Best Nightlife in Seoul: A Practical Guide to Going Out
Words by
Soo-yeon Park
The Best Nightlife in Seoul: A Practical Guide to Going Out
I have spent more nights out in Seoul than I can count, and I still find something new every time. The best nightlife in Seoul is not just about drinking, it is about the way the city transforms after midnight, the way strangers become friends over a shared plate of anju, the way a narrow alley in a backstreet in Mullae-dong can feel more alive than any rooftop bar in Gangnam. This is not a list of clubs and bars Seoul throws at every tourist. This is the Seoul I actually go to, the one that locals know, the one that rewards you for staying out past 2 a.m. and wandering without a plan.
If you are looking for things to do at night Seoul has no shortage of options, but the trick is knowing where to go and when. I have organized this Seoul night out guide by neighborhood and mood, because in Seoul, where you go depends entirely on what kind of night you want. Some nights call for soju and fried chicken on a plastic chair. Other nights call for a DJ spinning deep house in a basement in Itaewon. I have been to every single place on this list, most of them dozens of times, and I will tell you exactly what to order, when to show up, and what most visitors get wrong.
Hongdae: Where Seoul's Creative Energy Hits After Dark
Hongdae is the neighborhood most people think of when they picture Seoul nightlife, and for good reason. The area surrounding Hongik University has been the epicenter of indie music, underground art, and cheap drinks for over two decades. What makes Hongdae special is not any single venue but the density of options packed into a few blocks. You can start the night at a craft cocktail bar, move to a live music club, and end up at a pojangmacha (street food tent) eating tteokbokki at 3 a.m. without ever taking more than a five-minute walk.
The streets around Hongik University Station Exit 9 are where most of the action concentrates, but the real magic happens in the side alleys. Walk past the main road and you will find basement clubs, tiny jazz bars, and karaoke rooms that have been operating since the early 2000s. Hongdae has gentrified significantly in recent years, and some of the older venues have been replaced by chain cafes and branded shops, but the nightlife DNA of the neighborhood is still intact if you know where to look.
FF (Club FF)
FF is one of the longest-running live music clubs in Hongdae, located on the basement level of a building near the main intersection. It has been a fixture of the indie and punk scene since the late 1990s, and on any given night you might catch a noise rock band, an experimental electronic act, or a solo performer with nothing but a guitar and a loop pedal. The room is small, maybe 80 people at capacity, and the sound system is loud enough that you feel the bass in your chest.
I was there last Thursday and the energy was exactly what I have come to expect from FF. The crowd was a mix of university students, older regulars who have been coming since the early days, and a handful of foreigners who clearly found the place through word of mouth rather than a guidebook. The cover charge is usually between 10,000 and 20,000 won depending on the night, and it almost always includes a drink ticket. Order a beer or a highball, find a spot near the back wall, and let the music do the rest.
Local Insider Tip: "Check their Instagram page the day of to see who is playing. The best nights are usually Thursday and Saturday, but the real secret is that Sunday shows tend to be more experimental and the crowd is smaller, which means you can actually talk to the musicians after their set. Also, the bathroom line gets ridiculous around midnight, so go before the headliner starts."
FF connects to the broader character of Hongdae because it represents the neighborhood's roots as a space for creative expression that exists outside the mainstream. In a city where K-pop dominates the cultural conversation, places like FF remind you that Seoul's underground music scene is alive and stubbornly independent. The venue has survived rent increases, noise complaints, and the general commercialization of the area, and it is still here, still loud, still unpolished.
Thursday Party
Thursday Party is a bar and live venue that sits on the second floor of a building along one of Hongdae's busier side streets. It has a more relaxed atmosphere than FF, with a focus on DJ sets, themed parties, and social drinking rather than live bands. The interior is decorated with mismatched furniture, neon signs, and an eclectic collection of posters that look like they were pulled from a dozen different decades. It feels like someone's cool older sibling's apartment, if that sibling happened to have a sound system and a liquor license.
I dropped by on a Friday evening about two weeks ago and the place was already filling up by 10 p.m. The DJ was playing a mix of 90s R&B and Korean indie tracks, and the crowd was dancing but not in the aggressive way you might see at a bigger club. Thursday Party is the kind of place where you can actually have a conversation without shouting. They serve a solid selection of cocktails, and their soju-based drinks are well-balanced and not overly sweet. I recommend the yuzu soju cocktail if it is on the menu, or just go for a bottle of Chamisul with a side of fruit plate.
