FEATURED EVENT OF THE WEEK
🪐 EMMA VOL.3: R&B ELEGANCE

The event crew EMMA enters its third edition with a focus on understated elegance and deep, slow-burning R&B rhythms. Hosted at the legendary JJ Mahoney’s Lounge within the Grand Hyatt, this night trades the frantic energy of the club for a moment of comfort and whispered vocals. The night features a heavy live component, headlined by Dimorex (Show Me the Money 12) alongside Yoseph, Hannah, and Nieah. Backed by a DJ rotation featuring Wheelbug and Kimoskies, it’s a five-star R&B experience designed for those who prefer their Saturday night with a bit more texture and soul.

DETAILS

📆 Saturday, May 16 | 8PM – 2:30AM
📍 JJ Mahoney’s Lounge (Grand Hyatt Seoul)
🎤 DIMOREX, Yoseph, Hannah, Nieah
💿 Kimoskies, Anton, M.ollfin, Dasty, Wheelbug
💵 ₩30,000 General / ₩40,000 All Access (Includes 1 drink)

ONGOING
🖼️ CULTURAL EVENTS AND ART EXHIBITIONS

Lotus Lantern Festival (Jogyesa / Jongno)
May 8 – May 25 | Jogyesa Temple & Jongno Area | Free 
With a living history spanning over 1,200 years, the Yeondeunghoe festival is a National Intangible Cultural Heritage that literally lights up the soul of the city. While traditional lantern exhibitions are currently glowing across Jogyesa, Bongeunsa, and Cheonggyecheon, the true peak hits this Saturday, May 16. The massive lantern parade will move from Heunginjimun Gate through the heart of Jongno starting at 7:00 PM. It is a rare, glowing intersection of ancient tradition and modern Seoul energy that you shouldn't miss.

Hangang Light Show (Yeouido / Ttukseom / Jamsil)
April 10 – June 5 | Various Hangang Parks | Free 
Seoul’s night skyline is getting a high-tech upgrade as up to 2,000 drones take over the air for the 2026 Hangang Light Show. It features massive drone formations synchronized with cultural art performances across the city's iconic riverside parks. The next session lands this Saturday, May 16, at Ttukseom Hangang Park, with the main show launching at 8:30 PM followed by a mini drone session.

Art & Junk Flea Market (Sinchon) 
May 16 - 17 | 1 PM – 6 PM | Spin And Grind | Free
Seven different artists are gathering in Sinchon to blur the line between art and 잡동사니. Browse through exclusive works and personal collections from creators like Kim Jun and Aikai Lab. Make sure to catch the live DJ sets on Saturday afternoon between 2 PM and 5 PM to set the mood while you dig through the crates.

French Movie Night (Songpa)
Thursdays through May 28 | Jardin d’Hiver Garden (Sofitel 6F) | One Drink Minimum 
Soak in the early summer vibes with a French film and a glass of rosé in a private garden overlooking the city. Running every week through late May, this cinema experience provides individual headsets so you can get lost in the witty director’s chaos of The Book of Solutions or the whimsical healing of Attila Marcel. Admission is on the house with a minimum of one drink order, but be sure to reserve your spot via the official website and arrive by 7:00 PM for the sunset before the film starts at 7:30 PM.

THURSDAY - ROOFTOPS AND RUN CLUBS 🌇

• Classic Material: 90s-00s Hip-hop & R&B (Hannam) 
  10 PM – Late | Rosso | Free Entry 
  Thursday night is for the purists as OG vinyl legend DJ Soulscape and the crew dig through the crates for timeless 90s and 2000s Hip-hop, R&B, and Soul joints. This all-vinyl session is built on deep cuts and timeless rhythms designed to bridge the gap between classic foundations and the Hannam night air.

• ORBIT: VENUS (Itaewon) 
  10 PM – Late | BOLERO | ₩25,000 
  The solar system-inspired journey continues as ORBIT lands at Bolero for its second mission: VENUS. This trajectory pulls the Itaewon underground into a heavy gravitational field of Afrobeats, Baile Funk, and Electro. With a lineup featuring J/WON and MinMin, expect a night of rhythmic motion that refuses to follow a single genre.

• CASA CORONA SUNSET LIVE: Lukku Kim Jazz Band (Itaewon)

  6:30 PM – 3 AM | Casa Corona | Free 
  Experience the rare energy of jazz clarinet as the sun sets over Itaewon. Led by clarinetist and vocalist Lukku Kim, this contemporary jazz band brings the bold, expressive sound of a full brass section to the open-air rooftop, from 6:50 PM to 8:30 PM. It’s a special sunset live session where the breeze and the baseline converge, followed by a DJ set from Hyorhee at 8 PM to keep the night moving until 3 AM.

