Thanks for the recommendation Spencer! I'll definitely give that a go. If you don't mind, can you recommend anything else to during my stay? This is my first time traveling to the motherland :D

I'll be leaving NY for Tokyo on Christmas staying there for 2 nights then going to Seoul for 11 nights.

No problem Oasis. I went back to the motherland last year for the first time in almost a decade. Alot has changed since. I'm assuming youre Korean too?

I hope youre going with some good buddies, or at least some cool cousins. Thats the only way to see the city at night. As far as recommending anything else it depends what youre into and what you are looking to do there. Honestly, all I did there was see folks, eat, party and drink lol.

If its your first time going youre in for a trip, to say the least. If youre obvservant like myself, you'll notice some serious cultural differences just from going about Seoul.

You can check out some photos of my trip on my imeem page if you'd like: www.tnrawknlife.imeem.com/photos

Looks like we'll be in Tokyo at the same time. We're flying in on the 26th and staying for 11 nights. Then we'll be in Seoul for a few more nights.

Btw, how old are you?

--Spencer

Yeap I'm Korean, born and raised in NYC :D Age 25.

I'll be traveling with my sisters and I plan on meeting up my cousin and some friends I haven't seen in years. I wanted to go earlier but this is the only time when I can take 2 weeks off from work =P My sis tells me the winter in Korea is brutal.

Honestly just looking to have a good time. I welcome eating, partying, drinking and of course a little shopping :D I plan on doing the tourist sight seeing during the day time but definitely want to experience the nightlife. I have no idea if my cousin or friends are into that which is where I run into a problem. I did get a few recommendation from my friends in the states. The general consensus says to just hang around Hongdae U for clubbing (NB?) and Apgu for bars/lounges.

I'll definitely take a look at your site when I get home. Tokyo is just an extended lay over. I have some family there and my sister is really into the Japanese culture. We plan on celebrating her birthday there so if you have any recommendation, I'd appreciate it!

Born in Korea but SF bay area is always home to me. Fortunately for you I'm in my 20's and I simply went to have a good time too. And thats exactly what happened...

So lemme break it down for you the way I saw it. Every neighborhood/ sect you go to will have drinking spots and karaoke joints. LOTS OF VICE if you look in the right places. So assume that is so while you read the following:

-What you've heard about Hongdae is right. Clubs clubs and more clubs. Lots of young college folks. Has a cozy feel.

--Apjujungdong is where the millionaires play. Lounges and nicer drinking spots. Supposedly the most expensive prices for anything from drinks to shopping exist in this part of town. But I pretty much skipped it.

--Instead of going to Apgu, head over to Jongno 3-ga. Great drinking spots and bars at non-exorbitant prices surrounded by the quintessential neon signs and lights that could make Tokyo feel uneasy. My personal favorite.

--Gangnam. Higher class night life from bars, clubs and nightclubs (theres a difference).

--Itaewon is like the Brooklyn of Seoul. Clubs here are supposed to be really cool. Didn't see a KFC though. HAH. Hookers are here too, if youre in that.

--Sinchon. Don't know much about this place in general except for the fact that its a student town with lots of places to creep in for the night.

Remember, this is only one man's opinion. I didn't head out into the town as much as I would've liked, either. Ask around!

Heres the key to staying warm while out at night in the city: keep your legs warm (thermals, thick pants, etc... don't ever wear thin business style pants) and your neck covered. Never EVER head out without a scarf.

For my friends and I it'll be our first time in Tokyo. I'm just as anxious to go there as you are to head to Seoul.

--Spencer

First time back to the motherland! It's definitely a culture shock.

I recommend a visit to Gangnam station. It's great for shopping, walking around and eating/drinking. It's kinda like Chelsea.

Myung-dong for cafes and people watching. It's crazy packed, especially during the holidays so hold onto your wallet. There were a lot of little boutique shops, like Soho or Noho

I also did a lot of touristy stuff like going to Minsokchon, Kyung bok goong, etc. The museum/gallery selections were pretty slim but the National musuem was worth a visit if you're into that stuff.

Oh I also recommend renting a cell phone when you get to the Inchon airport. It's not that expensive and worth it for emergencies.

For Tokyo, I recommend staying close to Shinjuku or Shibuya area. Definitely lots of clubs and places to hang out around that area. I also stayed at Ginza/Shinbashi before but it was mostly packed with drunk salary men at night.

Have fun!

Thanks alot fo Spencer and Tomochan! Your opinions contributed are well noted and I appreciate it.

I know I'm definitely in for a culture shock. I know to speak as much Korean as possible and speak less (or no) english.

Haha even my parents advised me of the hookers in Itaewon!

Spencer I checked out your website and it looks like you had an awesome time :D

Depends on how you want to play, Apku/Cheongdam-dong is the place to be.

The area is packed with the best restaurant and bars. Yeah, it's expensive, but you want to roll with the millionaires right?

Check out

- Circle nightclub across from the Chrysler building in apku.

- Tribeca cafe 3rd floor for garden like feel to just hang out. Also, there is Table cafe up the street.

- pocha- tented bars. The tents have gone high-scale- choose one on Dosan-dae-ro such as Haja and try to egg rolls (gaerahn-mari) with soju shots.

- bars - the old standby is "S" bar - has the nyc vibe. You will feel like you never left home.

Hope that helps.

These are all the places I hang out in...

haha.

p.s. for something to do on new years eve, the hotels and clubs usually have something going on.... a few years back, there was a huge party at W hotel, last year was the hyatt... these are places to be.

cheers

Hey Yolmae,

Thanks for your input :D Yes my friends told me about Circle so I plan to check it out while I'm in Seoul.

In NYC its easy to find out what's happening. Promoters do a good job of advertising but that's not the vibe I'm getting in Korea. Any way of finding out which events to check out for NYE?