The venue is VENUE

By Agnes Yu

Any seasoned expat living in Korea can attest to the gentrification of Itaewon, the foreigner-friendly and sometimes unfriendly neighborhood in Seoul.

As a result of mad modernizing, the area is now home to a plethora of places for dining, drinking, and debauchery stretching beyond either direction from the Hamilton Hotel and in the back alleys on either side of the main drag.

Tucked in the basement, in a dark alley and with an even darker interior about the size of a living room is Venue. It’s new, it’s hip, it’s intimate, and there’s even dancing on the weekends if you arrive at the right time.

Venue is the result of a shared idea between a half-Korean, half-Japanese girl, Ria Kanaya Kim. Her father is a third- generation Korea living in Japan, and a silent business partner who is Korean but grew up in Japan. The dimly-lit setting offers an impervious and moody atmosphere suitable for after dinner drinks or dancing while drinking, later in the evening.

Assorted beer, cocktails and a limited wine list are available. The French fries, cut like extra-large toothpicks are particularly good for quelling hunger pangs.

For female patrons the toilet is an interesting, unique treat as it sits atop a set of stairs like a throne.

The DJ set starts after 10 p.m. and a range of house, soul funk, disco, hip-hop and R&B music is featured. The crowd is an international mix made up of English, Japanese, French, and of course Korean speakers.

To get there leave Itaewon Station (line 6) at exit 1. Turn right at the second lane on the right. Venue is halfway up the hill on the right.

There is no cover charge unless for special events in the future. For more information contact: riahkim@gmail.com or call 010-4142-8553 agnesyu@gmail.com