Following is part of a series on Seoul’s hottest bars and clubs. ― Ed. 


Itaewon is one of the most unique and ethnically diverse areas in Seoul.

The area’s free and exotic night scene is incomparable with any other district in Seoul. Among the most frequently visited clubs in Itaewon is the multi-entertainment facility DISTRICT.

DISTRICT is located in the most crowded part of Itaewon, on the strip behind the Hamilton Hotel, which has lines of clubs and bars, much like Hong Kong’s famous club district Lan Kwai Fong.

In the very center of this area and directly behind Hamilton Hotel is where DISTRICT welcomes guests with its luxurious two-floor building. The exterior seems styled in the manner of a Spanish brick house with antique windows.

This multi-complex building is divided into three separate facilities: PROST PUB&GRILL, glam LOUNGE and club MTE. PROST PUB&GRILL, located on the first floor of the building, is a pub-type restaurant.

With the venue attracting visitors in large numbers, empty seats are hard to come by on weekends. Its menu includes nachos, burgers and pasta ― typical American pub fare. Another joy of DISTRICT is that it is easy on the wallet. Drink prices in Itaewon are a lot cheaper than in Gangnam, and though DISTRICT distinguishes itself with its luxury image, its prices are typical of the area. Liquor ranges from 7,000 won to 20,000 won by the glass and 40,000 won to 400,000 won by the bottle.

The main entrance to the second floor welcomes guests with a dramatic chandelier. The environment is dark and almost dreary but colorful light adds a mysterious ambience. The second floor boasts club MTE on the right and glam LOUNGE on the left.

Opened in January 2012, the club maintains its luxurious features with chandeliers and gold leaf furniture. The lounge has a long horseshoe-shaped bar in the center, where guests can sit and have a casual talk.

The best thing about this seemingly high-end luxury hangout is that the environment is free and the guests are more mature ― women will not have their hand grabbed by men trying to bring them to their table, a scene commonly observed in clubs in Seoul.

Here, no one will bother you unless you wanted to be bothered. The facility’s music, generally house and electronic, is not worthy of note, but visitors will have no problem having a good time. Many expat groups stop by this club for its friendly and luxurious environment. Drink prices range from 9,000 won to 20,000 won by the glass and bottles range from 60,000 won to 1.5 million won. Glam LOUNGE is open from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., Monday to Sunday.

Club MTE is a fairly new club to the district, having opened in April of this year. Just like its branches, the interior of the club is stylish and luxurious. A bird cage-shaped DJ booth and hive-shaped ceiling with bright lights will surely impress.

However, despite the fancy interior, the club is not mind-blowing. MTE is a little too small for a club and the music is nothing short of awful.

The facility describes its space as big enough for 350 people, but with all the fancy decoration, the space seems smaller and does not have the impact that guests get in Gangnam clubs. Its music ― mainly house, disco and techno ― does not make for a party atmosphere.

The main advantage of this venue is that clubbers coming from PROST PUB&GRILL or glam LOUNGE can go here for convenience. Though club MTE is not one of the best clubs in Seoul, visitors are friendly and attractive, so go for the people, not the music.

Club MTE’s liquor starts at 9,000 won a shot and goes up to 14,000 won, while bottle prices range from 160,000 won to 990,000 won. The club is open from 9:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Thursdays and until 6 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Guests with flip-flops, and men in shorts or tracksuits are barred. Admission is 15,000 won on weekdays and 20,000 won on weekends.

By Lee Hyun-jae, Intern reporter 

DISTRICT
Hamilton Hotel Annex 116-1
Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
02-796-6853