One of my favourite things about travelling is discovering places that make you feel welcome and help you experience a city beyond the usual tourist spots.
During my trip to Seoul, I had a brilliant time at MICHIN, a gay bar in Itaewon. Great music, drinks and a lively atmosphere made it a memorable night, and the friendly staff made me feel right at home.
But what made the experience even better was what came next.
The team at MICHIN introduced me to more of Seoul’s LGBTQ+ nightlife, recommending other gay bars and karaoke spots where local gay guys get together to sing, drink and have a good time.
They even gave me a local nightlife guide featuring up-to-date information on gay bars and venues in both Itaewon and Jongno, two of Seoul’s best-known areas for exploring the gay scene.
The guide includes Instagram QR codes, making it easy to find the venues on social media and check their latest updates. There’s also a Google Maps QR code.
It’s a really practical touch for travellers. Instead of spending hours searching online or relying on outdated travel articles, you can scan the codes, discover new places and plan the rest of your nights in Seoul with recommendations from people who know the local scene.
Itaewon and Jongno each have their own character, and having a list covering both areas gave me plenty of ideas for the rest of my trip.
It was a thoughtful gesture that turned a fun night out into something more: a chance to discover new places, explore Seoul’s gay nightlife and make the most of my time in Korea.
If you’re visiting Seoul and want to explore its gay nightlife, put MICHIN on your list. Stop by for a drink, enjoy the music, meet some friendly people and ask the team about their latest recommendations. You might leave with some great memories — and a whole list of places to discover next.
After all, the best travel tips often come from the people who know the city best.
📍 MICHIN Seoul — Itaewon, Seoul, South Korea
Good drinks, great music, friendly faces and your next Seoul adventure waiting to happen.
