Why Gangnam Comes Alive After Midnight
While most cities wind down after dark, Gangnam transforms into a culinary playground. This iconic Seoul district—yes, the one from that song—offers some of Korea's best late-night dining experiences. Whether you're club-hopping or simply jet-lagged, here's your insider guide to eating like a local when the clock strikes midnight.
Must-Try Late-Night Food Experiences
1. Korean BBQ at 2 AM
Nothing beats grilling premium samgyeopsal (pork belly) at your table while sipping soju. Many BBQ joints near Gangnam Station stay open until 4-5 AM. Expect to pay around $15-25 USD per person for quality cuts.
2. Pojangmacha Street Food
These iconic orange-tented street stalls serve tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), odeng (fish cake soup), and sundae (Korean blood sausage). Find them clustered near Sinnonhyeon Station—perfect for a $5-10 USD late-night snack.
3. 24-Hour Soup Restaurants
For a warming meal, try seolleongtang (ox bone soup) or gamjatang (pork bone stew). These soul-soothing dishes are the local hangover cure of choice, typically $8-12 USD.
Practical Tips for Foreign Visitors
- Payment: Most places accept credit cards, but carry some Korean won for street food
- Language: Many restaurants have picture menus; Google Translate works well for ordering
- Getting there: Gangnam Station (Line 2) or Sinnonhyeon Station (Line 9)—subways run until midnight, then use taxis or KakaoTaxi app
- Tipping: Not expected in Korea
Best Areas to Explore
Start at Gangnam Station Exit 10 and walk toward Nonhyeon-dong for the highest concentration of late-night eateries. The alleyways behind the main streets hide the best local gems. Don't be shy—if you see a crowded restaurant at 2 AM, that's usually a good sign!