Local Insider Tip: "The best nights here are Friday and Saturday, but if you go on a Wednesday, they often have a 'no cover' policy and the regulars come out. It is a completely different vibe, more intimate, and the bartenders have time to actually chat with you. Also, the outdoor smoking area on the balcony is where all the interesting conversations happen, even if you don't smoke. Just stand there with a drink and someone will start talking to you."
One thing that most tourists would not know about Thursday Party is that it has been a gathering point for Hongdae's LGBTQ+ community for years, even though it is not explicitly a queer bar. The crowd is diverse and welcoming, and the themed nights often reflect that inclusivity. This is part of what makes Hongdae's nightlife different from other neighborhoods in Seoul, there is a sense of openness that you do not always find in a city that can be quite conservative in other contexts.
Itaewon: Seoul's Most International After-Dark Scene
Itaewon has a complicated reputation. For decades it was known primarily as the neighborhood near the U.S. military base, full of bars catering to soldiers and expatriates. That version of Itaewon still exists in some form, but the neighborhood has evolved into something much more interesting. Today Itaewon is where Seoul's most diverse nightlife scene thrives, with venues ranging from rooftop cocktail bars to underground dance clubs to Turkish-Korean fusion restaurants that turn into impromptu dance floors after the kitchen closes.
The main drag runs from Itaewon Station up the hill toward Haebangchon (HBC), and the side streets branching off in every direction are where you will find the best spots. Itaewon is also one of the few neighborhoods in Seoul where you will hear as much English, Arabic, or Spanish as Korean, and that international character shapes the entire experience. The clubs and bars Seoul offers in Itaewon are different from what you will find anywhere else in the city, not just in terms of music and drinks but in terms of the social atmosphere.
Cakeshop
Cakeshop is a basement club in Itaewon that has become one of the most respected electronic music venues in all of Asia. It opened in 2013 and quickly established itself as a destination for both local and international DJs. The sound system is exceptional, the lighting is minimal, and the focus is entirely on the music. There is no VIP section, no bottle service, no pretension. Just a dark room, a great sound system, and a crowd that is there to dance.
I went to Cakeshop on a Saturday night last month and the lineup featured a Korean DJ whose name I had not heard before, followed by a well-known European producer. The crowd was packed in tight, and by midnight the energy was electric. The cover charge varies but is usually around 20,000 to 30,000 won. They serve basic drinks, beer, soju, some cocktails, but nobody is there for the menu. The real draw is the music and the crowd, which skews toward people who genuinely care about electronic music rather than people who want to be seen.
Local Insider Tip: "The line outside can get long after midnight on weekends, but here is what most people do not realize: the first hour or so is often the warm-up DJ, and the real headliner usually does not start until 1 or 2 a.m. If you show up at 1:30 a.m. you might actually skip the worst of the line and catch the best part of the night. Also, the coat check is free but tip the staff, they work hard and remember who is generous."
Cakeshop represents a shift in Seoul's nightlife culture toward a more global, music-first approach. For years, the club scene in Seoul was dominated by large, commercial venues in Gangnam that prioritized bottle service and celebrity sightings over the quality of the music. Cakeshop and venues like it have created an alternative, a space where the music matters more than the scene. It is part of a broader movement in Seoul's nightlife that values substance over spectacle.
Thursday Party Itaewon (and the HBC Stretch)
While the original Thursday Party is in Hongdae, the Itaewon area and the neighboring Haebangchon district have their own version of the same energy. The stretch of bars and restaurants along the main road in HBC, particularly the ones on the hillside streets leading up from Itaewon Station, creates a natural pub crawl route. You can start at a wine bar, move to a craft beer spot, and end up at a late-night Korean barbecue joint that serves soju until the early morning.
I walked this route with a friend from out of town last weekend and we stopped at four different places over the course of five hours. The beauty of the HBC stretch is that each place has its own character but they are all within a few minutes' walk of each other. One bar might have a DJ playing Afrobeat, the next might be showing a football match on a projector, and the third might be a quiet whiskey bar with leather chairs. The variety is what makes this area one of the best things to do at night Seoul has for visitors who want to experience multiple vibes in a single evening.
Local Insider Tip: "The steep hills in HBC are no joke, especially after a few drinks. Wear comfortable shoes, I cannot stress this enough. Also, many of the best bars in HBC are on the second or third floor of buildings with no obvious signage from the street. If a staircase looks like it leads somewhere interesting, it probably does. Do not be afraid to walk up."
