Seoul Pub Crawl by Absolute

If you’re looking to dive into Seoul’s lively night scene without the hassle of planning, the Seoul Pub Crawl by Absolute offers a fun, safe, and social way to explore the city after dark. Rated a perfect 5.0 based on over 130 reviews, this tour is renowned for its friendly guides, diverse venues, and great value for money. Whether you’re traveling solo, in a group, or just want an authentic experience with fellow travelers, this pub crawl promises an energetic night out that’s hard to beat.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the organized visits to multiple bars and clubs give you the chance to sample Seoul’s different neighborhood vibes—whether the iconic Itaewon or the trendy Hongdae. Second, the tour is not just about drinking but about making connections, dancing, and discovering the local nightlife culture with new friends. Third, the affordable price of $20 covers guided visits, free shots, drink discounts, and photos—offering excellent value considering the amount of fun packed into a few hours.

One thing to keep in mind is that the group sizes can vary, especially in the larger Friday Itaewon tour, which can accommodate up to 300 participants. Some travelers might find the bigger crowd a bit overwhelming or noisy, but the smaller Thursday Hongdae tour tends to be more intimate and relaxed. This tour is best suited for those looking to socialize, enjoy a lively atmosphere, and explore Seoul’s nightlife in a safe, organized setting.

Key Points

• Highly Rated Experience: With a perfect 5-star rating from over 130 reviews, it’s clear travelers love this tour.
• Great Value for Money: Just $20 covers guided visits to multiple venues, free shots, drink discounts, and photos.
• Diverse Nightlife: Visits include at least 3 bars/clubs, showcasing Seoul’s vibrant neighborhood scenes—Hongdae and Itaewon.
• Social Atmosphere: The tour attracts a mix of locals and travelers from around the world, making it perfect for meeting new friends.
• Flexible Schedule: The crawl runs multiple nights a week, in different areas, so you can pick the best night for you.
• Good for Solo Travelers: Many reviews highlight how welcoming the guides and fellow participants are, making it ideal for solo adventurers.

An In-Depth Look at the Seoul Pub Crawl Experience

What to Expect from the Tour

For just $20, the Absolute Seoul Pub Crawl provides a lively, well-organized evening that combines sightseeing, socializing, and partying. Starting at 8:00 pm, the tour typically lasts around 4 to 5 hours, offering a mix of bar hopping, dancing, and enjoying some of Seoul’s top nightlife spots.

The Itinerary, Step by Step

Stop 1: Meeting and Kickoff
The fun begins at 8:00 pm, where your guides welcome you at designated meeting points—Dokkaebi Party House in Hongdae on Thursdays and The Craic House in Itaewon on Fridays. Expect a casual, friendly atmosphere as groups gather, often around 20-50 people depending on the night and location. The guides, Maddie, Ricky, Zara, and Manuel, repeatedly earn praise for their friendly attitude and ability to keep energy high.

Stop 2: Hongdae or Itaewon
In Hongdae, the crawl experiences a slightly smaller, more intimate vibe with about 20+ guests, which many reviewers say enhances the social experience. The venues are a mix of lively bars and clubs, with plenty of music, dancing, and group shots. The Thursday tour, in particular, is noted for its cozy atmosphere, making it easier to chat and connect.

In Itaewon, the larger Friday groups (up to 300 travelers) bring a more energetic, bustling environment. According to reviews, this area is perfect for those craving a more dynamic scene, with the added bonus that the tour can skip long queues—something especially valuable during peak nights or holidays, as one reviewer pointed out during Christmas Eve.

Stop 3: Bar and Club Visits
The tour includes visits to at least three venues, each staying about an hour. You’ll get free entry to these spots, which means no waiting in line or worrying about cover charges—definitely a perk for those wanting to maximize fun and minimize hassle. The venues are carefully chosen to showcase Seoul’s nightlife diversity—ranging from lively dance clubs to themed bars, with drink discounts at some locations.

Stop 4: Shots and Photos
Included in the price are more than four free shots—a great way to start the night or keep the energy high. Many reviews mention the party photos taken throughout the night, providing memorable snapshots of your Seoul adventure. These photos are a popular feature, allowing guests to relive the fun long after the night ends.

What Travelers Love Most

The most praised aspects of this tour seem to be the guides’ friendliness, the variety of venues, and the opportunity to meet diverse people. Many reviewers mention how guides like Maddie, Ricky, Zara, and Manuel go out of their way to ensure everyone feels included and safe.

