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Korea is a destination that really knows how to shine after dark, while some may head to bed when the sun goes down, Korea knows how to keep you entertained until the wee hours.

 SHOP ‘TILL YOU DROP

In Seoul, there are many large shopping malls in Dongdaemun fashion town which are open till dawn.  Here you’ll find stylish clothes at moderate prices and, when you need a break, there are many cafes and restaurants within the malls where you can recharge before hitting the shops again.

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD

Take your tastebuds on a foodie tour at night markets around the country including the Jeonju Nambu Market lined with booths and carts, Busan Bupyeong Kkangtong Night Market with its fish specialties – the Daegu Seomun Night Market with over 80 food stalls serving both traditional and Korean fusion.  At the Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market, the largest fish market in Soul, you can enjoy boat-fresh seafood until midnight.

PEACEFUL PALACES AND FORTRESSES

Cultural heritage sites are serene and peaceful at night and an evening exploration is an alternative way to experience them. Deoksugung Palace and Changgyeonggung Palace are open until 9pm and are beautifully lit.  Changgyeonggung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a ‘Moonlight Tour’ from spring to autumn which includes a private guided tour and traditional performances.  Gyeongbokgung Palace provides evening tastings of Korean royal cuisine from spring to autumn. Take a hot air balloon over Hwaseong Haenggung Palace in Suwon and enjoy the aerial view of the stunning fortress from 150m above the ground.  If in the mood for a night walk, try the Naksan Mountain Trail of the Hanyangdoseong Seoul City Wall stretching from Hyehwamun Gate to Heunginjimun Gate.

 PC BANG!

Playing online games at a PC bang. Korean e-sports players and teams are very popular worldwide which may be why online gaming is a favourite pastime for many Koreans.  PC bang or internet cafes in Korea are equipped with the latest and fastest computers, keyboards and headsets, optimized for playing.  They also sell food and snacks to keep you fueled for a full night of gaming.

RELAX AND UNWIND

Unwind in the city at a Jjimjilbang – a Korean-style sauna where you can bathe, eat, relax and even sleep – found everywhere in Korea.  Go between the hot and ice rooms and enjoy the extreme temperature gap.  Locals, young and old eat baked eggs with ice cold sikhye (sweet rice punch).  Try Spa Land Centum City in Busan or Aquafield in Goyang.

FIND YOUR SEA LEGS

Enjoy the night view on board a Hangang passenger ferry which provides great views of Seoul as well as the regular fireworks.  It’s also the best place to see the Banpodaegyo Rainbow Fountain Show.  In Busan there are yacht and sailing tours around Suyeongman Yachting Centre, The Bay 101 and Gwangandaegyo Bridge.

WORK UP A SWEAT

Sports fans will enjoy the many night sports available.  There are many late-night indoor sports facilities where you can enjoy baseball, shooting, skiing, fishing, rock climbing, archery and bowling such as Legend Sports Heroes in Gangnam and Dongdaemun, open until midnight.

BUS IT

Enjoy the nightscape on a tour bus. Seoul City Tour Bus runs along the Hangang River stopping at Dongjakdaegyo Bridge and Namsan Seoul Tower while the Busan City Tour Bus offers spectacular view of the coastline.

TENTED NIGHTCAP

Have a drink at a pojang macha – a little tented wagon. Head to Yeosu which is one of the best places in Korea to enjoy the sea by night – just find the Nagman Pocha Street.  Pocha is short for pojang macha.  There are more than 20 pochas or tent bars under the Geobukseondaegyo Bridge.  Most of the tent bars specialise in seafood to pair with drinks.  The pojang macha town behind the Haeundae Beach in Busan is very popular especially during the Busan International Film Festival when these bars are frequented by famous Korean actors and actresses.  There are a number of popular pojang macha areas in Seoul also known for their unique Korean dishes.