Gay Seoul, South Korea | The Primary LGBT Travel Guide!

Gay Seoul is just one of the world’s many underestimated travel destinations, overlooked continuously for its more well-known East Asian next-door neighbors. Better-known for Samsung and governmental tensions with North Korea, discover a thriving queer scene right here concealed right in plain look – you simply need to understand where to search!

Fast-paced and utterly obsessed with manner and innovation, the vibrant city of Seoul normally greatly standard, with calm palaces, temples and hill tracks. Skyscrapers overshadow elegant hanbok (old-fashioned wood homes), environmentally friendly areas and period ways soften commercial tough edges, and K-Pop may be heard blaring on nearly every road corner.

Seoulites have actually a lot to be pleased with within 24/7 area – where you can get anything you desire, whenever you want – and their gay world we have found no exception. We wish the culture as a whole might possibly be more recognizing…

Southern Korea as a whole has actually a much less accepting view of its LGBTQ area than the majority of the rest of Asia – although the strength of conservatives and Christian fundamentalists wanes gradually, things are nevertheless maybe not where they need to be.

LGBT recognition features, but rapidly grown before ten years, especially in the younger generations,  thanks to worldwide influences, a lot more queer activities, and a higher presence on the local LGBT society, including –rather famously – star
Hong Seok-cheon
, being released publicly.

Lots of in Korea believe they will have never ever fulfilled a gay person, which is an interest seldom discussed, with political events steering clear of conversation of LGBT liberties and lots of people burying their minds inside mud.

As a customer, you might be extremely unlikely experiencing any outright discrimination but take note, numerous queer natives lead dual resides and succumb into daunting social pressure to keep their sexuality exclusive.

South Korea is undoubtedly one of the most conventional countries in Asia, but actually right here, its officially illegal are discriminated against on the basis of sexual direction. However, numerous people in the LGBT neighborhood nevertheless face problems in the home and work, indicating Gay Korea has actually quite a distance to visit however to catch with its a lot more progressive neighbors – Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and more and more Vietnam.

The gay world in Seoul, however, is continuing to grow annually and has now a good amount of fabulous queer enjoyable available. Global celebration boys looking for blended foreign/local enjoyable may wish to head to the well-known Homo Hill in Itaewon, long of gay nightlife, but residents are more inclined to frequent the central area of Jongno.

Synonymous with skyscrapers, the bustle of Insadong and street barbecues, there is certainly really a hidden-in-plain-sight homosexual world right here with bars, karaoke bones, homosexual hot rooms and cafes than we’re able to count.

Few visitors actually enterprise to Gay Jongno but determine if you do that into the pubs and clubs, you will always be welcomed with a grin. Sadly, the exact same cannot be stated for Seoul’s homosexual saunas and cruise groups world, which earnestly discriminate against and bar anybody who is non-Korean – it doesn’t matter how acquainted practices or perhaps the language you may be.

Hopefully this alterations in the future and now have suggestions that can help, but in this esteem, the gay world in Seoul still definitely has some growing to carry out.

Nonetheless, with over 10 million folks, Seoul is just one of the biggest places on the planet and also anything for almost all people. Foods, style, society, record and crazy nightlife – this sprawling area provides it-all!

Destinations in Seoul

Normally, getting homosexual does not establish which attractions many of us should see in each town, & most queer people will just wish check out the leading points to see in Seoul throughout the day!

There is a whole lot to accomplish right here – but we discovered well known memories were roaming through obtaining lost on back-streets, checking out all the unusual cafes, hitting up Lotte World and roaming through style studios!

Among the best ideas we are able to supply for exploring Gay Seoul will be pre-order a vacation SIM credit for simple airport pickup and activation as soon as you appear which means you will not shell out a lot of money in intercontinental roaming charges.

Get restaurants recommendation and bookings on the travel, public transport instructions up to the minute, club beginning hours, and, if it is your own thing – use of homosexual hook-up software for more information about the regional world.

Smartphone information is fast, low priced and offered almost everywhere in Asia, making it no surprise many travelers decide to remain connected and get from the beaten track (without actually fretting about obtaining missing). So why hold off?
Pre-order ideal local SIM card now to possess it waiting for you once you appear.

Nevertheless – it helps to have some concept of what’s going on, very here are the most readily useful things you can do in Seoul, per you!

