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13 min read
Published On28 Sep 2025
Introduction
Seoul’s sports bar scene has exploded! With over 10 million residents and a passionate sports culture that spans from K-League soccer to MLB games to an interest in many global sports, finding the right venue to catch your favorite team can make or break your game day experience. I used to run digital for 3 TV networks in Korea (Sony) and have explored Seoul’s nightlife districts, from the foreigner-friendly streets of Itaewon to the student-packed alleys of Hongdae, searching for that perfect combination of high quality screens, cold beer, and electric atmosphere.
Whether you’re an expat missing home games or a local looking to experience international sports culture, these venues deliver everything from intimate neighborhood vibes to massive multi-screen spectacles.
We’re still building our methodology and this is an initial list – please provide comments to help us improve our recommendations. There are lots of bars that have closed, unfrotunately, so we are want to work with you to create the most accurate list.
From classic American-style sports bars to uniquely Korean baseball pojangmachas, I’ve tracked down the spots where passionate fans gather to cheer, commiserate, and celebrate together.
Itaewon
Sam Ryan’s Sports Bar & Grill
Location: Itaewon – 50, Itaewon-ro 27ga-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04350
https://www.instagram.com/samryans.itaewon/
What Makes It Special: The original Itaewon sports bar that’s been serving the expat community for years with that classic American sports bar experience. It’s become a second home for many foreign residents.
Sports Setup: Multiple big screen TVs positioned throughout the venue ensure there’s not a bad seat in the house. The staff will generally put on whatever game you want to see if they can find it, making this incredibly accommodating for diverse sports fans.
Food & Drink: Quality burgers and nachos that hit the spot during long games, with one of the co-owners being a former chef for a 5-star hotel chain. The beer selection covers both international favorites and local Korean brews at reasonable prices for the area.
Atmosphere: This Canadian-Australian owned establishment brings together football and hockey-crazed Canadians with footie and rugby-loving Aussies. The mix creates an authentic international sports bar vibe where MLB games, NFL Sundays, and rugby matches all find their audience.
Special Features: The Superbowl goes live at 8 AM with special breakfast offerings for dedicated fans. Gaming area includes beer pong, battleship, and shuffle board for between-game entertainment. Professional chef background ensures elevated pub grub quality beyond typical bar food. Both owners and staff are fluent in English with full English menu available.
Route 66
Location: Itaewon – Itaewon district, Seoul
Website: https://www.trazy.com/spot/2093/route-66-%EB%A3%A8%ED%8A%B8-66-nightlife-bar
What Makes It Special: Another Itaewon staple offering that American-style sports bar vibe with good food and drinks. During big games, this place transforms into a home away from home for expats craving familiar sports bar culture.
Sports Setup: Multiple screens throughout showing major sporting events with reliable coverage of international games. The setup prioritizes visibility from all angles so everyone gets a good view.
Food & Drink: Menu features huge, hearty sandwiches that could feed two people, plus standard American pub fare. A huge array of beers on tap, and a menu chocked with pizzas wings, and giant sandwiches their daily specials are pulling in the crowds night after night.
Atmosphere: Similar energy to Sam Ryan’s with a good mix of locals and foreigners creating an international atmosphere. Perfect for those seeking that familiar sports bar feeling in the heart of Seoul.
Special Features: The venue shows all major sporting events making it reliable for championship games. Sandwich portions are notably massive and shareable for groups. Location in central Itaewon makes it easily accessible from multiple subway lines. Staff accommodates special game requests when possible.
Phillies Pub
Location: Haebangchon/Itaewon – 34-14 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Website: https://wanderlog.com/place/details/1254465/phillies-pub
What Makes It Special: A 25-year Itaewon institution that recently moved to a larger space but maintained its legendary neighborhood bar charm. This is where I learned that Seoul’s expat community runs deep – the walls practically vibrate with decades of game day memories.
