Kockiri (코끼리, meaning “elephant”) is Itaewon’s only dedicated electronic music venue with an explicitly LGBTQ+ identity. The bar has been a cornerstone of Seoul’s queer nightlife since it opened, running a programming philosophy that prioritises DJs who can read a room over genre consistency, house, disco, and deeper dance music are the anchors, but the direction shifts with the DJ and the crowd’s energy on the night.
The resident DJ roster includes Maktoop, Youknowsong, Sucowania, Uni, and July, names well-known across Seoul’s underground circuit beyond just the LGBTQ+ scene. Kockiri’s reputation has extended into the broader Itaewon electronic community, and an Itaewon night that runs Bolero to Faust to Kockiri is a documented circuit among scene regulars. The bar is welcoming to all sexual orientations; the queer identity is central without being exclusive.
The venue closed briefly in January 2025, owner communication described it as a pause to reflect and replan, and reopened in March 2025 with a night featuring dguru, Youknowsong, and Xing Xing. As of 2025 it is operating normally. The hiatus was two months; the room is back.
Location: Itaewon, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Instagram: search Kockiri Seoul. RA: ra.co listing under Kockiri.
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Quick answers
What is Kockiri?
Kockiri, meaning elephant in Korean, is Itaewon's only dedicated electronic music venue with an explicitly LGBTQ+ identity. It is welcoming to everyone; the queer identity is central without being exclusive.
What music does Kockiri play?
House, disco and deeper dance music, with a programming philosophy that prioritises DJs who can read a room over genre consistency. Residents include Maktoop, Youknowsong, Sucowania, Uni and July.
Is Kockiri still open?
Yes. It paused briefly in January 2025 to reflect and replan, then reopened in spring 2025.