FRIDAY - THE TYPICAL FIRE FRIDAY 🔥

• Piano Busking (Jamsil) 
  7 PM | Seoul Sky 120F | Included with Admission 
  The classic YouTube channel "또모" is taking over the Sky Terrace for a high-altitude busking session against the backdrop of the city’s night lights. Eight teams of 연주자들의 연주 will fill the 120th floor with a diverse range of piano music. It’s a sophisticated way to kick off the weekend 541 meters in the air, available every Friday through May 29.

• Plastic Music Bar: SLSCP Takeover (Apgujeong)

  9 PM – Late | Plastic Music Bar | Free
  The super OG legend DJ Soulscape (SLSCP) is taking over Plastic Music Bar for an all-vinyl journey through Hip-Hop, R&B, Soul, and House. It’s a special Friday night session honoring the "teacher" of the local DJ scene, offering a deep-digging atmosphere in the heart of Apgujeong. No cover, just pure analog heat from 9PM until late.

• Fever Dream 02 (Itaewon) 
  9 PM – Late | Pistil | ₩20,000
  FEVER DREAM returns to Pistil for a night of sultry, psychedelic house music headlined by UK-based producer Wallace. With support from elite labels like Rhythm Section and Phantasy Sound, Wallace has become a quality guarantee in underground circles. Local heavyweights Y3jin, Shlemba and Q1 join the resident crew to ensure the floor stays locked into a deep, immersive frequency until the early hours.

• ÖRBITAL PARTY (Itaewon) 
  10 PM – Late | Grain House | ₩30,000
  Darkroom Studio and Marv are taking over Grain House for a night where the rhythm starts with a pulse and ends with bass through concrete. It’s an Afrobeat and Hip-Hop marathon featuring DJ Soulscape, 2Spade, and live sets from Marv and Nosun. Come ready to move, cause this party is for the ones who want to lose themselves in the motion rather than just watching from the side.

• Air Raid Warning Vol. 1 (Hongdae)
  8 PM - 10 PM | DULE Studio | ₩30,000
  Suit up in your best Khaki or Military gear for a two-hour non-stop open style jam. Backed by a full live host band and a drum machine performance by Bojack, this is a multi-genre explosion of UK Drill, Reggae, and Samba. It’s about every kind of dance and all kinds of vibes in the heart of Seogyo-dong.
  

• DARKLIGHT: Makoto & MC AD (Itaewon)

  9 PM – 4 AM | Cakeshop Seoul | Tickets via Naver or Resident Advisor DARKLIGHT returns to Cakeshop with a full-spectrum Drum & Bass experience centered around Hospital Records legend Makoto. A pioneer of liquid soul and deep, musical DnB, Makoto brings his signature sound to Seoul for an extended set alongside veteran UK mic-man MC AD. Expect everything from smooth liquid textures to precise rollers, supported by a heavy local lineup including DLM, Hwan, and Navi.

• Hard Techno x Hardstyle Night (Sinsa)

  11 PM – 7 AM | LUKA Seoul | ₩18,000 Regular / ₩25,000 Door after 12 AM 
  LUKA continues its loudest fusion of Hard Techno and Hardstyle with two massive international invites. Germany’s rising force Herbrido brings industrial peak-time energy backed by 5 million streams, while Australian producer Nugget delivers aggressive drops and festival-level energy straight from the underground rave scene. This is a high-velocity collision of two worlds built to push the Sinsa basement to its limit.

• Rap House Vol. 52 (Hapjeong) 
  8:30 PM | Flex Lounge | ₩38,000 
  The Quiett’s iconic performance brand returns for its 52nd edition with a high-velocity roster. Catch Kid Milli, BILL STAX, and Flowsik as they take the stage at Flex Lounge for a night of pure Korean hip-hop energy. Since tickets are all on-site pickup, make sure your ID is ready to go.

• TYE TURNER at SOAP (Itaewon)
  10 PM – 5 AM | SOAP Seoul | ₩25,000 (+1 Drink) 
  Australian-Filipino DJ and producer Tye Turner returns to Seoul to bring his viral, genre-bending energy to the SOAP basement. Known for a fresh and unpredictable sound shaped by underground scenes across the globe, his set will bounce between Hip-hop, Jersey Club, and Baile Funk. This is a door-only ticket situation, so show up early to catch the full rotation.

