Best Latin Dancing Clubs in Seoul, Korea

Unleash your inner dancer and step into the vibrant world of salsa and tango in Seoul. With our comprehensive guide, explore the best dance bars that the city has to offer. The dynamic nightlife scene in Seoul caters to a diverse audience, from beginners keen to step into the fascinating realm of Latin dance forms, to seasoned dancers looking for a vibrant ambience.

Macondo: Known to be the oldest salsa bar in the city, Macondo has been serving as a salsa hub for the city's dance lovers since its beginning. With a nostalgic decor, the bar creates the perfect setting for a lively and pulsating night of salsa. If you're a salsa aficionado looking for an authentic Latin dance environment, Macondo is the place to be. Whether you're a trained dancer or a novice, its welcoming atmosphere and lively crowd make it the perfect spot for everyone.

El Tango Bar: Are you captivated by the sensual movements of tango or intrigued by its featured appearances in popular soap operas? If yes, El Tango Bar is the place for you. Its electric atmosphere coupled with scintillating Latin tunes create a captivating experience for its patrons. Among the city’s dance veterans, El Tango Bar stands out as a preferred spot, owing to its beautifully designed dance floor and high-quality acoustics.

Besides Macondo and El Tango Bar, there are several other salsa and tango bars scattered across Seoul full of rhythm, enthusiasm, and the vibrant Latin culture. So, get ready to immerse yourself in captivating dance routines, lively jigs, and a bustling atmosphere that will keep you on your toes the whole night.

Remember, even if you've never tried these dances before, it's never too late to start. Many places offer beginner classes, making it a great opportunity to learn a new skill while having fun. Put on your dancing shoes and move to the rhythm of salsa and tango in the buzzing city of Seoul.

Best Salsa Bars in Korea

Macondo is a longstanding Salsa Bar, nestled in the bustling Hongdae neighborhood on the North West side of Seoul. Praised for its hospitable and mixer-friendly atmosphere, it attracts a combination of both foreigners and locals. The dance floor might be a bit compact yet it doesn't stop the crowd from swaying to the tunes of Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, and Reggaeton until the crack of dawn (5 a.m), extending particularly on Fridays and Saturdays.

Key Information: - Location: Yongsan-gu, Bogwanro 127 - Contact: 010-6655-0956 - Visit Macondo. -

With its rich, lively ambience Club Bonita, forms one of the largest clubs in the heart of Seoul. It serves as an active rendezvous for the local Salsa communities who assemble here for their weekly Salsa classes. An intriguing feature is the women's free entry every Friday along with DJ parties every second Monday of the month which features a quartet of unique DJs.

Key Information: - Location: Mapo gu, Donggyo dong 200-30, B1 - Contact: 070-7435-9772 - Visit Club Bonita. -

SOMOS is a multifaceted café/bar in Seoul, being a cultural center throughout the day and transforming into a dance bar by night. It hosts engaging Latin Cultural events during daytimes such as language classes in Spanish and Telenovela meet-ups. Adding to the excitement are their exclusive live music events on Saturday nights.

Key Information: - Location: Chang Cheon-dong Seodamun-gu / Yonsero-5 dakil 22-3, 3rd floor - Contact: 02-322-0913 - Visit SOMOS. -

Since its establishment in 2012, Salsa Club Naomi has been an ever-active venue, welcoming people every day. Spectacular performances from local dance troops during their dance social events highlight the club apart from great music and dance that lasts until 5 a.m on Fridays.

Key Information: - Location: Gangnam-gu Yeoksam-dong 823-6, B1 - Contact: 02-553-1422 - Visit Salsa Club Naomi. -

South of the river, TURN is a commendable Salsa club. It is particularly popular on Saturdays and lasts till 5 a.m. Exceptional professional dancers predominantly perform On2 style on either end of the dance floor, alongside their most loved café corrento, a signature drink made with espresso and rum. An ideal choice to end your weekend!

Key Information: - Location: Gangnam-gu Yeoksam-dong 831~34, B1 - Contact: 02-557-2228 - Visit Turn. -

Located in Itaewon, the comprehensively renovated (2014) Bulldog offers the unique experience of watching Latin music videos, dancing around pool tables, alongside the option for a late night meal from the available menu.

Key Information: - Location: Mapo-gu Donggyo-dong 169-21, 3rd floor - Contact: 02-793-5320 - Visit Bulldogs. -

Since its remodeling in 2014, El Tango! has become a sought-after venue for tango festivals, milongas, live bands and has even been chosen as the shooting location for several soap operas in Seoul. Classes are conducted throughout the week by the owner, other instructors and professional dancers from Argentina. The Milongas on Monday-Wednesday last from 8 pm to midnight, extended till 1 am on Thursdays, and till 2 am on Friday and Saturday. The party ends at 11 p.m. on Sundays.

