Restaurants beckon end-of-year revelers with inspiring night views

Interior of The River in Yongsan District, central Seoul [JOONGANG SUNDAY]

December means that it’s time for busy year-end gatherings. Restaurants with splendid scenery are trendy, including these three establishments known for their outstanding night views of the Han River.

If you want to enjoy a night out gazing at the romantic Han River and get the perfect snap for social media, there’s no time to fret, as these places get fully booked quickly.

The River, a restaurant complex floating like a ship on the Han River between the Banpo and Dongjak Bridges in Yongsan District, central Seoul, gives a stunning view of Yeouido to the landmark N Seoul Tower. It houses a cafe, a wine bar, a jazz bar and French fine dining, catering to any get-together.

On the first floor is Hey, a bakery cafe by day and a small rental hall at night for small gatherings. The NOCT wine bar is on the second floor, and the NOCT M live bar between the second and third floors offers performances and various foods.

Visitors can experience a night sky with stars seemingly pouring over their heads with its unique ceiling design.

On the third floor, the fine dining establishment Le Da allows for private meetings with its exclusive terrace.

Restaurant IOU is at the northern end of Mapo Bridge in Yongsan District, central Seoul, overlooking Yeouido. Usually, it’s famous for having the best view of the fireworks during the annual Seoul International Fireworks Festival and its full-course meals such as steak or lobster.

Finally, Gortz has been renowned for its nightscape of the Han River since opening at the northern edge of Seogang Bridge in Sangsu-dong in Mapo District, western Seoul, in 1991. Enjoy the views of the river and Yeouido while feasting on its full-course meals and wine.

Reservations are available on the Catchtable app.

BY PARK YOUNG-DUCK [kjdculture@joongang.co.kr]