How to Luxury Travel in Seoul

South Korea is one of the cheapest places in Asia to travel (and decently priced compared to Japan). Of course, it’s not as cheap as Southeast Asia, but you can still have a pretty good time on a budget! Seoul is home to the Kpop and Kdrama mecca and ritzy places in Gangnam cater to the rich and famous. I picked four of my favorite luxury places to show you the best way to have a great time if you’re looking to splurge on travel. If you’re into the expensive scene, then, this is how to luxury travel in Seoul.

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Alice

This speakeasy is one of the ritzier places in Gangnam and I seriously cannot recommend Alice enough. If you’re familiar with American history during the 1920s, the government passed a nationwide law banning alcohol importation, transportation, and creation. During prohibition, notorious mobsters like Al Capone were running multi-million dollar bootleg and prostitution rings to profit from the alcohol ban. Even though Korea never went through this phase, it didn’t stop entrepreneurs from getting in on the fun. 

Many speakeasies were known for disguising themselves as “respectable” businesses or hidden behind secret doors with passwords. You’ll find Alice by looking for the white rabbit on a wooden sign. It’s located in a basement so down the rabbit hole you go as your path is surrounded by decorative roses. Alice is disguised as a flower shop and the decor is provided by a local florist. You’ll enter the establishment through a Victorian style door and once you get to the back, you’ll see a white rabbit on the backdoor. Luckily, you don’t need a password to enter, and the staff with greet you warmly.

Inside, 1920s style music will be playing as you’re taken to a comfy armrest chair. In true speakeasy style, the bar is dimly lit for that secretive feel. You’ll be given a welcome basket with snacks and the drink of the day accompanied by a menu with illustrations from Lewis Carol’s Alice in Wonderland book. I highly recommend the Birds and the Bees cocktail or The Belleza for a special gift. I’m definitely not a cocktail person and I love a good beer, but Alice has some of the best cocktails I’ve ever tasted. They’re made with premium ingredients like fresh fruit and top notch alcohol. If you want to have a classy date evening with a great atmosphere then Alice is the place to be.

Cost: 20,000 won entrance & 25,000 for a signature cocktail

Address: 84-20 Cheongdam-Dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Once in a Blue Moon

If you’ve ever seen a Kdrama with a jazz scene, it was most likely filmed here! Once in a Blue Moon has made a name for itself as one of the classiest and well-established jazz bars the city has to offer. There’s a different live music act every night and you can enjoy a variety of delicious wines and cocktails as you watch the show. There are over 100 different wines and the cocktails are named after famous jazz musicians. Performers usually go from 7:30pm to 11:30pm. 

When you enter, the server will take you to your table. Most seat 2-4 people and you’re given a menu. The bar is doused in light blue neon light giving it an urban uptown feel. There are three different floors and you can choose which best suits your fancy. The ground floor is centered around enjoying the music up close while the second floor is about letting the music drift around you as you talk with your friends. If you’re feeling really classy, then go to their VIP rooms for private parties. 

Once in a Blue Moon is ideal for dates, groups of friends or a pleasant night out with family of age.

Cost: 20,000 won for a glass of basic wine

Address: 85-1 Cheongdam-Dong, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul

Hotel Cappuccino

The coolest part of the Hotel Cappuccino rooftop bar is that it is the first Gintoneria in Seoul. It specializes in all types of gins, mixes and garnishes. There’s even a menu where you can build your own drink, stirred not shaken, James Bond style. 

Luxury feeling comes from the atmosphere and with 360 degree views Seoul’s skyline you can’t go wrong. The first floor of the rooftop bar is divided into indoor and outdoor sections with the bar in the middle. There’s not one bad view as wherever you sit is next to glass panes for optimal viewing. The second floor is more open and available by bottle service on weekends. 

The bar tenders are really cool and will allow you to go upstairs for that perfect Instagram shot because let’s be real, it’s all for the gram, amirite? 

Cost: 20,000 won for a cocktail

Address: Seoul, Gangnam-gu, Bongeunsa-ro, 155

Tubester

The Tubester is probably one of the cheaper of all the activities, but don’t scoff at this one. You can get the luxury feeling of having your own personal motorboat, bringing your own fancy drinks and food and watching the sunset. This experience is so incredible because you’re able to watch the city light up and come alive as it twinkles brighter than the stars.

Cost: 30,000 won for 30 minutes or 45,000 won for one hour

Address: Seoul, Seocho-gu, Banpo 2(i)-dong, 1-8, 경남 쇼핑 센터 309 호

If you’re a fan of Kdramas like I am, then Seoul is definitely the city of dreams. You don’t have to go to famous places like the Kpop Bear street or the Coex to know the real Seoul of your favorite celebrities. Wanna hear something awesome? Famous Korean YouTubers and celebrities have visited the above places at least once! You might get lucky and run into them, so how cool would that be? Which one of these places would you visit first?

This post contains affiliate links which means at no additional cost to you, I make a small commission to help keep Gina Bear’s Blog running. Thanks for your support!

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