For example, one guest shared, “The crew was amazing and fun. They maintained great communication and made adjustments during some unforeseen events,” highlighting the tour’s flexibility and professionalism. Others appreciated the welcoming atmosphere, especially solo travelers or those new to Seoul, with many saying they met friends they hung out with afterward.

The Social and Cultural Benefits

Beyond just drinking, the tour offers an authentic glimpse into Seoul’s nightlife culture. You’ll see how Koreans and expats alike enjoy their evenings—whether through karaoke, live music, or dance. The diverse crowd means you experience a broad spectrum of backgrounds, making the social aspect particularly rewarding.

Participants have also remarked on how the tour serves as a great icebreaker, especially for solo travelers. Several reviews specifically mention how guides like Zara and Maddie foster a friendly environment, helping shy guests open up and mingle.

The Practicalities: Price, Duration, and Group Size

At $20, this tour offers exceptional value for a night packed with fun, drinks, and unforgettable memories. The price covers guided visits, free shots, discounts, and photos, so it’s a budget-friendly way to experience Seoul’s nightlife without the stress of planning individual bar entries.

The duration of 4-5 hours makes it a perfect evening activity—long enough to feel like a proper night out but not so exhausting that you’re ready for bed by 11 pm.

Group sizes vary—smaller Thursday groups tend to foster more intimate conversations, while larger Friday groups create an energetic, carnival-like atmosphere. Both have their appeal, depending on your mood.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

The meeting points are conveniently located near public transportation in Hongdae and Itaewon, making it easy to hop on and off. Remember to bring a valid ID to verify your age, as clubs enforce age limits starting from those born in 2005.

Dress casual but neat—avoid gym wear or overly athletic clothes—and arrive ready to have fun. Respectful behavior is emphasized, as misbehavior or disrespect will not be tolerated.

If you’re traveling solo, the tour is a fantastic way to meet like-minded travelers—many rave about making friends from around the world. The guides are known for their friendly, inclusive attitude, making even shy guests feel comfortable.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

In essence, the Seoul Pub Crawl by Absolute is more than just a night out; it’s an opportunity to experience Seoul’s nightlife with a friendly, well-organized team. It’s perfect for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of finding good bars on their own, enjoy a safe and lively environment, and meet fellow explorers from across the globe.

The value is undeniable. For $20, you get guided visits to multiple venues, free shots, exclusive discounts, and photos—all wrapped up in an atmosphere of fun and camaraderie. The guides’ professionalism and the variety of venues ensure every night is different and exciting, making this a great choice whether you’re visiting Seoul for the first time or you’re a seasoned nightlife enthusiast.

While the larger groups might sometimes feel overwhelming, the overall energy, safety, and social vibe make this tour a memorable highlight of any Seoul trip. If you love dancing, meeting new friends, and discovering Korea’s nightlife, this pub crawl will not disappoint.

FAQs

Is the pub crawl suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Many reviews highlight how welcoming and friendly the guides and fellow participants are, making it an excellent activity for solo travelers to meet others and enjoy a fun night out.

What is included in the price?
The $20 fee covers guided visits to at least three bars or clubs, free entry, more than four free shots, drink discounts at some venues, and party photos. Food and additional drinks are not included unless specified.

What should I wear?
Casual attire is fine, but avoid gym wear like shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or sportswear. A neat, comfortable outfit that’s suitable for a night out will help you enjoy the experience fully.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes. Participants must be born in or before 2005 to join, and no more than 45 years old due to club age limits. Bring valid ID for age verification.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour starts, ensuring flexibility if your plans change.

What’s the difference between the Thursday and Friday tours?
Thursday in Hongdae tends to be smaller and more intimate, ideal if you prefer a relaxed setting. Friday in Itaewon is larger and more energetic, perfect for those wanting a bustling, lively experience.

The Seoul Pub Crawl by Absolute shines as a fantastic way to explore Korea’s nightlife without the fuss. It combines affordability, fun, and safety—plus a dash of social magic—making it a top choice for travelers eager to see Seoul from a local’s perspective after sunset.

If you value meeting diverse people, enjoy dancing, and want to experience Seoul’s vibrant bar scene in a structured yet lively environment, this tour is likely to become a highlight of your trip. With friendly guides, a variety of venues, and a focus on creating fun memories, it’s a night out that many guests recommend over and over again.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned nightlife lover, the Seoul Pub Crawl offers an authentic, enjoyable glimpse into Korea’s after-hours culture—don’t miss the chance to join the fun.