With its high-quality facilities, wide diversity and loosely enforced regulations, Seoul has some of the best nightlife in Asia.

Nevertheless, limits do exist in these facilities and once people get tired of dancing and drinking, there isn’t much for clubs and bars to offer. For these souls left unentertained, they can familiarize themselves with an old Middle Eastern culture that has emerged as a new source of leisure for Seoulites: hookah.

Also known as a water pipe or shisha, a hookah is device for smoking flavored tobacco. In cities in Europe and the U.S., smoking hookah was a minor trend when first introduced but is now quite common.

However, such culture is not known to many here and some even believe smoking a hookah is illegal. For those who are looking for a unique night out, Rainbow hookah bar is a cozy, warm escape from Seoul’s cold night.

Located near Exit 6 of Gangnam Station, Rainbow is thought to be the oldest and the best hookah bar in Seoul. This underground lounge is a haven for reggae lovers; a seemingly shabby, hip and cozy environment decorated with Jamaican flags, coupled with a mix of traditional and contemporary reggae music, gives visitors the impression they have entered the world of Bob Marley.

Upon walking in, the staff checks your identification card and gives you a plastic bag to carry your shoes in. Each group gets a small table and sits on little rugs on the floor. The DJ booth and performance stages are ready for both amateurs and professionals to perform on weekends.

The atmosphere is free-spirited and patrons often get up and dance. Since hookah culture is not well known among Koreans yet, the venue is mostly filled with expats.

As far as the hookah goes, guests can choose from more than 15 different flavors for 12,000 won-18,000 won, depending on the mixture.

The price of alcohol starts at 7,000 won. The facility has a large collection of cocktails including vodka, rum and gin concoctions, and some are even served in buckets for groups to share. Rainbow also serves beers, though none on tap.

One inconvenience is that instead of table service, guests must order and pay for drinks and hookah at the counter, and take a receipt to the bar.

There are no regulations except that minors are banned. The music can be a little too loud for some, but with a couple of drinks taken, the music will match well with the general environment.

Rainbow Hookah Bar
1308-11 Seocho-dong,
Seocho-gu, Seoul
(02) 3481-1869

By Lee Hyun-jae, Intern reporter (lhj137@heraldcorp.com)