Sports Setup: The new spacious location features multiple screens including massive displays perfect for NRL games, with owners who are genuine sports fans themselves. Two floors provide ample viewing options with sports on TV throughout.
Food & Drink: Wings night is legendary with fantastic variety in heat levels and plenty of sauce options. The menu includes burgers, fries, poutine, fried pickles, and Taco Tuesday specials, with happy hour making already reasonable drinks half price.
Atmosphere: Your quintessential neighborhood bar where regulars become family and newcomers are welcomed instantly. The basement music venue adds another dimension with live entertainment, while game nights, drag shows, and performances create community beyond just sports.
Special Features: Saturday afternoon happy hour makes day drinking affordable and social. The yearly turkey feast event at Thanksgiving has become an expat tradition. Music venue in the basement hosts live performances between games. The bar is known for creating lifelong friendships among its international crowd.
Rose & Crown
Location: Itaewon – Itaewon district, Seoul
https://www.instagram.com/the_roseandcrown
What Makes It Special: Korea’s first ale house brings authentic British pub atmosphere from the moment you walk through the door. This long-time Itaewon favorite has been serving the community with traditional British charm for years.
Sports Setup: All soccer matches during business hours are broadcast live, making this the go-to for Premier League and international football. The authentic British atmosphere enhances every match experience.
Food & Drink: Traditional British pub fare served alongside Korea’s first proper ale selection. The menu stays true to UK pub classics while the beer selection has expanded over the years.
Atmosphere: Stepping inside feels like being transported to Britain with authentic decor and local flavor. The pub attracts both British expats seeking home comfort and locals interested in authentic UK pub culture.
Special Features: Started as Korea’s first ale house bringing British beer culture to Seoul. Live broadcasts of all soccer matches during operating hours ensures comprehensive football coverage. Traditional British menu items provide authentic UK pub food experience. Long-standing Itaewon institution with loyal local and expat following.
Hongdae
Playground Brewery
Location: Hongdae – Near Hongdae district, Seoul
https://wanderlog.com/place/details/65305/playground-pub-hongdae
What Makes It Special: Craft beer destination that happens to show sports, attracting a perfect mix of expats and locals. The combination of quality brews and games creates a more refined sports viewing experience.
Sports Setup: Screens positioned throughout the brewery ensure games are visible while maintaining the craft beer atmosphere. The venue balances sports viewing with beer appreciation.
Food & Drink: Good craft beer selection with rotating taps, though food prices run higher than typical sports bars. The elevated beer menu attracts serious beer enthusiasts who also love sports.
Atmosphere: More sophisticated than typical sports bars with a diverse crowd appreciating both craft beer and athletics. The mix of Korean craft beer fans and expat sports enthusiasts creates interesting cultural exchanges.
Special Features: Craft brewery setting provides elevated beer experience during games. Mix of expats and locals creates culturally diverse viewing atmosphere. Higher-end food pricing reflects gastropub approach to sports bar concept. Location near Hongdae attracts younger professional crowd.
Sinchon
Beer O’Clock
Location: Sinchon – Sinchon area, Seoul
Website: https://www.instagram.com/beeroclockkorea/?hl=en
What Makes It Special: Canadian-owned establishment bringing maple leaf hospitality to Seoul with that “Cheers” bar feeling where everybody knows your name. This is where I’ve made some of my best Seoul friends – the welcoming atmosphere is legendary.
Sports Setup: Shows all the big games and sporting events with reliable coverage of North American sports. Weekly quiz nights add entertainment beyond just sports viewing.
Food & Drink: Inexpensive but delicious pizza that’s become famous among expats across Seoul, plus decent wings. The Canadian vibe extends to the menu with comfort food done right.
Atmosphere: Filled with English speakers creating that instant community feeling for newcomers to Seoul. Perfect for solo visitors who want to make connections while watching games.
Special Features: Weekly quiz night adds intellectual competition to sports entertainment. Pizza has achieved legendary status among Seoul’s expat community for quality and value. Canadian ownership brings authentic North American sports bar culture. The venue creates instant community for English-speaking newcomers.