Rencontres Locales – Rencontreslocale.com

Things To Do  in Seoul

Old-fashioned Korean Bathhouse

Not in to the homosexual spa? Uncover exclusive and family-friendly part of the Korean culture in a wonderfully adorned and old-fashioned Korean-style bathhouse. Relax from a stressful day of sightseeing – or night or partying – in a conventional oak lumber sauna, and savor entry to all hot rooms and vapor rooms that include various salt and nutrients treatments for your epidermis.

To get more lavishness, you need to treat yourself to a therapeutic massage, facials or body scrubs? Although the bathhouse is actually open 24/7, be sure to reserve ahead any unique treatment plans to prevent missing out.

Cheonggyecheon

A landmark of the latest metropolitan repair and ecological restoration, this park space has a revived / ‘day-lighted’ flow with pathways, bridges & greenery.

Myeong-dong

A varied purchasing & informal global food destination, the Bustling Myeong-dong is actually full of worldwide fashion companies, luxury stores, and homegrown cosmetic makeup products shops.

Janet’s Cooking Studio

Get hold of more than just photos with this wonderfully unique industry concert tour and conventional Korean cooking session with Janet, a Korean chef been trained in nyc.

This knowledge is not about just ticking down vacationer must-dos, but instead examines the actual Korea through Janet’s stunning food obsession – which shines through whether she actually is launching one to suppliers in another of Seoul’s few remaining local street areas or smiling brightly while exposing to you personally how to make the most wonderful Bulgogi Lettuce Wrap in her specialist home.

Janet has actually caused the UN promoting Korean food and tradition – and that means you just learn this woman is the real deal! Might keep Seoul having the ability to identify unconventional ingredients in a Korean industry and also to create some delicious old-fashioned meals – whilst learning about exclusive reputation of Korea and appreciating Janet’s hot individuality.

A kind and enjoying spirit who’s certainly passionate about just what she really does, we can’t advise Janet’s Cooking Studio highly adequate.

Fireman Show

An amazing show of acrobatics & party, this much-acclaimed tv show makes use of an assortment of performance designs to show the stresses to be a fireman. Weird, we know, however you will understand why while you are indeed there.

Discover remarkable acrobatic lifts and flips, and discover the importance of fire protection and awareness – and being a non-verbal tv series, it’s well-suited regarding language speakers. Feel the affirmative electricity produced by melodramatic yet funny artists that portray lively figures.

Bukchon Hanok Village

A beautiful history town with a satisfied 600-year background dating back to towards 14th century. Fill the digital camera with selfies featuring narrow streets layered with restored traditional houses.

Love Museum

a quirky museum of interactive erotic artwork, this will be Seoul’s first so much only art gallery for adults – but we are yes other people are eagerly becoming in the pipeline. See physical stories of passion and desire unfold right before your own sight, get to be able to take to your own hand at pole dance – for those who haven’t already – and see the various times of newlyweds’ existence through entertaining artworks.

You can find six-themed galleries, each with an unusual attraction so that you could discover – and confidence united states, gay, straight, or unicorn …You will not have seen anything in this way before!

Lotte Globe

No visit to Seoul might possibly be comprehensive without a trip to Korea’s top theme playground, Lotte industry! Lotte globe seats are remarkably discounted exclusively for foreign visitors, so you shouldn’t miss out the possibility to check out this fun two-part theme playground with backyard thrill rides and a ‘Magic isle’ palace area.

Through the colder months, take a coat or enjoy the adrenaline-charged interior attractions inside ‘Adventure’ region, plus sign up for the various parades and shows. Should you want to perform a lot more, discover a Lotte globe + Aquarium combination citation to comes with a call to the world’s largest water ecology container in the Lotte business Aquarium, featuring over 650 marine varieties across 13 specific areas.

Jongmyo

A UNESCO World Heritage site and shrine to Joseon dynasty kings & queens. Ritual ceremonies still occur as of this Confucian shrine specialized in Joseon dynasty royals. Today Jongmyo is the best getting away from the urban busyness and an intriguing exploring Old Seoul.

Café Onion

Serving post-industrial decay realness, this Uber-hip layout cafe in Seongdong-gu is actually the way we would imagine Chornobyl to be if Brooklyn hipsters relocated in. Serving funky baked productions and forte coffee mixes, this spot is worth the trip out to find out – if only to appreciate all of your monochromatic Instagram goals.

