Seoul's nightlife is coming back to life.
On the evening of July 3, at 8 p.m., office workers began to gather at outdoor tables in the alleyways of Euljiro. Yellow lights illuminated the narrow streets, and the sound of meat sizzling on grills filled the air. Foreign tourists strolled through the alleys with beers in hand, capturing photos as young buskers filled the night with music.
A short distance away, hundreds of drones lit up the night sky over the Han River. Citizens enjoyed leisurely walks along the riverside, while the Seoul Sky offered panoramic views of the city’s nightscape. The exterior of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) was aglow with large-scale media art, and Gwanghwamun Square created a different urban landscape under soft lighting. This is the vision of 'Seoul by Oh Se-hoon.'
Oh Se-hoon, the Mayor of Seoul, has made 'revitalizing the night economy' a key growth strategy for his administration. His plan aims to revive nighttime consumer activity that has declined since the COVID-19 pandemic, encouraging tourists to stay longer in Seoul and spend in local alley businesses.
"I will make Seoul's nights another reason for people around the world to stay here," Oh stated during his inauguration ceremony on July 1, reiterating his commitment to developing the night economy as a new growth engine for the city.
He added, "I will create coexistence zones for the night economy in areas like Hongdae, Euljiro, Gangnam, and Yeouido, allowing citizens to enjoy richer nights while revitalizing local businesses."
At the recent '2026 Seoul International Tourism Forum,' Oh emphasized that "Seoul's greatest potential lies in nighttime tourism," proposing to develop nighttime performances along the Han River, outdoor libraries for summer nights, and a globally safe nightlife as key attractions. This initiative builds on his campaign promise from the June 3 local elections to transform Seoul into a '365-day vibrant dopamine city.'
As Seoul prepares for a future with 30 million foreign tourists, the city is focusing on becoming a destination where visitors stay not just for a day but for several days.
Seoul's Nightlife Once Captivated Global Attention
Seoul's nightlife was once renowned worldwide. Around 2010, CNN highlighted Seoul as one of the 'cities that never sleep,' showcasing the post-work dining culture, vibrant restaurant districts, and diverse nightlife that continued into the early hours.
At that time, the price of a bottle of soju was cheaper than bottled water, drawing interest from foreigners. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn diminished the vibrancy of Seoul's nights.
Now, Seoul aims to transform its nightlife from a focus on entertainment to a sophisticated night economy that integrates culture, tourism, gastronomy, and the arts.
Outdoor Dining to Become Official
One significant change is the formalization of outdoor dining, known as 'Yajang.'
Seoul City will select representative outdoor dining locations through a public competition across 25 districts to establish 'Night Economy Coexistence Zones.' This initiative aims to bring outdoor table service, which has often operated informally due to regulations, into a structured framework.
In these zones, regulations on road occupancy and outdoor dining will be gradually relaxed. In exchange, businesses will be required to sign coexistence agreements, manage noise, maintain cleanliness, and adhere to operating hours. Failure to comply could result in penalties, including revocation of zone status or reduction of designated areas.
Seoul aims to establish an orderly and sophisticated street culture, akin to that found in European cities, rather than chaotic outdoor dining.
Han River as Seoul's Premier Night Tourism Destination
Another focal point of the night economy will be the Han River.
Seoul City plans to enhance nighttime scenery in areas like Ttukseom, Jamwon, Oksoo, and Hannam, and is considering nighttime tourism programs utilizing Han River buses. With the addition of drone light shows, Seoul Sky, outdoor performances dubbed 'Stage Seoul,' and nighttime sports facilities, the Han River is poised to become Seoul's largest nighttime tourism belt.
Tourists will be able to enjoy a new nighttime itinerary, watching drone shows in Yeouido, ascending Seoul Sky, and taking Han River buses to Jamwon and Ttukseom.
From DDP to Gwanghwamun... The Entire City Becomes a Stage
The city center is also set for transformation.
Seoul Light DDP recorded 1.92 million visitors last year, establishing itself as a premier nighttime attraction. Seoul City plans to link this with the Dongdaemun area to extend visitor stays and boost nighttime spending.
Gwanghwamun Square's 'Light of Gratitude 23' is emerging as a new nighttime photo hotspot, attracting urban tourists.
With nighttime openings at historical sites like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, the Seoul Lantern Festival, and seasonal festivals, the entire city is expected to form a vast nighttime tourism network.
"A Thriving Nightlife Revives Local Economies"
Seoul City emphasizes the importance of the night economy for a clear reason.
If tourists return to their hotels by 6 p.m., their spending ends there. However, if they stay until 10 p.m. or midnight, their spending continues through dinner, cafes, performances, shopping, and transportation, ultimately benefiting local businesses.
According to the Seoul Institute, the contribution of the tourism industry to Seoul's GRDP (Gross Regional Domestic Product) is projected to rise steadily from 2.1% in 2022 to 3.3% in 2024.
Last year, 12.83 million foreign visitors came to Seoul, generating 45.6 trillion won in tourism revenue and 18.8 trillion won in added value. Notably, 91% of tourism spending comes from foreign visitors, solidifying Seoul's status as a high-value industry.
"Nightlife is a Competitive Edge for Seoul"
Major global tourist cities are already cultivating their night economies as core industries.
New York thrives on Broadway and Times Square, Paris on Seine River nighttime tourism, and London on West End performances.
Seoul is now aiming to become a global nighttime tourism city through 'Nonstop Play Seoul,' connecting the Han River, DDP, Gwanghwamun, Hongdae, Euljiro, Seongsu, and Yeouido.
A Seoul City official stated, "The key to revitalizing the night economy is to extend tourists' stay and connect their spending to local businesses. We plan to make Seoul's nights a tourism product and a competitive advantage for the city."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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