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


Hip-hop is a trend, culture and generation reminiscent of baggy pants, XXL shirts, rap music and spray paint on walls in the ’80s and ’90s. Fast-forward to the 21st century and now hip-hop music is considered much like heavy metal or punk rock, which bloomed in one generation but are now a thing for a small group of loyal fans.

The current trend among party lovers in Seoul seems to be house and electronic music ― a genre that came from Europe and is now the world’s dominant musical phenomenon. But standing tall against the tide is Club Phantom, the best hip-hop club in Korea.

Club Phantom, which opened in Gangnam on Oct. 28, 2011, held its one-year anniversary party a few weeks ago. The facility maintains 28 tables and three rooms. Divided into a main and sub-stage, the club can hold a maximum of 1,500 people at once and gets some 2,000 clubbers every Saturday. The biggest and the most popular hip-hop club in Korea, it is unique for being a “hybrid club,” holding both a hip-hop stage and electronic stage. Its main stage plays hip-hop, R&B and mash-up music all night long and it organizes various parties and events inviting famous guests and renowned artists including Brian McKnight, Dr. Dre, DJ Alchemist and Boyz II Men.

Ordinary clubbers must be warned before entering this club because the facility is strictly geared to hip-hop music lovers. Though the club maintains a sub-stage for electronica lovers, the spot is not always open and its music is not recommendable to those with a taste for high quality sound.

There is no specific dress code and you may spot men with dress shirts and dress shoes, but most guests prefer hip-hop style. The club is filled with expats who are tired of ballad, K-pop and electronic music. Its bartenders make run-of-the-mill cocktails, and guests will spot almost all types of drinks either by glass or bottle.

The interior is much like a warehouse but not as stylish as Club Octagon. Nevertheless, Club Phantom sets the right mood, blending its general environment and mood to hip-hop style. Its LED screen behind the resident DJs plays music videos of hip-hop artists; other details such as laser lights, mirror balls and poles make Club Phantom “one of a kind.”

The club opens its doors only on Fridays and Saturdays but stays open longer than other clubs, from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. As a hip-hop club, Club Phantom doesn’t impose a strict dress code; however, people wearing flip-flops or sweatpants will be restricted from entering.

Like all clubs, minors are not allowed and the club charges an entrance fee of 20,000 won. Prices of beer and cocktails range from 10,000 won-20,000 won by the glass and 150,000-880,000 won by the bottle for liquor. Table service begins at 300,000 won and goes up to 770,000 won for VIP rooms.

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

Club Phantom:
1 Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (010) 2044-8886