1308-11 Seocho-dong, Basement Level 1, Seocho-gu
tel. 02/3481-1869

HOURS: Sun.-Thurs. 6 p.m.-3 a.m., Fri.-Sat. 6 p.m.-5 a.m.

COST: Free

SUBWAY: Gangnam (Line 2)

Rainbow is a delightfully out-of-place slice of peace and love in a district that’s usually strictly business. It’s a cavernous subterranean space illuminated by a multicolored jumble of candles, neon, and Christmas lights, where patrons lounge around low tables and water pipes on pillows and oriental rugs, or hide in numerous private nooks and crannies.

There’s a small stage that’s frequently taken over by DJs and bands, and instruments strewn around encourage guests to join in or create performances of their own. Most of the music here is of the feel-good variety, with dance tunes giving way to world and reggae music as the night progresses.

The entire atmosphere is one of do-as-you-feel permissiveness, especially when you’ve had a couple of Rainbow’s signature drink buckets, which the welcoming, laid-back staff happily fill with potent concoctions like banana-rum punch.