Discover Seoul’s Latin Nightlife: A Guide to Latin Clubs in Gangnam, Hongdae, and Beyond
- kainingdancera
- Aug 28
- 7 min read
Seoul is known worldwide for its neon-lit streets, endless cafés, and dynamic nightlife. Yet hidden within the buzz of K-pop and soju bars lies something unexpected: a thriving Latin dance community. Salsa and bachata lovers from all over the world have found a home in this city, where late-night socials, passionate dancers, and welcoming clubs create one of the most unique Latin dance cultures in Asia.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the heart of Seoul’s Latin dance scene, exploring the main clubs in Gangnam and Hongdae, as well as the legendary “second-round” after-hours clubs that keep the party alive until sunrise. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a curious traveler, this guide will help you discover where to experience the best of salsa in Seoul and bachata in Seoul.
And if you’re looking to truly connect with the community, don’t forget to join our Latin Dance Seoul Facebook group, where dancers share weekly updates, events, and insider tips.
Gangnam: The Beating Heart of Seoul’s Latin Scene
Gangnam may be known for skyscrapers and high fashion, but after dark, its streets pulse with Latin rhythms. Home to some of the largest and most historic clubs in the Korean Latin community, Gangnam is where salsa and bachata dancers gather week after week.
If there’s one club you must visit in Gangnam, it’s Club Latin. Known as the largest Latin club in Seoul, it offers two massive floors of dancing space, giving both salsa and bachata lovers plenty of room to move. One floor is often filled with bachata beats, while the other keeps salsa dancers spinning all night.
The atmosphere here is electric, buzzing with international visitors, local communities, and DJs spinning everything from sensual bachata to salsa dura. For those curious about bachata in Gangnam, Club Latin is the place to start. The club’s reputation as a hub for energy, connection, and variety makes it a must-experience venue in the Korean Latin community.
If Club Latin is Seoul’s grand stage, then Gangnam Turn Bar (affectionately called “Gangturn”) is its warm, nostalgic home. It might not look like much from the outside—just a modest entrance leading down to a basement—but step inside and you’ll find a club brimming with memorabilia and nostalgic items that trace the history of salsa in Seoul.
Gangnam Turn Bar is one of the oldest Latin clubs in Gangnam, and for over two decades it has been a gathering place for dedicated dancers. Many in the community have called it their “home base” for more than 10 years.
One of its most famous features? The signature cocktail called the 3-Turn, a delightful mix of three different types of alcohol with pineapple juice. Just like the dancers who sip it, the drink is strong, vibrant, and unforgettable. Visiting Gangnam Turn Bar is like stepping into a living museum of the Korean Latin community, where past and present dancers converge on the floor.
Hongdae: The Creative Hub of Seoul’s Latin Spirit
Across the river in Hongdae, Seoul’s youthful, creative district, the Latin scene thrives with its own flavor. Known for street art, indie music, and university crowds, Hongdae’s Latin clubs are infused with warmth, friendliness, and a strong sense of community.
For over 20 years, Bonita has been one of the hottest and longest-running Latin clubs in Hongdae. Run by Jessica, it is beloved by the community and cherished by dancers who have grown up with its dance floors. With such a long legacy, Bonita has welcomed generations of salsa and bachata dancers and remains a top destination for those exploring bachata in Seoul.
What sets Bonita apart is its consistency and its family-like atmosphere. Walk in, and you’ll feel like you’re stepping into a living piece of Seoul’s dance history. The music, the friendships, and the memories built here have cemented Bonita’s role as a pillar of the Korean Latin community.
Hongdae Turn Club, also known as “Hongturn,” is another iconic venue in Seoul’s Latin nightlife. Like its Gangnam counterpart, it has been around for years and has become home to many local dance communities.
Sundays at Hongdae Turn Club are particularly special. That’s when resident DJ Ricky, one of Asia’s most respected DJs, takes the booth. His salsa and bachata sets have earned international acclaim, and on Sunday nights the floor fills with dancers who know they’re in for a world-class music experience.
For travelers and locals alike, Hongdae Turn Club is a great place to feel the heartbeat of salsa in Seoul.
Buena is a newer addition to the Hongdae Latin scene but has quickly established itself as a warm, inviting space. The vibe here is casual, friendly, and filled with energy. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or stepping onto the floor for the first time, Buena opens its arms to you.