They even will have a more conveniently known as Café Onion Anguk in Jongno-gu, except in a switched standard building/temple, basically similarly remarkable.

Seoul’s Palaces, Temples & Markets

Invest per day sightseeing and ticking off Seoul’s hottest websites. The President’s pad, Blue House (or Cheongwadae), the modifying for the guards at the magnificent Gyeongbokgung residence and Changdeok Palace and stopping by the nationwide Folk Museum for more information on Korea’s rich history from the dynasties as much as the present-day.

Also not to be missed may be the calming Jogyesa Buddhist Temple and bargain hunting in the famous Namdaemun Markets.

Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS

)

Find Southern Korea outside Seoul by traveling on over 80 paths and also to over 600 programs making use of Korea Rail Pass. Get unlimited flights on most Korail trains for 3 or 5 successive times or any flexible 2 and 4 days with this particular discount that’s only available for international nationals.

Meerkat & buddies

An oh-so-Seoul ‘cafe’ which serves no as well as only bottled drinks buts lets you get-up close and personal with semi-tame meerkats, raccoons, wallabies, cats, foxes plus. With places in Hongdae and Myeongdong, its touristy and strange, so in retrospect our company is obsessed!

Discover Seoul Pass

Get easy access to a mixture of 35 leading Seoul places of interest using the Take a look at Seoul Pass. Choose from 24/48/72 hrs go so you can delight in discounts and easily personalize your own Seoul travel with this specific versatile entry pass and transportation card through the Seoul Tourism Organization, entirely open to international visitors.

ZenKimchi Korean Foods Tours

If you should be like you and making plans for your day at Korea when it comes down to cuisine alone, then you will need steer clear of the touristy places/ bad dining encounters and go for a completely immersive knowledge to help make the a lot of Seoul’s meals world.

Thankfully, Joe, that has been operating
Korea’s longest-running food blog site, ZenKimchi,
for over 15 years, has created a distinctively crafted concert tour to simply help people enjoy actual Korean dinner. To Get obvious, through this, we suggest he becomes no kickbacks from restaurants and takes you because they are really fanatical concerning food they offer, unlike less scrupulous operators…

We opted for their Korean barbeque tour and had a memorable night finding Korean dining etiquette, savoring a charcoal grilled chicken of our own life, admiring fulfilling discussions with different individuals from across the world – and obtaining somewhat tipsy over a Korean alcohol tutorial in a key club!

It is also excellent for some pre-drinking before going out to Homo Hill, or even for solo tourists exactly who might normally battle to encounter Korean BBQ such as this.

There can be many trips available, but all are operate by passionate professionals who have your needs at heart. Therefore, if you want to get-out indeed there and watch Seoul as a local – while having a ridiculous level of enjoyable, ZenKimchi Korean Food Tours provides some thing individually.

Gay Annual Events In Seoul

Korea Queer Movie Festival (KQFF)

An annual occasion in July dedicated specifically to screening homosexual, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer movies. KQFF is used yearly since 2001 using mentioned goal of motivating assortment in Korean society while improving LGBT person rights and acceptance.

Probably the most important Asian online forums of worldwide LGBT film/video, whenever the dates correspond if an effective way to discover a far more advanced amount of gay life in Seoul.

IM Seoul

Korea’s largest circuit party brand, I AM launched in 2015 and it has fast come to be probably one of the most well-known routine occasions across Asia. Now, I WILL BE continues to encourage countless gay people from across Asia together with entire world to Gay Seoul.

I WILL BE carries three days of nightclub events, swimming pool parties and after-parties filled with songs and the hottest dudes. You can expect an unforgettable knowledge about a killer DJ line-up from around globally and extremely go-go kids on stage. Usually presented in August, I WILL BE is actually entirely worth preparing a trip about.

Korea Queer Festival Party | Pride Parade

Korea’s largest LGBT festival, this annual modern Korean festival, whoever theme is LGBT rights, has numerous features, such as a pleasure procession, movie event occasions, art, talks and dance club celebration events.

The festival can last for weekly or two and usually happens in late will to early Summer. The procession that has been prohibited in 2015 lured international attention to the function, with most of it getting crucial of the advancement made relating to LGBT rights in Southern Korea.

