Additionally not to end up being missed will be the calming Jogyesa Buddhist Temple and bargain hunting in the popular Namdaemun industries.

Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS

)

Find Southern Korea outside of Seoul by taking a trip on over 80 ways also to over 600 stations making use of Korea Rail Pass. Get endless rides on most Korail trains for 3 or 5 straight times or any versatile 2 and 4 days with this rebate definitely only available for foreign nationals.

Meerkat & buddies

An oh-so-Seoul ‘cafe’ which acts no food and only bottled drinks buts enables you to get up near and personal with semi-tame meerkats, raccoons, wallabies, cats, foxes and. With areas in Hongdae and Myeongdong, it really is touristy and weird, and that’s why we have been obsessed!

Discover Seoul Pass

Get effortless access to an assortment of 35 leading Seoul tourist attractions utilizing the Take a look at Seoul Pass. Choose from 24/48/72 hours pass to delight in discounts and easily personalize the Seoul travel using this versatile entry pass and transportation card from the Seoul Tourism company, exclusively offered to international tourists.

ZenKimchi Korean Food Tours

If you are like you and planning your trip to Korea for any cuisine alone, then you will wanna prevent the touristy locations/ poor dining experiences and choose for a totally immersive experience to make the most of Seoul’s meals world.

Thankfully, Joe, who has been running
Korea’s longest-running food weblog, ZenKimchi,
for more than fifteen years, has generated an exclusively crafted trip to aid tourists discover actual Korean dining. Getting clear, through this, we imply he gets no kickbacks from restaurants and guides you because he is truly fanatical about the food they provide, unlike much less scrupulous operators…

We decided on their Korean barbeque concert tour together with a memorable evening learning Korean eating etiquette, savoring a charcoal grilled chicken of your existence, appreciating fulfilling talks with various folks from across the world – and obtaining slightly tipsy over a Korean alcoholic drinks session in a key club!

It is also ideal for some pre-drinking before venturing out to Homo Hill, or for solo tourists who might usually struggle to discover Korean BBQ in this way.

There is certainly an array of tours available, but each is run by enthusiastic experts who have your needs in mind. Thus, if you want to get out truth be told there and watch Seoul as a local – while having a ridiculous level of enjoyable, ZenKimchi Korean Food Tours provides some thing for your needs.

Gay Annual Events In Seoul

Korea Queer Movie Festival (KQFF)

A yearly event in July dedicated exclusively to assessment homosexual, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer films. KQFF has-been held yearly since 2001 because of the reported purpose of encouraging variety in Korean culture while enhancing LGBT human liberties and recognition.

One of the most vital Asian online forums of international LGBT film/video, and if your dates correspond if an effective way to experience a more sophisticated level of gay life in Seoul.

IM Seoul

Korea’s largest circuit celebration brand, IM launched in 2015 and also quickly be probably the most popular circuit activities across Asia. Now, IM will continue to encourage hundreds of homosexual people from across Asia while the globe to Gay Seoul.

I WILL BE boasts three days of nightclub parties, share functions and after-parties filled with music in addition to hottest dudes. You may expect an unforgettable experience with a killer DJ line-up from all around the world and super go-go boys on stage. Ordinarily held in August, I WILL BE is completely worth preparing a-trip about.

Korea Queer Festival Celebration | Pride Parade

Korea’s biggest LGBT festival, this yearly contemporary Korean event, whose theme is LGBT liberties, has its own features, such as a pleasure parade, film festival events, art, conversations and club celebration events.

The event can last for each week or two and usually happens in belated May to very early Summer. The procession that has been prohibited in 2015 lured intercontinental focus on the big event, with a lot of of it being critical associated with the progress made regarding LGBT legal rights in Southern Korea.

Again occurring, there was now some support from more compact Korean governmental parties and a-listers, but major functions while the federal government at-large take a neutral position. Unlike numerous
some other Pride celebrations around the world
, the Seoul Pride Prade positively restricts the capability of attendees to simply take photographs or films and requires photo-takers to blur participants’ faces before publishing photographs online.

This is accomplished to reduce the chance of accidental excursions of members who nonetheless face significant discrimination in Korean community. Although the organizers have huge plans to develop the event on biggest in Asia, Seoul’s Queer society Festival shows in lots of ways, Southern Korea is within the Stone Age.

