Clubbing Capital: Gangnam

Young travelers in Korea are usually on a budget, but every once in a while you need to splurge on a night out. As opposed to the raw, artsy clubs of Hongdae, Gangnam is a luxurious escape into decadence. Here are three clubs to check out in this high-end neighborhood.

Coldcut’s State at Answer © JaeHun Lee | Flickr

Answer

Answer has been a popular venue in Seoul’s EDM scene, focusing on electro-house and big room, though also featuring progressive artists like Paul van Dyk and Deadmau5. This venue is known for its luxurious vibe, decorated with white leather, marble floors and chandeliers. Answer is also notorious for its strict enforcement of dress code policy, regularly denying entry based on one’s appearance. If you can get past the doorman, Answer has an intimate vibe popular with foreign nationals.

Ellui

Ellui’s unimposing entrance hides Seoul’s biggest club, which also claims to be the biggest club in Asia. Also known as the Asia Multiplex, this is a multilevel club known for throwing parties that last into the early morning. Two side rooms keep people entertained with house, funk, electro and plenty of VIP tables, while the always-packed main room attracts international superstars like Seven Lions and Diplo.

OCTAVIEW #059 Arno Cost from ClubOctagon on Vimeo.

Octagon

Now in its fifth year of operation, Octagon is the undisputed capital of Gangnam. Recently named the sixth best (http://djmag.com/content/octagon-1) club in the world, Octagon isn’t an imposing megaclub nor is it an intimate dive, but it executes its job with near perfection. The inside is powered by a Funktion One sound system housed in a futuristic black-box interior and even features an indoor swimming pool. Octagon burst onto the scene leaning toward hard-EDM, but has since expanded to become an all-round dance music venue, ranging from Nic Fanciulli to Headhunterz.