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GARETH EMERY AT OCTAGON, GANGNAM

Gareth Emery is one of the world’s hottest mainstream dance DJs so he should fit right in at Octagon, the hugely popular Gangnam club space. If you want a high-octane party where the drinks are pricey but the fun is guaranteed, this is the NYE bash for you. Tickets are 20,000 won before 11pm, 40,000 won between 11pm and 4am and 10,000 won after 4am. Shut da Mouth is supporting.

From the official event page: “Ambassador of UK funky, Kicks and Snares label head, Rinse FM radio show host, and remixer and producer of some of the freshest beats of the last few years (including the classic “Squark” and just-released “Shocking” EP), Roska is renowned for his genre bending DJ sets and party sets.” Tickets to Roska at Cakeshop Seoul for NYE 2014 cost 30,000 won (plus a free drink).

360 STADIUM: HELLO 2014 AT CRYSTAL BALLROOM, LOTTE HOTEL, MYEONGDONG

Well-respected urban party crew 360 Sounds has planned a New Year’s Eve party with lots of local DJs and artists, headlined by Large Professor, Nas’s mentor and a legendary hip-hop producer. Unusually for 360 Sounds, who mostly DJ at underground-style venues, they’ll be performing their alternative mixes at the splashy Lotte Hotel Crystal Ballroom. Tickets are 30,000 won.

2014 AMAZING KOUNT AT WALKERHILL, EAST SEOUL

If you want something a bit more hyper and mainstream at one of Seoul’s premier hotels, Digitalism are headlining Walkerhill’s Theatre venue, while indie acts such as Crying Nut will play at the VistaHall. Walkerhill, however, can lack atmosphere, sometimes only sells a limited selection of drinks, and is a pain to get to and from due to its east Seoul location.

KARAOKE DELUXE YEAR-END PARTY AT PLATOON KUNSTHALLE, GANGNAM

Everyone’s dream to become the next big K-pop star starts in Apgujeong this year, according to Platoon Kunsthalle. 10pm is when the “Karaoke Deluxe” party at one of Gangnam’s most unusual venues, and if you want specific song selections, write to . Entertainment, performance and DJ lineup to be announced. 

Walkerhill Woo Bar’s Countdown 2014 is with Turkish DJ Gooseflesh. 60,000 won entry or 50,000 for earlybirds. Email  for more info.


Everyone’s favourite grungy indie club, FF, (or at least my favourite) is holding a concert with a stream of bands, including the Rock Tigers, Gogostar and Pavlov, plus a “superfun” dance party afterward. Entry is 20,000 won, cocktails are free between 11pm and midnight, and you can flit between FF, Gogos and Gogos2 after the concert finishes. Night ends at 6am.

This is a work in progress, so I’ll be adding more events. Know of anything else going on? Leave a comment.

Words by Loren.