Key Information: - Location: Seocho-gu Jamwon dong 27-11, B1 - Contact: 070-7631-9898 - Visit El Tango! -

Ataniche is a one-of-a-kind tango bar that presents a unique family-like atmosphere. Located above a restaurant in the Apgujeong Garousogil area, this bar is mostly popular on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Unfortunately, due to lack of signage, visitors are advised to use navigation or familiar landmarks to locate it.

Key Information: - Location: Gangnam-gu Sinsa-dong 542-4, 2nd floor - Contact: 02-542-4427 - Visit Ataniche! -

Tango O Nada! has retained its charm since inception and is one of the oldest tango bars in the Hongdae area. Featuring dedicated evenings for beginners on Thursdays, the bar witnesses a turnout of advanced dancers on Fridays and Saturdays.

Key Information: - Location: Mapo-gu, Donggyo-dong 200-29, B1 - Contact: 02-324-7411 - Visit Tango O Nada! -

Salsa Classed in Korea

Immerse yourself in the soulful rhythm of salsa in the heart of Korea. Dive into an invigorating, energetic, and highly engaging dance journey, whether you're a dance enthusiast or a newcomer to the salsa scene.

Salsa is a dance form that originated in Cuba. Its seductive Latin beats are the heart and soul of the dance and its rhythm pulses through every movement. Salsa is a street dance first and a stage dance second, performed with one partner or in a team of several dancers.

In Korea, salsa is enjoying wide popularity. The dance style has been embraced by young and old alike, and permeates various facets of Korean social life, offering an exciting medium of expression and partaking in gatherings.

Engage in Authentic Salsa Classes

Learning salsa in Korea offers tremendous potential for learners. Beginners can join basic-level classes to acquaint themselves with the salsa rhythm, while intermediate and advanced learners can continue to hone their dancing skills and step proficiency, through detailed and intensive training.

Top salsa classes in Korea offer the following:

• Professional dance instructors Passionate professionals with years of experience in salsa dancing globally, offering personalized tutoring to suit individual learning patterns.

• Comprehensive course curriculum Detailed course modules that encompass the integral aspects of salsa, from basic steps to complex moves.

• Flexible schedules Convenient classes set at various times throughout the day to accommodate the busy schedules of learners.

• Community-driven classes More than just a dance lesson, salsa classes in Korea offer a platform for cultural exchange and social networking.

Experiencing Salsa in Korea

Salsa classes in Korea are hosted by reputable dance schools and studios across the country. Here, participants have the opportunity to learn from trained instructors who are eager to share the enthralling experience of salsa dancing.

By participating in a salsa class, you have the opportunity to :

• Deepen your understanding of salsa and its cultural significance.
• Build a strong foundation of dance skills and techniques.
• Develop coordination and rhythm.
• Participate in a physically demanding activity that aids in boosting overall fitness and wellness.
• Engage in a unique social activity that helps build camaraderie and community.

In a nutshell, salsa classes in Korea go much beyond the realm of mere dancing. They encapsulate a holistic learning experience of a profound dance form, a vibrant cardio workout, and an insightful cultural encounter.

Other Clubs in Korea

Korea boasts a vibrant clubbing scene that appeals to both locals and foreigners. The rich nightlife experiences range from mega clubs with international DJ lineups to smaller, underground styles that attract an eclectic audience.

1. Club Octagon, Seoul

Club Octagon continues to rank as one of the best nightclubs in Seoul and has consistently found a spot on international DJ Mag's top 100 clubs worldwide. The club is located in Gangnam and is known for its underground dance scene. It features the latest audiovisual technologies, an LED system, and VIP tables. It's a favoured space for locals and international party-goers who love EDM and techno music.

2. Club Arena, Seoul

The invite-only Club Arena in Shinsa-dong, Gangnam, maintains an air of exclusivity. Known for its sleek interior design and quality client services, the club combines techno with deep house music for a thrilling experience. You have a higher chance of entry if you make table reservations in advance or show up with a group.

3. Cakeshop, Seoul

Cakeshop in Itaewon has a reputation for bringing in top-notch and up-and-coming DJs from all over the world. The edgy nightclub is set in a retro Korean-styled basement and plays cutting-edge music spanning a variety of genres.

4. Club Mass, Seoul

Club Mass is considered Seoul's first electronic dance club. Nestled in Gangnam, it is best known for spinning mainstream EDM and offers a fantastic atmosphere, attracting a young and energetic crowd.

5. Club Grid, Busan

Busan, Korea's second-largest city, hosts Club Grid. It is the largest club in the city and is a leading player in the Korean clubbing arena. Its high ceilings and spacious dance floor make for an exciting nightlife experience. Offering a different vibe from Seoul, Club Grid focuses more on Korean pop and hip-hop music.

In summary, whether in Seoul or Busan, Korea's nightlife and clubbing scene offer a range of options for those seeking a taste of Korea's vibrant and exciting nightlife. The well-established mega clubs along with the smaller, more niche dance spaces offer a mix of local and international music to cater to all tastes and preferences.