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

Gay Seoul is amongst the earth’s a lot of underestimated vacation locations, overlooked continually for its more famous East Asian next-door neighbors. Better-known for Samsung and governmental tensions with North Korea, there can be a thriving queer scene right here hidden inside simple view – you simply need to understand where to search!

Hectic and utterly enthusiastic about fashion and innovation, the powerful town of Seoul can be greatly conventional, with peaceful palaces, temples and hill trails. Skyscrapers overshadow stylish hanbok (traditional wood houses), eco-friendly spaces and pattern paths soften industrial tough sides, and K-Pop could be heard blaring on virtually every street corner.

Seoulites have a great deal to end up being happy with within 24/7 city – where you are able to get what you may want, anytime – in addition to their homosexual scene the following is not an exception. We desire the culture most importantly would be more accepting…

South Korea in general has actually a much less accepting look at the LGBTQ society than a lot of the rest of Asia – even though the potency of conservatives and Christian fundamentalists wanes slowly, everything is still perhaps not where they need to be.

LGBT acceptance provides, however, quickly grown before ten years, especially in the younger generations,  thanks to international influences, even more queer occasions, and a higher existence of regional LGBT society, including –rather notoriously – star
Hong Seok-cheon
, being released in public places.

A lot of in Korea think obtained never ever satisfied a homosexual person, plus its a topic seldom talked-about, with political functions steering clear of conversation of LGBT legal rights and lots of individuals burying their minds from inside the sand.

As a customer, you’re acutely extremely unlikely to have any outright discrimination but take note, a lot of queer natives lead dual resides and succumb into overwhelming societal force to maintain their sexuality private.

South Korea is undoubtedly one of the most conventional countries in Asia, but even right here, truly commercially illegal become discriminated against on such basis as intimate orientation. Still, a lot of members of the LGBT neighborhood nonetheless face difficulties at home and work, indicating Gay Korea has quite a distance going however to catch with their a lot more progressive neighbors – Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and progressively Vietnam.

The gay scene in Seoul, but is growing annually and contains numerous fabulous queer enjoyable to supply. International party men wanting combined foreign/local enjoyable should drop by the famous Homo Hill in Itaewon, very long connected with gay night life, but locals may frequent the main section of Jongno.

Similar to skyscrapers, the bustle of Insadong and road barbecues, there was really a hidden-in-plain-sight homosexual world right here with additional bars, karaoke bones, homosexual saunas and cafes than we could rely.

Not so many visitors previously venture to Gay Jongno but determine if you do that in bars and organizations, you can expect to be welcomed with a grin. Sadly, the exact same can not be said for Seoul’s homosexual saunas and cruise clubs world, which earnestly discriminate against and club anyone who is non-Korean – it doesn’t matter how acquainted customs and/or language you are.

We hope this alterations in tomorrow and just have ideas that can help, but in this admiration, the gay scene in Seoul still really has many growing up to carry out.

Still, along with 10 million people, Seoul is just one of the greatest metropolises on the planet and has now one thing for absolutely everyone. Foods, design, culture, record and untamed night life – this sprawling area provides it-all!

Tourist attractions in Seoul

Obviously, getting gay cannot establish which tourist attractions we would like to see in each town, & most queer people will just like to check out the top things to see in Seoul the whole day!

There’s a whole lot to complete here – but we discovered the most popular thoughts happened to be wandering through acquiring lost on back-streets, seeing all the odd cafes, hitting-up Lotte community and roaming through design studios!

One of the recommended tips we can supply for exploring Gay Seoul should pre-order a travel SIM credit for easy airport pickup and activation as soon as you appear so that you will not shell out a fortune in international roaming costs.

Get restaurants recommendation and reservations from the fly, public transport instructions up to the minute, bar opening several hours, and, if it is the thing – the means to access gay hook-up apps to learn more in regards to the neighborhood scene.

Cellular phone data is quickly, low priced and offered all over the place in Asia, therefore it is no surprise the majority of tourists elect to stay connected to get off of the beaten track (without ever before worrying about getting missing). Why hold off?
Pre-order the greatest local SIM card today to possess it available whenever you appear.

Nonetheless – it assists to have some thought of what is happening, thus here are the greatest activities to do in Seoul, based on us!