Other Areas
Liverpool Pub
Location: Geumseok – Geumseok district, Seoul
Website: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/1984939
What Makes It Special: Dedicated Liverpool FC venue that goes beyond casual fandom into true supporter culture. The cocktail program sets this apart from beer-only sports bars.
Sports Setup: Live broadcasts of Liverpool matches with announcements on their Instagram for big game reservations. Soccer-focused programming prioritizes football over other sports.
Food & Drink: Surprisingly strong cocktail menu as a main feature alongside beer options. Wide variety at reasonable prices makes this accessible for regular visits.
Atmosphere: True soccer pub atmosphere with passionate Liverpool supporters creating authentic match day energy. Reservation system for big games ensures genuine fans get seats.
Special Features: Cocktail program unusual for sports bars adds sophisticated drinking options. Instagram reservation system modernizes traditional pub booking approach. Located in Geumseok provides alternative to Itaewon-centric sports bar scene. Liverpool FC dedication creates authentic supporter club atmosphere.
https://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpubseoul
The Phoenix
Location: Central Seoul
What Makes It Special: One of Seoul’s most historic soccer pubs that most serious football fans have heard of. The owner’s self-proclaimed status as a Liverpool Kop infuses every aspect with genuine football passion.
Sports Setup: Soccer-focused venue with particular emphasis on Liverpool matches and Premier League. The setup prioritizes football viewing above all other sports.
Food & Drink: Traditional pub fare supporting long match viewing sessions. Beer selection focuses on match-appropriate options.
Atmosphere: Authentic football supporter atmosphere with memorabilia and Liverpool dedication throughout. Historic reputation draws serious soccer fans from across Seoul.
Special Features: Historic status among Seoul’s soccer community creates pilgrimage destination for fans. Owner’s genuine Liverpool Kop status ensures authentic supporter culture. Liverpool memorabilia throughout venue creates museum-like atmosphere. Reputation extends beyond Seoul into wider Korean football community.
https://www.instagram.com/bonghwangdang1892/
Double Play Chicken
Location: Central Seoul
https://www.instagram.com/p/CwIZ8KHBG6S/
What Makes It Special: New concept sports chicken pub that’s become a baseball fan favorite across all Korean teams. The combination of sports bar and chicken restaurant creates uniquely Korean game day experience.
Sports Setup: Large screen plus multiple monitors ensure comprehensive baseball coverage during the season. Live sports broadcasts prioritize KBO games but show international baseball too.
Food & Drink: Chicken-focused menu recreates the ballpark chi-maek (chicken and beer) experience. The pairing of fried chicken with cold beer captures essential Korean baseball culture.
Atmosphere: Attracts fans of different baseball teams creating friendly rivalry atmosphere during games. The venue captures the same thrill as eating chi-maek at actual ballparks.
Special Features: Sports chicken pub concept uniquely combines Korean chicken culture with sports viewing. Multiple monitors supplement main screen for comprehensive game coverage. Attracts diverse baseball fanbase creating inter-team social dynamics. Chi-maek experience recreates authentic Korean ballpark atmosphere.
Daejerak
Location: Seongsu-dong – Seongsu-dong district, Seoul
https://www.instagram.com/comebighome/
What Makes It Special: The “rootless bar” name fits perfectly with massive screens and the owner doubling as broadcaster from a small booth. This unique setup creates interactive viewing experiences you won’t find elsewhere.
Sports Setup: Giant screen dominates the space with the owner providing commentary from a broadcasting seat. World Cup and major events get special treatment with owner commentary.
Food & Drink: Bar snacks and drinks support the viewing experience without distracting from the main event. The focus remains on sports and the unique broadcasting element.
Atmosphere: The owner’s broadcasting adds unique local commentary and interaction during games. Seongsu-dong location attracts creative types and young professionals.