• RAIDEN & FRIENDS (Lion Super Club)

  10 PM – Late | Lion Super Club | ₩30,000
  Korea’s own Raiden curates a massive lineup at Lion featuring a hand-picked circle of global talent. The night features Belgian powerhouses Manuals and Meaghan, both Tomorrowland veterans with millions of streams between them. Adding to the heat is IÖN, the solo electronic project from Gyujeong of the legendary production duo GroovyRoom. This is a high-production takeover defining the current standard of the electronic scene.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
What GSTV has been up to

• We talked with CAMO, and we bonded over some shots backstage

• We went to see if the rumors are true about 1000cal Running Club: They really do Run and then party in the morning!

• GSTV vs Yves round 2: How well does Yves knows North America?

SATURDAY - DAY PLANS, NIGHT OUTINGS 🌔

• K-Beauty Morning Rave (Bukchon)

  8 AM – 10:30 AM | YLESS Bukchon | Free Entry (RSVP via Bio) 
  Start your Saturday in the quiet alleys of Bukchon with a high-definition experiment that aligns the BPM of skin wellness with 120-130 BPM house music. Hosted by KAHI YLESS and PROJECT120130, this morning rave is about more than just the dancefloor! It's a full-sensory reset featuring free caviar finger foods, rice balls, and coffee to fuel your morning move.

• Coffee Rave (Haebangchon) 
  4 PM - 9 PM | Villa Coffee Bar Rooftop | Free 
  The first-ever collaboration between Bubble and Puls is taking over the HBC hills for a golden hour session you won’t forget. Expect high-energy sets from Sleek and Janny as the sun dips behind Namsan, paired with the perfect mix of coffee and music. If you’re looking for a boost, tag them in your story to secure a free Blanco Highball from the premium tequila brand Solisca.

• LuvLuvLuv: Feral Opening (Seongsu) 
  4 PM – 8 PM | Luvluvluv | RSVP Required 
  Seongsu is about to get loud for the opening of Chapter: Feral. The lineup is a heavyweight roster featuring the raw energy of J-Tong and Zene the Zilla, alongside Ugly Duck on the decks. With surprise guest coming to perform, this is definitely one of the most exclusive street-culture intersections of the weekend.

• Patina Sound System: The First Ritual (Yeonhee) 
  2 PM – 8 PM | Yeonhee Art Space | ₩35,000
  Experience the first official page of the Patina Sound System inside the high-ceiling vault of the Yeonhee Art Space. The room will be filled with the warm, immersive sound of a vintage La Scala and McIntosh audio system, curated to bridge the gap between "old world" charm and modern urban tastes. With a selection that crosses Seoul’s sensibilities with Bangkok’s vibes, featuring Pam Anantr and Cityboy from Seoul, this is a full analog sound ritual designed for total liberation.

• RSS presents SOUL NiGHT (Hannam) 
  2 PM – Late | Noir Mardi Mercredi 2F | ₩30,000
  TW Records is hosting a garage-style session where music lovers gather naturally for coffee, drinks, and live performances. Starting early to catch the May weather, the day features dance sessions by Rizz and Leese, followed by a live set from Shindrum. Entrance is first-come, first-served at the door, so don't sleep on the 2 PM opening if you want to catch the full vibe.

• Magazine 060 Vol. 2 Pre-Release (Mapo) 
  10 PM – Late | Modeci | ₩20,000
  The creative think-tank Magazine 060 is celebrating their second print issue with a massive takeover at Modeci. The night features the electronic artists interviewed in the magazine, including Dguru and Yetsuby, alongside the legendary DJ Soulscape. Grab a Rocka Doodle chicken burger on the rooftop while watching the visuals of editor Ullugmal, and make sure to snag the exclusive 060 merch and the new issue before they disappear.

• Tropical Week Pre-Party (Apgujeong) 
  7 PM – Midnight | G&M Bar | ₩10,000 
  Apgujeong is hosting a standing-room-only tropical celebration fueled by the global rum brand Planteray. The cocktails will be flowing at the Gordon & MacPhail Bar, and there is a massive perk for those who commit to the theme: show up in white linen or a Hawaiian shirt and your first drink is free. It’s a high-energy pre-party meant for standing, drinking, and losing yourself in a Caribbean frequency.

• DEEPFLOW Special Live (Euljiro) 
  9 PM – Late | SHOWBOO | TBA 
  A literal icon of the Korean hip-hop scene, Deepflow, is touching down at SHOWBOO for a one-night special. The live performance is set for 00:15 alongside Babynine, but the hip-hop energy will be running all night with the Showboo DJ crew. It’s a rare chance to see a legend in an intimate Euljiro basement setting.

