Following is part of a series on Seoul’s hottest bars and clubs. ― Ed.

Not many people new to Korea are aware of the phrase “after club” used among Koreans. The term refers to after-hours nightclubs open past the designated hours to serve alcohol. Of course, places like Korea do not need after-hours clubs as there is no law restricting the hours when alcohol can be sold. So don’t get confused between the “after-hours club” in Europe and North America and “after clubs” in Korea, which are two entirely different things.

Seoul’s “after clubs” are a newly emerging nightlife culture for those with undying energy ― these clubs open at 10 p.m. just like other clubs in Seoul, but do not get crowded until at least 2 a.m., closing at 8 a.m. on Thursdays and 9 a.m. on weekends. Most visitors to these haunts are those who started their night earlier at other clubs and are going for a second round. 

The most famous after clubs in Seoul are Club HOLIC and Club Double EIGHT, both located in Nonhyeon-dong, near Sinsa Station. The two are so-called “rivals of the after clubs” competing for the title of the “hottest.” But as far as the first round goes, Club HOLIC outruns Club Double EIGHT by a huge point difference and Seoul’s clubbers believe that their “innings” won’t change for a while. Club HOLIC, standing at the pinnacle of Seoul’s night out, is the refugee and sanctuary to those craving complete freedom and wildness.

Visitors looking for luxury must look elsewhere because that’s not what to expect at HOLIC. The facility, which opened in August 2011, is a place for the wild ones with boundless energy.

The general atmosphere is much like that of a college party in the U.S. Most visitors to this club have already had enough drinks and heard enough music through the night that it is not difficult to sight one dancing like a crazy person.

In front of a giant LED screen the DJ plays so-so electronic, house and funk music. But here, no one really cares about the music because they are too busy simply enjoying the free and wild environment. There are balconies located on each side of the second floor, letting the guests have an outsider view of the DJ as well as the people dancing on the stage.

Admissions restrictions are the same as other clubs ― the dress code at Holic is “classy,” meaning no flip-flops, shorts, hats or baggy pants or shirts are allowed.

Visitors to this club must watch the time as HOLIC gets filled later in the night; people who arrive at 2 a.m. might have to bundle up and wait outside for at least 30 minutes in a long line.

Though it takes some time for the club to really “heat up,” visitors will neither regret nor run out of time to dance ― the club is open until 8 a.m. on Fridays and 9 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

There is a cover charge of 30,000 won and drink prices range from 10,000 won to 15,000 won ― standard price for clubs in the Gangnam district. VIP tables start at 400,000 won for one bottle on both floors and 550,000 won for two bottles on the first floor, 600,000 won on the second. VIP rooms are priced at 770,000 won on the first floor and 1.3 million won on the second floor. Guests who reserve ahead will get free beer and energy drinks.

By Lee Hyun-jae, Intern reporter
(lhj137@heraldcorp.com)

Club HOLIC:
6 Nonhyeon-dong, Yongdong Hotel B1
010-7445-2112 (English)
010-9048-2395 (Korean)