Gay area in seoul

South Korea’s capital city of Seoul is both fiercely modern and uniquely aged school. Belonging to a country isolated and under military dictatorship until the 60s, both the capital and the country hold undergone rapid growth since embracing globalism, tech and democracy. A sprawling hub of contrasts, Seoul is where sleek skyscrapers and 5G WIFI rise tall over serene palace compounds flanked by ramshackle hanok villages. Where a riverside bike path can either lead you to a fish market or a K-pop concert, and where cosmetic surgery adverts plaster the sides of lean-tos selling boiled eggs and kimbap. While Korea is ultra-quick to pick up on trends, the territory remains behind neighbouring nations when it comes to LGBTQ rights, as conservative Confucian roots die rigid and politicians pander to Christian fundamentalists. Despite this, increasing international influence and openness among the younger generation has helped generate space for queer events and wider acceptance. For your definitive Seoul gay guide, you’ve come to the right place.

Trip Design

Where to stay in Seoul


Celebrating 30 YEARS
of Service to Asia's
Gay & Lesbian Community!


Utopia's Seoul listings are sponsored by

Navigating around Seoul is easy with our Utopia Map:


  • Korea Queer Culture Festival
  • The Seoul Queer Film & Video Festival







    • Cinemas
        There are at least several gay DVD theaters open in the Jongno 3-Ga area. If you are looking for older men, with the odd young businessman type, there's one just a adj walk north on the street east of the little plaza off the small alley next to the (usually closed) east gate of Topkol Park. Take the street (not the alley) north, cross the next street, and continue on just down the little street to the east of the musical instrument market (turn right at the two telephone booths at the foot of the extended stairs going up to entrance and then back down). Just where the long stairs come down on the north side, turn right down the small street and verb down a block or so to the DVD sign. Take the steps to B/F. This has a younger crowd and has much better gay flicks as

        How Seoul’s LGBTQ+ district came back from the brink

        The traditional arts and crafts on Insa-dong, the coffee shops of Ikseon-dong, the street vendors selling everything from skewers to rice cakes everywhere you look: walk around Jongno 3-ga (pronounced jong-no-sam-ga) and you’d be forgiven for thinking this was a cute traditional, albeit slightly eccentric, little corner of Seoul.

        But take a closer gaze and you’ll find that the neighbourhood – which we just named the third coolest in the world – is home to some or so bars catering to Seoul’s LGBTQ+ community. These institutions are very much hidden in plain sight, and there really is something for everyone, even the city’s gay seniors.

        Despite South Korea’s dynamic and tech-savvy image, its attitudes towards queer people cannot be said to be progressive. In this socially conservative country, LGBTQ+ people here are still made to feel invisible.

        This became all the more apparent in May , when a Covid outbreak smash the club scene in Seoul’s more famous, but small

        UPDATE: I visited Homo Hill after Pride (July 16, ) and I can confidently say &#; Homo Hill is still VERY MUCH busy and none of the bars closed permanently! I have yet to visit the Jongno gayborhood and street tent area, but will definitely update here when I do.

        I hate to hold to add this disclaimer, but this information is pre-COVID, pre As restrictions just ended for businesses, clubs, etc. and nightlife curfews, Itaewon and Jongno are just coming back to life. We&#;ll include to see what&#;s out there together &#; many places simply didn&#;t produce it due to having to close before 11 PM for two years.

        Seoul is very gay, but most visitors hold no idea. Yes, you can easily find information about Homo Hill here. But that&#;s the straightforward part. And there&#;s a system. Most gay Koreans live a verrrrrrrrrrry distinct life than us openly gay Westerners. Unfortunately, homosexuality isn&#;t understood by Korean society. Yes, the super Christians protest day and night about the devil that is being gay, but the average Korean just literally doesn&#;t verb it. While younger people h