Seoul is one of the hottest travel destinations of the moment, and the city rises to the occasion with fabulous rooftop bars that flaunt its glorious views and thoughtfully curated design. Each rooftop bar on this list was an exciting discovery that made us fall in love with the city even more than the last. Follow this list to discover some truly unique hidden gems in Seoul that aren’t in any other travel guides, then thank us later.

 

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59 Stairs is a hidden rooftop bar in Euljiro 4-ga, just a few blocks away from the main nightlife district of Euljiro (or Hipjiro, as it’s called these days). The building resides in a dimly lit alley where most of the shops are closed in the evening, which can seem a bit sketchy (though the area in general is usually teeming with people and quite safe). Follow the directions on Naver Maps, and it’ll lead to the red light in the entryway that leads to one of the coolest bars in the area. The name 59 Stairs refers to the number of steps that it takes to reach the bar on the 5th floor.

Once on the 5th floor, guests may be surprised to discover a very moody yet chic Victorian Gothic-inspired space. The dim red lighting, candelabras, and slightly spooky props altogether create a very romantic and intimate vibe. The entire back wall consists of windows that open to reveal the glimmering cityscape on Changgyeonggung-ro.

The rooftop is one floor above the bar, where guests can choose to take their drinks if they wish to be outside. The roof reveals the sparkling downtown skyline in the distance, while the bright lights of Euljiro’s business district encircle the space. Upstairs, the setup is laidback and casual with wooden tables and folding chairs, making it an ideal space for gathering with friends. With its evocative decor and awesome rooftop views, 59 Stairs is a hidden gem and one of the most exciting finds in the trendy Hipjiro district.

The rooftop doesn’t have a view since the bar is in a narrow alley. But the chill outdoor spot feels like hanging out in a friend’s backyard or at a kickback. The cozy rooftop is decorated with vintage neon signs, fairy lights, flowers, and a classic movie being projected on the back wall. It’s the perfect low-key place to chill with friends or get to know a date when the weather is nice and everybody wants to be al fresco.

uphill namsan is a place to dine and spend a classy evening with good food and wine. All tables are required to order a bottle of wine or whiskey with their meal. The bar has an extensive list of wines from all around the world. French wines are featured heavily, but there are also ample options for Italian, Spanish, Australian, Californian, and even German wines. The tasteful menu offers enticing bites like rosé shrimp pasta, orange hummus salad, grade 1 Hanwoo steaks, Basque cheesecake, and whiskey affogato.

The sweet views, tasteful menu, and classic simplicity of uphill namsan make it an ideal venue for an impressive date or intimate dinner with friends. Downstairs is their sister bistro, uptempo, which is a more casual option where guests can order wine by the glass and enjoy similar views.

The rooftop only has a handful of tables, which creates a very close, personal atmosphere. On a clear night when the view really sparkles, it feels like a scene out of a movie or, even better, a K-drama. The indoor space is also very classy, featuring an elegant black marble bar and leather sofas for lounging. The bar sticks to the basics but does them well, with classic cocktails executed at a mixologist’s level. Not much more is needed for a perfect night with incredible views and the warm feeling of good company at Cove Bar.

Ugly Society provides an unbeatable 360-degree panorama of Seoul in the pulsing heart of Itaewon. This rooftop offers views on views from every side, from the lush hills of Namsan, to the bustling street of Itaewon-ro, and everything in between.

It’s clear that Ugly Society was set up for a good time. The rooftop has plenty of tables and seating so it can accommodate bigger groups. The bar features signature cocktails that pop with fragrant and fruity flavors like lavender, elderflower, and grapefruit. Get buzzed on a Rose Mojito or a Yuzu Crush as the sun sets and watch Itaewon roar to life with its crowds and bright lights. The rooftop also offers a great food menu with fun bites like the Bloody Mary Pizza with tomato, shrimp, celery, and pickles, and a pasta of the day that’s a daily surprise. Plus, the bar is openly LGBTQ-friendly, which is always a highly welcoming feature in Seoul.

With views, drinks, and vibes this good, Ugly Society is an essential stop on a night out in Itaewon. There’s no better place to clink glasses and take in the heady rush of Seoul than under its colorful neon sign.