Once more taking place, there clearly was now some help from smaller Korean governmental parties and celebrities, but major parties in addition to government in particular take a neutral position. Unlike numerous
other Pride festivals around the globe
, the Seoul Pride Prade definitely limits the power of attendees to just take pictures or videos and requires photo-takers to blur individuals’ confronts before posting photos using the internet.

This is accomplished to reduce the possibility of unintentional outings of players which still face significant discrimination in Korean society. Whilst the organizers have actually large intentions to grow the big event for the biggest in Asia, Seoul’s Queer heritage Festival shows in several ways, South Korea is in the Stone Age.

120,000 LGBT people openly took part in 2018 – the greatest actually – but 200,000 signatures had been additionally gathered to end the Parade, and a great deal of anti-LGBT protestors turned-out.

Still, its incredible to see NGOs and brands obtaining agreeable once the event grows. In a country in which modesty around outsiders is paramount and sexual preference isn’t something to end up being flaunted, we could only wish improved presence as time goes by assists brand new generations of South Koreans feel at ease enough to be who they’re.

Gay-Friendly and Gay Resorts in Seoul

Although Korea and Seoul may be less politically modern and gay-friendly than, state,
Bangkok
,
Tokyo
or
Taipei
, it is still safe to believe queer travelers need no problems examining mostly any hotel in Seoul. Unfortunately, but there are not any specifically homosexual places in Seoul to evaluate into.

Seoul is an international mega-city with a lack of space, so area dimensions tend to be smaller than just about everywhere otherwise worldwide – but as loads of homosexual males learn, it is not about dimensions, but exactly how you employ it! We are dealing with layout, functionality and views, darling!

Having said that, every person wants to be surrounded by individuals with common passions, and therefore, there are many well-known gay-friendly resort hotels in Seoul being hot areas for gay travelers to keep – either for their location or their unique layout and inclusive vibes.

Resorts near Homo Hill, the foreigner-friendly queer enclave in Itaewon, are incredibly popular with homosexual travelers – particularly travelers exactly who just communicate English but Jongno in Nagwon-dong neighborhood, is clearly the gayest section of Seoul, though a lot more popular with natives than site visitors.

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

The following places in Gay Seoul have all had a glowing suggestion from gay people in the past, however,
discover hundreds of additional resort hotels in Seoul
if they are not exactly what you are actually looking for.

Whether need a fun and personal hostel, a cheap location to crash after per night of partying or an ultra-chic fashion designer solution to sip cocktails and encircle yourself with fabulous folks  – Gay Seoul provides something for everyone!

Gay-friendly Resorts in Itaewon

Hamilton Hotel â˜†â˜†â˜†â˜†

A landmark in Seoul’s Itaewon, this relaxed hotel in a moderate redbrick building is just one minute’s walk from the train section with unfussy areas, complimentary Wi-Fi and beneficial employees.

You rarely want to keep with eight different eating options, such as a sleek Italian cafe, 2 LGBT-friendly clubs, an outside roof swimming pool – well-liked by peacocking muscle gays-, a 24-hour sauna, a health club, and also a small mall.

Lately refurbished from top-to-bottom nevertheless merely a brief hit from Homo Hill, HOMPA by Le Queen and Club HIM.

internet protocol address Boutique Hotel â˜†â˜†â˜†â˜†

Positioned in Seoul’s cosmopolitan shopping and activity district, Itaewon, IP Boutique resort, presents a brand new way of living knowledge for homosexual visitors. Featuring exemplary style and spectacular atmosphere, the resort supplies 133 guestrooms, a café restaurant, and limitless using their particular fully equipped fitness area.

Exemplary worth, IP Boutique Hotel is a small stroll towards the You should Homme homosexual club and Club HIM by Pulse, contributing to their gay popularity.

Hotel ITW â˜†â˜†â˜†

(Temporarily or permanently closed. Once you know anything, please suggest an edit.)

On a clean, modern-day, attractive hotel in Itaewon with prices as good or much better than other locations in Seoul. We adored it absolutely was within convenient strolling range for the gay restaurants, pubs, and stores which make Itaewon these a pulsating and attractive section of Seoul. Resort ITAW is, however, up a steep slope and found on a narrow one-way street and is frustrating after every night of ingesting.

Sp@Itaewon Guesthouse â˜†â˜†â˜†

(briefly or once and for all closed. Once you know one thing, please suggest an edit.)

The right hangout when it comes to personal tourist with personal spaces, affordable dorms, and typical BBQ