Change in Nightlife: South Korea's Bars Over Time

The vibrant bar and pub culture of South Korea is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Particularly in Seoul, on the once bustling Nokdu Street, this shift is clearly noticeable. In the past, crowds thronged the alleys to end the day with traditional Korean dishes like mung bean pancakes and a glass of the popular rice liquor, Makgeolli. Nowadays, half-empty pubs and bars along the neon-lit streets are an increasingly familiar sight. These changes are an unmistakable sign that South Korea’s once notorious drinking culture is noticeably changing. The societal pressure to drink heavily is giving way to a more subtle and moderate attitude that increasingly characterizes South Koreans. Despite this development, the question remains of how the gastronomy scene will deal with this new reality and what business opportunities might arise from this cultural evolution.