A non-drinking oriented weekend??

[carr0444]

Hey guys,

So I've been teaching here for a year and half with my girlfriend, and we've been a little frustrated lately.  We live in Seoul this year, and recently a lot of our friends have moved back home.  We don't drink too much, and can't do weekend trips due to our schedules.  Any suggestions for a fun, social, Saturday night that doesn't revolve around bars.  Most of the social groups we've tried (sports, etc.) meet during the day, and drink at night. We're not religious, so please no church group stuff.  Music (playing or listening), theatre, poker, photography, dance (not me, but her), or language (we speak Spanish and Korean), related activities would all be good. We live near Yongsan.  Would appreciate any suggestions.  Thanks in advance for your input.

[joybot0]

I too don't drink and don't really want to spend my time doing that. I would try to go for cafes or boardgame cafes for fun times. You can check out theatres that have shows at night.

I would suggest starting a group on facebook and seeing if people come around. I started a Scrabble group last year in my area and it went pretty well. I want to start another one for Seoul. Generally it is hard to tell people you don't want to end up drinking because they get defensive.

Mostly I go to festivals, cafes, and art happenings. I've never ended up drinking but if I do I just watch and have fun.

[teacherjenni]

My husband and I are in a similar situation. We don't drink (unless it's like a glass of wine with dinner) and not much into the bar/club/party scene. We've been meaning to go to a boardgame cafe for ages. Maybe we could meet up at one of those in the Apgujeong area (there are supposed to be several there). Our weekends usually are spent in Seoul since Brandon (my husband) has a class every other Saturday at Korea Uni. What do ya say?

[kp]

While it is geared towards trying to sell you an expensive beverage, ha, you can order other things and still enjoy yourself listening to jazz at Once in a Blue Moon in Apgujeong.  There are other jazz clubs and bars around Seoul as well that are worthwhile too, and probably much more affordable, ha.  Once in a Blue Moon is pricey, but really a pleasant place to take in music and get some people watching in too.

Have you tried bowling or screen golf yet?  Haha, I've only done the former, but it was a lot of fun.  I have several friends who are now devoted screen golf fans.

I am with the others in recommending the board game cafes.  It's easier than you might think (at least in my experience) to entice people out to one, and once a few people catch on to the rules of a new game, things get quite interesting.  I can tell you how to get to a place in Gangnam if you like, and yes, there are a few in Apgu as well, though I couldn't direct you to them.  Just saw them in passing.  There is also a board game club for Seoul if you look on facebook, I think.

[Amy Rodulfo]

@joybot0 I wondered if you were thinking of starting the scrabble group in Seoul for your friends, or more generally, for anyone who wants to join? I love scrabble, but don't have anyone to play with.

[mowry85]

i definitely be interested in a scrabble group.  i haven't been in korea for very long and am looking to meet new people and do something that doesn't involve drinking.  if you organize something, please post it.

[joybot0]

Yes I would love to start one in Seoul at a good central location or we can move around. I have a travel board...does anyone else have a board?

Here is my group...join and we can start firing things off..
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/group.php?gid=118780138176069

haha

[sarahseonsaengnim]

um, this sounds awesome. i'm totally not into the whole drinking scene myself (i don't mind some drinks here or there though). what are these boardgame cafes that people are referring to? and how do you find them? are they only in seoul? i'm just outside of seoul, in anyang, so at least not too far...

[kmbette]

The Seoul Arts Center has lots of great things to see: http://www.sac.or.kr/eng/
I've seen various operas and concerts -- It's a big campus so there are always things going on.

Also, if she'd like to try salsa dancing, there are great places all over the city: http://www.korealatinandsalsa.com/

[StevenC264]

If you dig photography, there are a few groups that meet up every now and then in different areas of Seoul. On Flickr there is the "Flickr in Seoul" group that does a photowalk everyday other Saturday, and the "Seoul Photo Club/Seoul Strobist Club" which holds seminars on flash and portrait photography on occasion. I've met some amazing folks through these groups.

[ame]

How about going to the GEPIK orientation?

[glitterstarbeau]

How about going to the GEPIK orientation?

[Denevius]

actually, if you were back home, what would you be doing saturday nights? there's a good chance you'll be able to find something similar in seoul.

[EPSK]

Try a short temple stay.

Go to Everland and/or Lotteworld.

Take up a sport.

Go to the movies.

Stroll through Insadong.

Seoul is quite a large city! There is quite a bit to do.

[Beth Copley]

I've heard of people taking cooking classes... You can learn to cook korean food. It'll make your shopping easier.