It reflects what the Korean Latin community is all about—friendship, passion, and an inclusive space where everyone can find joy in movement.
Tucked into a basement between Hapjeong Station and Hongik University Station, Havana is small, cozy, and filled with soul. Back in the day, Havana was known as one of the most welcoming clubs to foreigners, and it still is.
What makes Havana stand out? While most clubs in Seoul lean heavily toward bachata, Havana flips the script. It is one of the very few clubs in Korea with a higher salsa-to-bachata ratio, making it a salsa dancer’s haven.
Havana is also a classic second-round destination, where dedicated salsa dancers gather until sunrise, savoring the joy of salsa in an intimate, welcoming setting.
Second-Round After-Hours Clubs: Seoul’s Unique Latin Phenomenon
What truly makes Seoul special in the world of Latin dance is its second-round clubs—late-night venues that open around 2 a.m. and keep going until 6 or 7 a.m.. While Latin festivals around Asia may have socials that end at 2 or 3 a.m., in Seoul the night is just beginning.
These after-hours clubs are not just about dancing; they are about community. They cater to dancers waiting for public transportation to start again at 5 a.m., and they provide a space where friendships deepen over drinks and music. It’s a cultural novelty, almost unheard of elsewhere in Asia, and it’s one of the reasons why the Korean Latin community stands out.
Gangnam Second-Round Favorites
Sol Bar (Gangnam) – Simply put, this is the after-club in Gangnam. Known as the gathering spot for the best bachata dancers in Seoul, Sol Bar is packed every Saturday until 6 a.m. The energy is magnetic, and for anyone curious about bachata in Gangnam, this is where you’ll see the city’s finest dancers at their best.
Club Miami (Gangnam) – Another beloved second-round venue, Club Miami brings a lively, stylish energy to late-night socials. For those who aren’t ready to end their night after the first round, Miami is the place to keep the party alive.
Hongdae Second-Round Favorites
Sol Bar (Hongdae) – Mirroring its Gangnam counterpart, Sol Bar Hongdae provides the same vibrant after-hours vibe, drawing dancers from across the district.
Playground (Hongdae) – A fun, casual spot where social energy continues to flow until dawn.
Havana (Hongdae) – With its salsa-heavy playlist, Havana remains a go-to for second-round dancers craving more salsa than bachata.
Caribe – A dedicated home for Kizomba lovers, Caribe is where dancers come for soulful connections long after midnight.
For those unfamiliar with the concept, second-round clubs in Seoul are an adventure in themselves. The combination of dawn dancing, shared drinks, and bonds formed on the dance floor makes these clubs a cultural experience not to be missed.
Why Seoul’s Latin Dance Scene Is Unique
Seoul is one of the only cities in Asia where salsa and bachata socials run this late—and with this much consistency. From historic clubs like Gangnam Turn Bar and Bonita to the late-night second-round haunts like Sol Bar Gangnam, the city offers an experience that feels both rooted in tradition and alive with modern energy.
For travelers, it’s a rare opportunity: you can step off a plane in Korea and, on the same night, find yourself spinning in a club filled with welcoming faces, international music, and the unmistakable warmth of the Korean Latin community.
Join the Latin Dance Seoul Community
If this blog sparks your curiosity, the best way to stay connected is through our Latin Dance Seoul Facebook group. We share:
Weekly updates on salsa in Seoul and bachata in Seoul
Insider tips on the best nights to visit each club
Photos, videos, and stories from socials and festivals
A welcoming community ready to meet new dancers from around the world
By joining, you’ll be plugged into the pulse of the community and never miss a beat.
👉 Join here: Latin Dance Seoul Facebook Group
Final Thoughts
Seoul’s Latin dance scene is more than just clubs and music—it’s a cultural experience filled with heart. From the massive dance floors of Club Latin to the nostalgic halls of Gangnam Turn Bar, the legendary history of Bonita, the creativity of Hongdae Turn Club, the warmth of Buena, and the salsa sanctuary of Havana, Seoul offers something truly special.
And then there are the second-round clubs, a phenomenon that sets the city apart from anywhere else in Asia. Dancing until sunrise in Seoul isn’t just about music; it’s about friendship, community, and celebrating life together.
So whether you’re here for a weekend or a lifetime, put on your dance shoes and step into the rhythm. The Korean Latin community is waiting for you.
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