Things you can do  in Seoul

Conventional Korean Bathhouse

Perhaps not in to the homosexual sauna? Uncover a distinctive and family-friendly the main Korean culture in an attractively embellished and old-fashioned Korean-style bathhouse. Unwind from a tense day of sightseeing – or night or partying – in a normal oak lumber sauna, and luxuriate in access to all saunas and vapor spaces that include various salt and minerals treatments for the skin.

For more lavishness, why don’t you address you to ultimately a massage therapy, facials or human anatomy scrubs? Even though the bathhouse is actually available 24/7, make sure you book ahead of time any special treatment options to avoid missing out.

Cheonggyecheon

A landmark of new urban restoration and environmental restoration, this playground space includes a revived / ‘day-lighted’ flow with paths, links & greenery.

Myeong-dong

A varied shopping & everyday worldwide dinner location, the busy Myeong-dong is actually filled with intercontinental style companies, luxury department stores, and homegrown cosmetic makeup products retailers.

Janet’s Cooking Studio

Get hold of more than just images because of this fabulously unique market tour and conventional Korean cooking training with Janet, a Korean chef been trained in nyc.

This experience just isn’t about simply ticking down traveler must-dos, but alternatively explores the real Korea through Janet’s breathtaking food fixation – which shines through whether she is exposing that sellers in just one of Seoul’s couple of staying regional street markets or smiling brightly while disclosing to you how to make the most wonderful Bulgogi Lettuce Wrap back her expert home.

Janet has even caused the UN to advertise Korean food and society – so you just learn she actually is the real deal! You’ll leave Seoul have real profit determine strange components in a Korean market also to whip up some delicious standard dinners – whilst researching exclusive history of Korea and appreciating Janet’s cozy personality.

A sort and loving spirit that is truly passionate about what she does, we cannot advise Janet’s Cooking Studio highly sufficient.

Fireman Program

A remarkable screen of acrobatics & party, this much-acclaimed tv show utilizes an assortment of performance types to express the strains to be a fireman. Weird, we all know, but you’ll understand why if you are here.

Monitor amazing acrobatic pulls and flips, and find out about the significance of fire protection and understanding – and being a non-verbal tv series, truly well-suited for every language speakers. Feel the affirmative power brought because of the melodramatic yet funny performers that portray lively characters.

Bukchon Hanok Village

A beautiful heritage town with a pleased 600-year record dating back to to your 14th millennium. Fill the digital camera with selfies featuring thin roadways layered with restored traditional homes.

Fancy Museum

a quirky museum of interactive erotic artwork, it is Seoul’s first and far just art gallery for grownups – but we are yes other individuals are eagerly being in the pipeline. View sensory tales of enthusiasm and need unfold prior to the eyes, get the opportunity to try your hand at pole dance – when you yourself haven’t already – and discover the many moments of newlyweds’ life through entertaining artworks.

Discover six-themed galleries, each with an unusual destination so that you can get a hold of – and rely on united states, gay, right, or unicorn …You will not have seen such a thing similar to this before!

Lotte Business

No day at Seoul would be comprehensive without a visit to Korea’s top theme park, Lotte business! Lotte community passes are remarkably discounted just for overseas website visitors, therefore you shouldn’t miss out the opportunity to visit this fun two-part motif park with backyard excitement flights and a ‘Magic isle’ palace location.

Throughout colder months, take a coat or spend playtime with the adrenaline-charged indoor tourist attractions inside the ‘Adventure’ area, plus sign up for the numerous parades and programs. When you need to do more, there can be a Lotte industry + Aquarium combination solution to comes with a visit to everyone’s biggest sea environment container on Lotte World Aquarium, showcasing over 650 marine species across 13 unique zones.

Jongmyo

A UNESCO industry history site and shrine to Joseon dynasty leaders & queens. Ritual ceremonies however happen at this Confucian shrine dedicated to Joseon dynasty royals. These days Jongmyo is the ideal escape from the urban hubbub and an intriguing considering Old Seoul.

Café Onion

Serving post-industrial decay realness, this Uber-hip design cafe in Seongdong-gu is actually the way we would think about Chornobyl are if Brooklyn hipsters relocated in. Serving cool baked projects and specialty coffee blends, this area is really worth the trip off to discover – only if to comprehend your entire monochromatic Instagram ambitions.

In addition they currently have a very conveniently labeled as Café Onion Anguk in Jongno-gu, except in a transformed standard building/temple, which is similarly remarkable.

