The Rise of Salsa in Seoul, Korea: Asia's Most Vibrant Latin Dance Hub

When it comes to fiery, passionate, rhythmic, liberating dance styles, Latin dance is considered by many to be the measuring stick. Whether you’re losing your inhibitions while salsa dancing, or dancing the Tango with your partner, Latin dance is unquestionably sexy, there’s no two ways about it. 

While we commonly associate Latin dance with both North and South America, along with some of Europe’s more trendy and fashionable capitals, for a little over a decade now, Latin dance has quietly been taking over in one of the more unlikely parts of the world – Seoul, South Korea. 

South Korea is quickly gaining a reputation for being one of the more trendy and fashionable parts of the world, and when you consider the popularity of musical genres such as K-Pop, it’s really not that surprising. What may be surprising to some, though, is the fact that Seoul, Korea has one of the most vibrant and lively Latin dance scenes in the world. 

Here’s a quick look at the Latin dance scene in Seoul, Korea. 

Breaking Social Taboos

Think of Latin dance styles such as the Salsa, Rumba, and Samba, and your mind is immediately taken to parts of the world like Cuba, Columbia, Argentina, and other similar spots where Latin dance is so popular. You probably don’t tend to associate it with Asia, particularly Korea. Well, perhaps you should. 

Today, Korea, particularly Seoul, has one of the liveliest, most vibrant Latin dance scenes on the planet. With nightclubs regularly hosting Latin dance themed events, not to mention and abundance of Latin dance classes to choose from, along with competitions and contests, Latin dance in Seoul is here and here to stay. It wasn’t always this way, though. 

Go back a few decades to the 1990s, and the Latin dance scene in Seoul was virtually non-existent. Social dancing was frowned upon as it was believed to be uncouth for people to be seen dancing in public with members of the opposite sex. Many believed that it would also encourage extramarital affairs. 

Latin dancing in particular, was heavily frowned upon. Thanks to its rhythmic motions and seductive dance styles, people believed it to be “too sexy” and subsequently, it never really caught on. As the years ticked by however, things began to change. 

Thanks to its portrayal in Hollywood and on TV, not to mention the popularity of musical acts such as Shakira and Ricky Martin, Latin fever began to sweep across Seoul and people began taking up Latin dance as a way to have fun, a way to keep fit, and a way to unwind. 

Salsa clubs across Seoul began to pop up and gradually more and more dance schools opened their doors to new and eager dance students looking to learn a new craft. 

Seoul quickly gained a reputation for having one of the liveliest dance scenes in all of Asia. Of the various dance genres now popular here, Latin dance was, by far, the most commonly practiced. Seoul quickly fell in love with the various dance styles from South America and beyond, and the rest, as they say, is history. 

Attracting Attention From Overseas

As is always the way, as Seoul’s Latin dance scene continued to expand, it began to attract attention from overseas. 

Seoul now had a reputation for being vibrant, hip, trendy, and welcoming, and it became the go-to destination for foreign visitors from all over the globe. Westerners in particular, flocked here in droves, as did Latin dancers. 

With so many dance schools and clubs here, Salsa and Bachata proved especially popular. Latin dance festivals, events, and competitions were regularly held here, attracting some of the world’s finest Latin dancers, including the US’ Benny & Brandon, and Bersy ‘Queen of Bachata’ Cortez. 

In Korea however, it was the homegrown dancers that really impressed. They took to the various styles of Latin dance like ducks to water. They were slow, methodical, precise, clinical, and passionate in their performances. Critics from overseas saw these performances and were hugely impressed. This only served to increase demand for Latin dance venues in Korea further. 

Group classes, along with private dance lessons and Latin dance competitions became the norm. Because of the local’s heavily disciplined approach to the different styles of dance, it created a hugely positive environment and really showcased just how beneficial these sexy dance styles could be. 

The real magic of Latin dance lies in its passion. It’s the ultimate way to express yourself, lose your inhibitions, let your hair down, smash social barriers and stereotypes, and be your true self. The language of Latin dance is understood universally, and in Seoul especially, the Latin dance scene is thriving. 

2 of the Best Latin Dance Clubs in Seoul, Korea

If you ever find yourself lucky enough to be in Seoul, Korea, and are in the mood for a spot of fiery Latin dance, you’re going to be spoiled for choice when deciding upon a venue to let your hair down. 

Here’s a look at just 3 of the best Latin dance clubs in Seoul, Korea. 

Club Bonita 

When talking about Latin dance styles, you have to talk about Salsa. Salsa is one of the most famous and empowering Latin dance styles, and here at Club Bonita, it’s the dance of the hour. 

Club Bonita is one of the largest clubs in all of Seoul. It’s a Salsa dancer’s ideal venue as it hosts weekly Salsa classes and events. There are local and resident DJs, themed nights, Salsa events, and every Friday, women get in for free. You couldn’t really ask for much more. 

El Tango 

And finally, last but by no means least, we have El Tango.

El Tango underwent an extensive facelift in 2014, undergoing an expensive renovation. Since then, the club has gone from strength to strength. The venue is so popular in fact, that many Korean soap operas have chosen it as a filming location here.

For anybody out there with a passion for Tango dancing, El Tango is Seoul’s ultimate must-visit destination. There are professional Tango dancers and instructors here from Argentina, along with live music and themed events. Every night from Monday to Sunday, lucky patrons can even take part in the faster-paced Milonga.