Special Features: Owner broadcasts commentary from dedicated booth creating unique interactive experience. Massive screen takes up significant wall space for theater-like viewing. Seongsu-dong location provides alternative to traditional nightlife districts. Rootless bar concept emphasizes temporary and experimental nature.
MJ23 Sports Bar & Grill
Location: Inspire Entertainment Resort – 700 Yongyu-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon
https://mj23sportsbar.com/locations/inspire-resort
What Makes It Special: Elevated sports bar paying homage to Michael Jordan with contemporary American cuisine and premium viewing. Located in Incheon’s resort complex, this brings Vegas-style sports entertainment to Korea.
Sports Setup: Latest TV technology throughout with screens positioned for optimal viewing from any seat. The setup honors MJ’s perfectionism with professional presentation.
Food & Drink: Flat-top burgers, chicken wings, and wide assortment of draft beers elevate typical sports bar fare. Contemporary American cuisine goes beyond standard pub grub.
Atmosphere: Michael Jordan iconography and quotes fill the space creating basketball shrine atmosphere. Resort location attracts international visitors and high-end clientele.
Special Features: Inspire Entertainment Resort location provides Vegas-style integrated entertainment experience. Michael Jordan theming creates basketball museum atmosphere throughout venue. Contemporary American menu elevates beyond typical sports bar offerings. Latest TV technology ensures premium viewing experience worthy of MJ himself.
Conclusion
Seoul’s sports bar scene perfectly reflects the city’s unique position as a global metropolis with deep local traditions. From the expat havens of Itaewon where homesick foreigners find comfort in familiar pub atmospheres, to the uniquely Korean baseball bars celebrating chi-maek culture, these 15 venues showcase the diversity that makes Seoul special. Whether you’re seeking Phillies Pub’s 25 years of neighborhood charm or the elevated experience at MJ23, there’s a perfect spot for every fan.
The beauty of Seoul’s sports bars lies in their ability to bring together people from vastly different backgrounds over a shared love of the game. I’ve watched strangers become friends over last-minute goals, seen bitter rivals share drinks after tough losses, and witnessed the pure joy when Korea advances in the World Cup. These bars aren’t just places to watch sports – they’re community centers where cultures mix and memories are made.
We’re still building our methodology and this is an initial list – please provide comments to help us improve our recommendations! What’s your favorite sports bar in Seoul? Have we missed any hidden gems in neighborhoods we haven’t explored yet? Drop a comment below and let us know where you go to catch the big game. Whether you’re team Itaewon or loyal to your local Hongdae spot, we want to hear about your game day experiences!
Bibliography
- Secret Seoul – “A list of sports pubs where you can cheer together if you’re expecting a group” – https://secretseoul.com/en/sports-pubs-seoul/
- Trazy Travel Guides – “Fat Girl’s Fab Finds #SportsBars in Seoul” – https://www.trazy.com/travel-guides/sports-bars-seoul
- 10 Magazine Korea – “Sam Ryan’s Sports Bar & Grill Directory” – https://10mag.com/directory/nightlife/bars-pubs/seoul/sam-ryans-sports-bar-grill-yongsan-gu-seoul/
- Korea Travel Post – “The Best Sports Bars in Seoul” – https://www.koreatravelpost.com/best-sports-bars-seoul/
- Wanderlog – “Phillies Pub Seoul Reviews and Information” – https://wanderlog.com/place/details/1254465/phillies-pub
- Visit Seoul – “Sam Ryan’s Sports Bar & Grill (Itaewon)” – https://english.visitseoul.net/restaurants/Sam-Ryans-Sports-Bar-Grill-Itaewon
- Seoul Searching – “An American Thanksgiving in Seoul” – https://seoulsearching.net/thanksgiving-in-seoul/
- Trip101 – “13 Best Things To Do In Seoul at Night” – https://trip101.com/article/best-things-to-do-in-seoul-at-night
- Instagram – Various venue social media pages
- Naver Maps – Location and business information for Seoul venues