By Hallie Bradley
Valentine’s Day is just the first of a few romantic holidays on the calendar in Korea. It is celebrated traditionally with women gifting their beaus chocolates and other goodies to show their admiration and adoration. Not to worry though; on March 14, or White Day, it’s up to the men to shower women with gifts in return. Though this has been true for some time, in recent years both Valentine’s Day and White Day have been the target of a pretty heavy onslaught of retail marketing to promote both days in order to drum up more business. For the consumer it means there will be plenty to do, buy and enjoy for Valentine’s Day, and beyond really.
It’s not difficult to find little gifts of chocolates and flowers in various romantic shapes and sizes in every convenience store on the block. Many restaurants will cater to the holiday by preparing special settings where all of the tables will be placed with just two chairs with the romantic couple in mind. Here are five ideas for things to do if you want to get out and about and celebrate your love in style.
Seoul Sky & Dinner at STAY: Want to treat yourself and a date to luxury with a view? Head to Seoul Sky in Lotte World Tower, the tallest building in Korea and the fifth-tallest in the world, and find the restaurant STAY in Signiel Hotel. Take in the sunset and look on as the city lights begin to twinkle far down below on the streets of the city as you dine on fine French fare. This restaurant features a stunning set menu produced by renowned Chef Yannick Alleno. After dinner, head to Bar 81 on the same floor to find Korea’s largest collection of champagne and create an unforgettable evening. Reservations can be made by calling 02-3213-1230.
Seoullo 7017 Stroll: This walkway is rather stunning when it is all lit up at night. And given the fact that it is right downtown near Seoul Station, it’s a convenient place for a meet-up or a date. Enjoy the neon lights and light installations before finding a restaurant. Walk to the west end to find Very Street Kitchen which serves dishes that bear the names of various cities around the globe. It’s perfect for a date night. Make a reservation by calling 02-312-0205. Follow up the meal with a visit to nearby Manri199 Taproom for a nightcap.
Visit fb.com/verystreetkitchen or fb.com/MANRI199 for more information.
Valentine’s Day at Club FF: If live music is your jam for the romantic day, then head to Hongdae to find Club FF and the musical talents of Surl, Hey Men, Lacuna, Jackingcong and Wave to Earth. The entrance fee is 25,000 won and Club FF will be preparing special “Love Cocktails” for all couples for free. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show ends at 11 p.m., in time for a second show featuring Byeol Bora and 2 Day Old Sneakers.
Visit fb.com/hongdaeff for more information.
Valentine’s Day Singles Party at The Dead Poets: For those singles who want to mingle on Feb. 14, head to The Dead Poets in HBC for a casual mingle from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. but drinks will be served at the bar from 6:00 p.m. The Dead Poets is a local community space so get ready to connect with neighbors and have some fun this holiday evening.
Visit fb.com/thedeadpoets.kr for more information.
Soap Seoul’s Valentine’s Special: If you’re looking to head to a club and move and groove on Valentine’s Day, check out Soap Seoul in Itaewon. Entry is 20,000 won and includes two free drinks: one for you and one that you can give to someone you fancy. The features B2B couple DJ sets including Spray with Gary, Fallens with Benjamin, Daul with Sailli, L-Like with Denny Wickid, Abyss with Mason, Yeondo with Cakeday, and Hagy with TYSN.
Visit fb.com/soapseoul for more information.
Hallie Bradley is a writer based in Seoul and runs the popular site thesoulofseoul.net.