Seoul’s Palaces, Temples & Industries

Invest each and every day sightseeing and ticking off Seoul’s most well known internet sites. The chairman’s pad, Blue home (or Cheongwadae), the switching of the protections from the spectacular Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeok Palace and stopping by the nationwide Folk Museum for more information on Korea’s rich history through the dynasties doing the present-day.

In addition to not be skipped will be the calming Jogyesa Buddhist Temple and bargain-hunting at well-known Namdaemun Markets.

Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS

)

Discover South Korea beyond Seoul by touring on over 80 ways and over 600 channels making use of Korea Rail Pass. Take unlimited tours of all Korail trains for 3 or 5 straight days or any versatile 2 and 4 days using this discount definitely limited for foreign nationals.

Meerkat & pals

An oh-so-Seoul ‘cafe’ which serves no food and just bottled drinks buts allows you to get up near and personal with semi-tame meerkats, raccoons, wallabies, kitties, foxes plus. With places in Hongdae and Myeongdong, it really is touristy and odd, and that’s why we are obsessed!

Discover Seoul Pass

Get effortless access to a mixture of 35 top Seoul places of interest making use of the Discover Seoul Pass. Select from 24/48/72 many hours go to help you take pleasure in discounts and freely personalize the Seoul travel with this flexible entry citation and transfer card through the Seoul Tourism Organization, exclusively open to foreign vacationers.

ZenKimchi Korean Foods Tours

If you are like you and planning your day at Korea when it comes to cuisine by yourself, then you’ll wanna prevent the touristy locations/ poor eating encounters and decide for an entirely immersive knowledge to help make the nearly all of Seoul’s meals scene.

Luckily, Joe, who has been operating
Korea’s longest-running food blog site, ZenKimchi,
for over fifteen years, has created an exclusively crafted trip to assist tourists discover actual Korean eating. To be clear, through this, we imply the guy will get no kickbacks from restaurants and takes you because they are genuinely fanatical about the food they provide, unlike much less scrupulous workers…

We chosen their Korean barbeque tour and had an unforgettable evening finding Korean eating decorum, savoring the number one charcoal grilled pork of your existence, appreciating satisfying talks with different people from around the world – and getting a little tipsy over a Korean alcoholic drinks training in a key pub!

Additionally, it is ideal for some pre-drinking before going out to Homo Hill, or even for solamente tourists which might or else find it difficult to discover Korean BBQ like this.

There was a wide range of trips available, but each one is operated by enthusiastic professionals who have your best interests at heart. So, if you wish to get out there to discover Seoul as a nearby – whilst having a ridiculous number of fun, ZenKimchi Korean Food Tours has one thing available.

Gay Annual Events In Seoul

Korea Queer Movie Festival (KQFF)

A yearly occasion in July devoted entirely to evaluating gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer films. KQFF happens to be held annually since 2001 making use of the stated goal of motivating variety in Korean culture while improving LGBT individual liberties and acceptance.

Probably one of the most important Asian message boards of international LGBT film/video, and when the dates coincide if an approach to enjoy a more sophisticated level of homosexual existence in Seoul.

I WILL BE Seoul

Korea’s largest circuit celebration brand name, I AM established in 2015 and it has rapidly be very preferred routine occasions across Asia. Today, IM continues to entice numerous gay tourists from across Asia therefore the globe to Gay Seoul.

I AM boasts 3 days of nightclub parties, swimming pool events and after-parties filled with music additionally the hottest dudes. Expect an unforgettable experience with a killer DJ line-up from all around the planet and awesome go-go men on stage. Ordinarily used in August, I WILL BE is actually completely worth preparing a visit around.

Korea Queer Festival Celebration | Pride Parade

Korea’s biggest LGBT event, this annual modern Korean festival, whoever motif is LGBT rights, has many highlights, including a pride parade, movie festival occasions, art, discussions and pub celebration events.

The event can last for per week or two and often occurs in belated will to very early June. The procession that was banned in 2015 lured worldwide awareness of the function, with many from it becoming vital associated with progress made with regards to LGBT legal rights in Southern Korea.

Once more taking place, you will find today some help from smaller Korean political parties and celebrities, but major events while the government most importantly take a natural posture. Unlike a lot of
additional Pride festivals internationally
, the Seoul Pride Prade positively limits the capability of attendees to just take images or films and requires photo-takers to blur players’ confronts before publishing photos using the internet.

