By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter
This time of year, the nation's most luxurious hotels are transformed into spooky or haunted places to celebrate Halloween.
The Western holiday is traditionally celebrated on the night of Oct. 31 but hotels are preparing to hold their own version of Halloween parties.
You may not join such traditional activities as ``trick-or-treating,'' but you can have some taste of the holiday atmosphere at local hotels.
The hotel's bar J.J. Mahoney's will be transformed into a haunted pumpkin museum.
The bar will celebrate its 19th annual Halloween party on the evening of Oct. 26 and 27 from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m.
A variety of special events will be offered such as a live performance by JJ's band SUPERKATZ, a Halloween costume parade, a best Halloween costume contest, tarot card reading and lucky draws.
The admission fee is 50,000 won and all guests will receive a welcome drink and a Halloween mask.
For more information, call (02) 799-8601.
The hotel's bar & lounge Blush will hold a Halloween party from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Oct. 26.
Guests can enjoy free drinks and join a best-dressed contest accompanied by trendy music. Face painting artists will be on hand to provide interesting makeup. Bartenders will perform a cocktail show.
Participation is free and beer starts at 6,200 won while the snacks begin at 27,000 won.
For more information, call (02) 559-7619.
The lounge bar ZOE will hold a Halloween party on Oct. 27 from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Famous comedian Han Sang-gyu will be the MC of the party and various events will await guests such as house lounge music, illusion performances, salsa dancing, face painting, tarot card readings and a match making game for couples.
Gifts offered include 17 year old Ballantine's, cosmetics for women, carrier bags, accommodation and buffet coupons.
Set menus vary from 130,000 won to 530,000 won. Entry is free to groups ordering a set menu.
For more information, call (02) 3440-8000.
The Ritz Bar at the hotel will hold a special Halloween event on Oct. 30 and 31 from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
The bar will be decorated with skeletons, ghostly images, bats, pumpkins and cobwebs to produce a thrilling atmosphere. The staff will dress up as vampires and horror movie characters.
During the event a Russia dancer troupe will perform and special gifts will be given through a lucky draw on Oct. 31.
For more information, call (02) 3451-8277.
The English pub & bar Bobby London at the Lotte Hotel Seoul will hold a Halloween party on Oct. 20 starting from 7 p.m. The entrance fee is 25,000 won upon reservation and 30,000 won at the door, which includes one glass of Guinness draft beer and some finger food. For more information, call (02) 317-7091.
Lotte Hotel World's Mega CC Premium Brewery Pub is also holding a Halloween party on Oct. 26, at 8 p.m. Party entrance fee is 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 411-7421.
The W Seoul-Walkerhill will have a ``Rocky Horror Picture Show'' party at the WooBar to celebrate the holiday. The party starts at 10 p.m. on Oct. 27.
There will be various programs presented including a musical show ``Rappers Paradise'' and dancing to the music of celebrity DJ Ryu Seung-beom.
The dress code will be spooky costumes such as wicked witches and vampires. The entrance fee is 50,000 won, which will include one welcome drink.
For more information, call (02) 2022-0333.