120,000 LGBT men and women honestly participated in 2018 – the largest actually – but 200,000 signatures were in addition gathered to cease the Parade, and a large number of anti-LGBT protestors turned-out.

However, its amazing to see NGOs and brands acquiring on-board since occasion increases. In a country where modesty around outsiders is paramount and sexual preference is not one thing to end up being flaunted, we are able to just hope enhanced presence someday helps brand-new generations of Southern Koreans feel comfortable enough to end up being just who they are.

Gay-Friendly and Gay Resorts in Seoul

Although Korea and Seoul may be much less politically progressive and gay-friendly than, say,
Bangkok
,
Tokyo
or
Taipei
, it’s still secure to presume queer people could have no dilemmas examining practically any hotel in Seoul. Unfortunately, but there aren’t any entirely homosexual motels in Seoul to check on into.

Seoul is a worldwide mega-city with a shortage of room, so space dimensions are smaller compared to just about everywhere else in the world – but as a lot of homosexual guys learn, it is not everything about dimensions, but exactly how you utilize it! The audience is writing on concept, efficiency and views, darling!

With that said, everyone else wants to be surrounded by people with typical passions, and as such, there are some popular gay-friendly resorts in Seoul being hot spots for gay people to keep – either due to their area or their concept and inclusive vibes.

Hotels near Homo Hill, the foreigner-friendly queer enclave in Itaewon, are extremely well-liked by homosexual travelers – specifically travelers just who merely communicate English but Jongno in the Nagwon-dong neighborhood, is actually the gayest area of Seoul, though a lot more popular with residents than visitors.

You might also start thinking about remaining in the tourist-popular Myeongdong / Seoul main, often considered to be the center of Seoul or in the world-famous Gangnam region, a.k.a the ‘Beverly Hills of Seoul.’

Listed here motels in Gay Seoul have the ability to had a glowing advice from gay travelers in past times, but of course,
discover hundreds of other places in Seoul
if normally not quite what you are looking.

Whether you want an enjoyable and social hostel, a cheap spot to crash after every night of partying or an ultra-chic fashion designer solution to sip cocktails and encircle yourself with fantastic men and women  – Gay Seoul provides anything for all!

Gay-friendly Resorts in Itaewon

Hamilton Resort â˜†â˜†â˜†â˜†

A landmark in Seoul’s Itaewon, this comfortable resort in a moderate redbrick building is a minute’s stroll through the subway section with unfussy rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi and helpful team.

You rarely need to leave with eight various eating choices, such as a shiny Italian cafe, 2 LGBT-friendly nightclubs, a backyard rooftop share – popular with peacocking muscle gays-, a 24-hour sauna, a health club, and also limited mall.

Not too long ago refurbished from top-to-bottom nevertheless only this short stumble from Homo Hill, HOMPA by Le Queen and Club HIM.

IP Boutique Resort â˜†â˜†â˜†â˜†

Positioned in Seoul’s cosmopolitan purchasing and entertainment district, Itaewon, IP Boutique Hotel, provides another lifestyle experience for gay guests. Featuring excellent style and magnificent atmosphere, the hotel supplies 133 guestrooms, a café cafe, and limitless using their unique well equipped physical fitness area.

Excellent price, IP Boutique Hotel is just a small walk on usually Homme homosexual club and Club HIM by Pulse, adding to the gay appeal.

Hotel ITW â˜†â˜†â˜†

(Temporarily or forever closed. Knowing one thing, please advise an edit.)

On a clean, modern, attractive lodge in Itaewon with prices of the same quality or a lot better than almost every other places in Seoul. We appreciated that it was within convenient strolling range associated with the gay restaurants, pubs, and stores that make Itaewon such a pulsating and attractive element of Seoul. Resort ITAW is, however, up a steep slope and situated on a narrow one-way road and that is frustrating after a night of sipping.

Sp@Itaewon Guesthouse â˜†â˜†â˜†

(Temporarily or completely closed. Once you know one thing, kindly advise an edit.)

The right hangout for the personal tourist with personal areas, affordable dorms, and routine BBQ