• Uplift 1st Anniversary (Itaewon) 
  6 PM – Late | Uplift | Entry TBD 
  Uplift is celebrating one year of chaos and celebration with a full-day marathon. The night scales from acoustic vibes and burlesque performances to a live band and a deep rotation of electronic DJs keeping the floor alive until dawn. It’s an "uplifting" way to close out the first year and kick off the second with a lot of love, glitter, and loud music.

• Matcha&Olive Private Lounge Night (Itaewon)

  5:30 PM – Late | One Size Itaewon | RSVP via Bio 
  One of Seoul’s most stylish lounges is hosting a private evening designed to pause and reset the energy for the rest of 2026. This isn't your ordinary networking event; this is a space of ambitious women, founders, and creatives connecting with depth and honesty. The night includes a welcome drink, guided connection moments, and a reveal of Matcha&Olive's 2026 roadmap featuring everything from yacht days to finance circles. Come in your favorite evening look with a "Lounge Chic" dress code and get ready to mingle in one of the city's most elevated spaces.

• Sunset Market & Poolside (Namsan) 
  3 PM – 9 PM | Banyan Tree Oasis | Free (RSVP) 
  The Sunset Market returns to its urban oasis at the foot of Namsan for a weekend of romance and effortless relaxation. You can browse curated wines and catch live performances while the sun sets over the city skyline, or even dive into the pool until 7PM. It is the definitive early summer hangout for those who want their Saturday with a side of luxury and live music.

• Rooftop Chill Dive Vol. 1 (Myeongdong)
  6 PM – 11 PM | The Roof Seoul | Free
  As the nights get longer, The Roof Seoul is launching a new series designed to pull you slowly into the mood of the season. Featuring Tokyo-based DJ and brand director YU alongside Red Bull Dance Korea’s own Marcia, the vibes are strictly focused on relaxed grooves and good atmosphere. It’s a night to dive into the rooftop season with good people and even better sunsets.

• Hold A Vibe Vol. 4 (Itaewon) 
  9 PM – 2 AM | Bistro Mexi | Free
  Kick off summer early with a high-energy rotation of Reggaeton, Dancehall, and Afrobeats. Dressed in your best summer threads, bring your crew or your latest situation-ship to vibe out in the heart of Itaewon. While entry is free, those who pre-register for ₩5,000 get a drink coupon worth double that… so move fast to secure your discount!

SUNDAY - TAKE IT SLOW 🧘‍♂️

• Book Swap (Yeonnam)

  2 PM – 4 PM | Yeminhan Haus | ₩5,000 
  Bring a book, get a book, and make new bookish friends in the cozy heart of Yeonnam-dong. You are welcome to bring more than one book to swap and can stay for a while to chat with other readers or simply settle into the space to read. It is a lovely way to refresh your shelves and your perspective in a community setting that values a good story. Sign up via the link in the bio before heading over.

• LEENALCHI x Ambiguous Dance Company (Seongsu) 
  6 PM | S-Factory XIMXIM Rooftop | ₩44,000 
  Kick off a world tour on a rooftop in Seongsu as LEENALCHI teams up with the Ambiguous Dance Company. Celebrating their global single release with New York's Luaka Bop, the group brings their unique sound: one drum, two basses, and four voices to life with unrestrained movement. This is a high-energy live experience that has earned praise from the likes of Brian Eno and is set to tour across North America and Europe.

• Sunday Rooftop Market (Hongdae)
  1 PM – 4 PM | RYSE Hotel 15F | Free 
  Spend your Sunday afternoon above the city at the Side Note Club rooftop. RYSE has curated a selection of lifestyle brands like Aeiou, Orleans Store, and FloraFume, paired with live DJ sessions and signature cocktails. It’s the definitive way to soak in the sun and grab some gear before the weekend closes.

• Dana Spring Music Festival (Jongno) 
  7:30 PM | Jongno Art Hall | Check Bio for Tickets 
  The 1st Dana Spring Festival is connecting generations through a season of music that transcends genres. Sunday follows the high-energy "Opening Concert" from Saturday, offering a more classical and traditional lens into the Jongno art scene. It’s a sophisticated way to wind down the weekend before the Monday grind returns.
  

THAT’S THE WRAP ⏰

This weekend is, once again, showing everything Seoul has to offer: we are moving from the high-tech glow of the Hangang Drone Show to the ancient traditions of the Lotus Lantern Festival, mapping out every pocket of the city in between.

Take a breath on an HBC rooftop, swap a book in Yeonnam, and then find yourself in a basement in Itaewon. The frequency is growing, the weather is right, and the mission remains the same: we find the vibe so you don't have to.

We will see you out there.

PS: Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]