I’m pretty sure almost every foreigner in Korea has been to Haebangchon at least once. Among foreigners, it is commonly referred to as HBC. It is the heart of Seoul’s international community with nearly all of the businesses in the area being run by foreigners. These are some fun places to visit on weekdays in HBC, when you need a dose of community love.
One of the oldest districts in the heart of Seoul is Haebangchon, also known as HBC. It is adjacent to Namsan, a popular tourist destination and a haven for residents from several English-speaking countries.
Most people think of Itaewon as the center of the foreign community. However, I would say that HBC is the real center. Itaewon is just a 10-minute walk from HBC but there is a pretty big difference between the two areas. Itaewon became known as THE foreign area in Korea. As a result, a lot of Koreans wanting to experience foreign culture flock to the area to party. Itaewon is now more of a clubbing area than a true community center. And, a lot of actual foreigner-run businesses got priced out of Itaewon in recent years and had to move to other areas. Many moved to HBC, and now you can find foreign businesses here that operate at all hours of the day.
Not only do numerous foreign residents call HBC home, but nearly all of the businesses there are owned by foreigners. It might be difficult to decide what to do because there are so many activities to do in the neighborhood. As a result, I’d like to give a list of enjoyable activities you may partake in while visiting Haebangchon.
The “All you can eat ribeye barbeque” at Gogi Boys is the first location I’d like to mention. Many meat lovers enjoy this place since it’s not only affordable but also gives you plenty of time. For 25,000 won, one person gets 90 minutes to fill their stomach with the greatest ribeyes ever. The all-you-can-eat option is only available on certain days, usually Mondays, so be sure to check their Instagram before stopping by.
The Gogi Boys (더고기보이즈)
Address: 4 Sinheung-Ro 9 Gil, Yongsan-Gu, Seoul
Korean address: 서울 용산구 신흥로9길 4
Operating Hours: 05:30 PM - 12:00 AM
The second place I’d like to mention is Southside Parlour’s trivia night. The Southside Parlour is a popular American-style taco bar with a wide selection of great cocktails and friendly bartenders. They have a trivia night every Tuesday, which is ideal for anyone looking to meet new people and find their own community.
Southside Parlor
Address: 4fl 218 Noksapyeongdae-Ro, Yongsan-Gu, Seoul
Korean address: 서울 용산구 녹사평대로 218 4층
Operating Hours: Tue - Thu: 06:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Fri: 6:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Sat: 5:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Sun: 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Mon: Closed
The third weekly event in HBC I would like to introduce is Taco Tuesdays at the Phillies. Phillies is one of the oldest bars in HBC, operating since 1998. They provide a vast selection of alcoholic beverages and food options.
Every Tuesday, in addition to its regular menu, the bar serves cheap Mexican food such as burritos, quesadillas, and their renowned tacos. They also provide a discount on margaritas. The menu costs between 5,000 and 14,000 won. The three tacos for 9000 won are the greatest value.
Phillies Pub
Address: 31-1 Siheung-Ro, Yongsan-Gu, Seoul
Korean address: 서울 용산구 신흥로 31-1
Operating Hours: 05:00 PM - 12:00 AM
The fourth event I’d like to highlight is “Ladies Night,” which is held every Thursday at The Hidden Cellar.
You will receive two hours of limitless wine for just 20,000 won. It is apparently quite well-liked by the local ladies, and many either end up making friends there or bring their female friends with them. Definitely, a place to visit if you enjoy wine and want to find some that is both inexpensive and wonderful, or if you want to make more female friends.
The Hidden Cellar
Address: 11 Siheung-Ro, Yongsan-Gu,
Korean address: 서울 용산구 신흥로 11
Operating Hours: 08:00 PM - 12:00 AM
The final event I’d like to highlight is Casa Amigo’s weekly Thursday promotion of “Half off margaritas.” You may relax with some pals and perhaps play some darts while sipping on margaritas. This is a good value for only 7000 won.
The Hidden Cellar
Address: 13 Huinamu-Ro, Yongsan-Gu, Seoul
Korean address: 서울 용산구 회나무로 13
Operating Hours: 11:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Want to check out more interesting places in HBC? Click Here to read about a live Jaz bar in the area.