Korea ranks as one of the safest countries in the world, making it possible to enjoy what the country has to offer, even late into the night! What’s more, late-night buses operate throughout the capital city. So whether you can’t sleep due to the time difference, or you just want to cram in one more treat, Seoul has got you covered!
What is a "Late Night Bus?"
Late night buses in Seoul refer to those operating from midnight to early dawn. These buses are a great way of moving around town on public transportation during the hours when most buses are not in service. As of March 2020, nine late-night bus routes are in operation with various timetables. Each bus route starts with the letter “N” to signify it is a ‘night’ bus. These late-night buses cover the high traffic areas around popular tourist locations such as Gangnam Station. The fare is a bit higher than day buses, priced at 2,250 won for adults when paying with cash.
Dining Options Along N26 Bus Route
(Gangseo (강서) ↔ Jungnang (중랑))
♣ Operating hours (departure time): First bus (outbound) 00:00, Last bus (inbound) 03:30 / Intervals approx. 25-30 min
Hapjeong Station – Hapjeong-dong Wine Bar
The alleyways of Hapjeong-dong are a hip and artistic zone, dotted with dozens of cafés and cultural spaces of varying themes, all vying for the attention of passersby. More than just cafés, Hapjeong-dong also has pubs, wine bars, and restaurants serving a blend of Eastern and Western cuisine. The mix of cultures and styles has created a unique atmosphere. The wine bars in particular are trending these days for their great atmosphere and reasonable prices.
Address: Area of Eoulmadang-ro 5-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 어울마당로5길 일대)
Sinchon Station – Dakgalbi (닭갈비)
Sinchon is becoming well known for delicious dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) through word of mouth among epicureans. Dakgalbi is a dish made of chicken and a variety of vegetables including cabbage and onion that is covered in a spicy seasoning and stir-fried at the table in front of you. In bustling Sinchon, restaurants specializing in this dish are thriving, including restaurants selling cheese or seafood combos and even all-you-can-eat! With the many dakgalbi and fried chicken restaurants in the area, Sinchon is a must-visit place for lovers of chicken.
Address: Area of Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 서대문구 연세로 일대)
Jonggak Station – Cheonggyecheon Café Street
The paths along Cheonggyecheon Stream are full of visitors all year round. The stream is dotted with people escaping the heat of summer or coming to view the colorful lights during the Seoul Lantern Festival in fall. Cheonggyecheon Stream is lined with cafés, making it easy to stop for a cup of coffee while enjoying a relaxing view of the stream.
Address: Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 청계천로)
Dongdaemun Station – Dak Hanmari Alley
Dak Hanmari Alley in the area of Dongdaemun Shopping Complex is lined with restaurants specializing in dak hanmari (whole chicken soup). For newbies to Korean food, dak hanmari may seem quite similar to samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup). However, while samgyetang is a single dish, dak hanmari is a full course! A whole chicken is boiled in a broth along with leeks, tteok (rice cakes), potatoes, and more. Spicy gochujang (Korean chili paste) can be added according to one’s tastes. After finishing the chicken, kalguksu (noodle soup) is cooked in the remaining broth. With such a hearty meal, it will be your own fault if you leave the table feeling hungry!
Address: Area of 14, Jong-ro 40ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 종로 40가길 14 일대)
Dongdaemun Station – Street food from food stalls
It’s easy to find pojangmacha (food stalls) on the streets of Dongdaemun at all hours, as the wholesale fashion market is open until the early hours of the morning. Among the variety of late-night snacks available, most foreigners prefer dak kkochi (chicken skewers), tteokbokki (spicy rice cake), and sundae bokkeum (spicy stir-fried blood sausage & vegetables). Dak kkochi are made by skewering pieces of chicken and spring onion onto a stick, which are then grilled and coated in either sweet soy sauce or spicy seasoning for a taste loved by all. Another popular food is mayak gimbap, literally translated to “narcotic gimbap” because it is addictively delicious! Try it dipped in spicy tteokbokki sauce to see what all the fuss is about.
Address: Area of Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 장충단로 일대)
Dining Options Along N62 Bus Route
(Yancheon (양천) – Myeonmok-dong (면목동))
♣ Operating hours (departure time): First bus (outbound) 23:40, Last bus (inbound) 01:10 / Intervals approx. 30 min
Hongik University Station – Makgeolli (막걸리)
There are many bars and pubs to choose from in the Hongdae area, the center of Korea’s youth culture. For a unique Korean experience, why not try one of the bars selling makgeolli (rice wine)? With a taste more similar to a beer than soju, makgeolli is a popular drink choice. Because of the lower alcohol content, you can enjoy a larger variety of flavors, from makgeolli sweetened with honey to fruit makgeolli. Pick a side dish to go with your drinks and enjoy your Korean nightlife experience!
Address: Area of Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 홍익로 일대)
Sindang Station – Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town
Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town has been well-known for tteokbokki since the late ‘70s. Many of the food vendors here remain open 24 hours so you can find people enjoying the sweet and spicy snack both day and night. The shops all have their own sauce, making the taste unique to each vendor. They also sell sets with toppings to choose at will such as eggs, ramyeon noodles, mandu (dumplings), fish cakes and more. Choose your favorite toppings and chow down!
Address: Area of Toegye-ro 76-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 퇴계로76길 일대)
Konkuk University Station - Kondae Food Street
All kinds of food are available at Kondae Food Street, from Korea’s beloved grilled samgyeopsal and galbi to Western foods and trendy dessert cafés. The restaurants and cafés remain open late into the evening, drawing customers into their bright and warm interiors.
Address: Area of Dongil-ro 22-gil, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 광진구 동일로22길 일대)
Source: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/