This is done to decrease the chance of unintentional trips of players who however face considerable discrimination in Korean culture. Whilst the organizers have actually huge intentions to expand the big event into most significant in Asia, Seoul’s Queer society Festival reveals in several ways, South Korea is in the rock era.

120,000 LGBT men and women freely participated in 2018 – the greatest previously – but 200,000 signatures were additionally gathered to eliminate the Parade, and countless anti-LGBT protestors turned-out.

However, it really is incredible observe NGOs and brand names acquiring on-board as occasion grows. In a country in which modesty around outsiders is paramount and sexual choice is not something to be flaunted, we can merely hope enhanced exposure as time goes by assists brand new generations of South Koreans feel comfortable adequate to end up being whom they’re.

Gay-Friendly and Gay Resorts in Seoul

Although Korea and Seoul might-be much less politically modern and gay-friendly than, state,
Bangkok
,
Tokyo
or
Taipei
, it’s still safe to believe queer travelers will have no problems checking essentially any resort in Seoul. Unfortunately, however, there are no solely gay resort hotels in Seoul to check on into.

Seoul is a worldwide mega-city with a shortage of space, so area dimensions are smaller than just about everywhere more on the planet – but as enough gay males learn, it is not exactly about dimensions, but exactly how make use of it! We’re speaing frankly about style, functionality and views, darling!

However, everyone else likes to be in the middle of individuals with typical passions, and as such, there are many famous gay-friendly resort hotels in Seoul being hot spots for gay people to stay – either because of their location or their particular design and inclusive vibes.

Hotels near Homo Hill, the foreigner-friendly queer enclave in Itaewon, are incredibly well-liked by gay tourists – specifically tourists whom only speak English but Jongno into the Nagwon-dong community, is obviously the gayest part of Seoul, though very popular with locals than visitors.

You might also consider residing in the tourist-popular Myeongdong / Seoul main, typically said to be the heart of Seoul or even in the world-famous Gangnam region, a.k.a the ‘Beverly Hills of Seoul.’

The subsequent places in Gay Seoul have all had a glowing advice from gay travelers in the past, but of course,
discover numerous some other motels in Seoul
if these are not quite what you are actually finding.

Whether you prefer an enjoyable and social hostel, an inexpensive place to crash after every night of partying or an ultra-chic designer substitute for sip cocktails and encompass your self with fabulous individuals  – Gay Seoul has anything for everybody!

Gay-friendly Hotels in Itaewon

Hamilton Hotel â˜†â˜†â˜†â˜†

A landmark in Seoul’s Itaewon, this calm lodge in a small redbrick building is one minute’s stroll from the subway station with unfussy areas, cost-free Wi-Fi and helpful personnel.

You hardly ever need to keep with eight various eating choices, including a sleek Italian restaurant, 2 LGBT-friendly clubs, a patio rooftop share – well-liked by peacocking muscle mass gays-, a 24-hour spa, a health club, plus a tiny mall.

Not too long ago refurbished from top-to-bottom nonetheless merely a brief hit from Homo Hill, HOMPA by Le Queen and Club HIM.

IP Boutique Hotel â˜†â˜†â˜†â˜†

Based in Seoul’s cosmopolitan shopping and entertainment district, Itaewon, IP Boutique resort, presents a way of living experience for homosexual guests. Featuring excellent style and spectacular atmosphere, the hotel offers 133 guestrooms, a café restaurant, and limitless usage of their particular well-equipped fitness room.

Exemplary worth, IP Boutique Hotel is just a short walk toward definitely Homme gay bar and Club HIM by Pulse, increasing their homosexual popularity.

Resort ITW â˜†â˜†â˜†

(Temporarily or completely shut. If you know anything, please recommend an edit.)

A clean, contemporary, attractive resort in Itaewon with prices of the same quality or much better than most other locations in Seoul. We liked that it was within convenient taking walks range from the gay restaurants, bars, and retailers which make Itaewon these types of a pulsating and attractive part of Seoul. Hotel ITAW is, but up a steep hill and situated on a narrow one-way road which is challenging after every night of sipping.

Sp@Itaewon Guesthouse â˜†â˜†â˜†

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

The perfect hangout the social tourist with private areas, inexpensive dorms, and regular BBQ
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