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✦ From NUM's directory · updated 2026-11-08

Seoul after dark, in four-four time: the jazz clubs where Korean jazz began.

The jazz and blues bars NUM maps in Seoul, from All That Jazz, open in Itaewon since 1976, to Janus, the first Korean-run club, in its new home by Deoksugung.

Where the concierge points people first

The rest of the jazz bars in Seoul — every one we hold

Two clubs wrote the history, and the music still starts around eight

Seoul's jazz story starts in Itaewon, where All That Jazz opened in 1976 near the US Army base in Yongsan, at first mainly for foreigners. Two years later the singer Park Sung-yeon put almost everything she owned into Janus so that Korean musicians would have a stage of their own every night; it has moved six times since and now sits in Jeong-dong, a walk from Gwanghwamun and the hotels around City Hall. Expect a music cover or a drink order rather than a ticket, first sets around 8 to 9 pm, and full rooms on Friday and Saturday, so book a table at the bigger clubs or come for the first set.

Questions people ask

What is the oldest jazz club in Seoul?

All That Jazz in Itaewon, open since 1976. Janus, opened in 1978, was the first jazz club run by a Korean.

Where is the Janus jazz club now?

In Jeong-dong near Gwanghwamun, by the Deoksugung stone-wall road, since September 2025.

Is there live jazz every night in Seoul?

Yes. Janus and Jazz Story have live music every night, and the other clubs run sets most nights; check each club's page for the week's line-up.

Ask NUM which jazz club has a set on tonight

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