Gangnam: The High-End Side of Seoul Nightlife
Gangnam needs no introduction thanks to a certain song, but the reality of the neighborhood's nightlife is more nuanced than the parody suggests. Yes, there are flashy clubs with bottle service and long lines. Yes, there are bars where a single cocktail costs more than a full meal in another part of the city. But Gangnam also has a sophisticated side, cocktail bars run by award-winning bartists, rooftop lounges with views of the Han River, and a late-night dining scene that rivals anything in Tokyo or New York.
The area around Gangnam Station and the streets leading toward Cheongdam-dong and Apgujeong are where most of the upscale nightlife concentrates. If you are looking for a Seoul night out guide that covers the full spectrum, Gangnam is essential, not because it is the most "authentic" Seoul experience, but because it represents a real and significant part of how the city's wealthier residents and visitors spend their evenings.
Le Chamber
Le Chamber is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar hidden behind a bookshelf door in Cheongdam-dong. You enter through what appears to be a small bookstore, and when you pull the right book (or more accurately, when the staff activates the mechanism from behind the counter), a section of the wall swings open to reveal a dimly lit bar with velvet seating and a cocktail menu that reads like a novel. The bartenders are serious professionals, many of them trained in classic cocktail techniques, and the drinks are crafted with a level of precision that you rarely find outside of Tokyo or London.
I visited Le Chamber on a Tuesday evening about three weeks ago and the place was about half full, which is actually the perfect level of occupancy for a bar like this. I ordered an Old Fashioned that was made with Japanese whisky and a house-made bitters that had a subtle smokiness I have never encountered before. The price was steep by Seoul standards, around 25,000 won per cocktail, but the experience justified it. The atmosphere is intimate and quiet enough for conversation, which makes it a good option for a date or a small group of friends.
Local Insider Tip: "Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends. You can book through their Instagram or by calling directly. Also, if you sit at the bar, ask the bartender to make you something off-menu based on what you like. They are genuinely skilled and enjoy the challenge. Tell them your favorite spirit and a flavor profile you enjoy, and they will create something custom. This is not advertised anywhere but regulars do it all the time."
Le Chamber represents the maturation of Seoul's cocktail culture. A decade ago, the city's bar scene was dominated by soju, beer, and basic highballs. The emergence of world-class cocktail bars like Le Chamber signals that Seoul has arrived as a serious drinking city, one that can compete with the best in Asia. It also reflects the growing sophistication of Korean consumers, who are increasingly interested in craft, provenance, and technique.
Octagon
Octagon is one of the largest and most well-known nightclubs in Gangnam, located in the basement of a building near the intersection of Teheran-ro. It has been a fixture of Seoul's club scene for years and regularly appears on international lists of top nightclubs. The main room has a capacity of over 1,000 people, a massive LED screen behind the DJ booth, and a sound system that is genuinely world-class. The music is primarily EDM, hip-hop, and house, and the DJ lineup features both Korean and international names.
I will be honest about Octagon: it is not my favorite club in Seoul. The crowd can be hit or miss, and the bottle service culture means that the best areas of the club are often reserved for people spending significantly more than the average patron. That said, the production quality is undeniable. When a good DJ is playing and the room is full, the energy is incredible. The cover charge is typically 30,000 won, and the dress code is enforced, no flip-flops, no shorts, no overly casual attire.
Local Insider Tip: "If you are not buying bottle service, avoid the main dance floor near the front. The best spot for general admission is actually on the raised platform to the right of the DJ booth, where you can see the stage but are not crushed by the crowd. Also, the line moves faster if you arrive before midnight. After 1 a.m. the wait can be over an hour, and they sometimes close the line entirely if they hit capacity."
One detail most tourists would not know is that Octagon has a strict no-photo policy in certain areas of the club, and security will ask you to delete photos if they catch you. This is partly for privacy reasons and partly to maintain the atmosphere. Respect it. The club also has a surprisingly good ventilation system for a basement venue, which means you will not leave smelling like smoke as badly as you might at other clubs in the city.
Mullae-dong: The Industrial Neighborhood That Became a Bar Crawl
Mullae-dong is an old industrial neighborhood in the southwestern part of Seoul that has quietly become one of the most interesting nightlife destinations in the city. For decades it was known for its metal workshops and factories, and you can still see the industrial character in the brick buildings, the narrow alleys, and the general grittiness of the area. In recent years, artists and entrepreneurs have converted old workshops into bars, galleries, and restaurants, creating a scene that feels organic and unpretentious in a way that few other neighborhoods in Seoul can match.
The nightlife in Mullae-dong is concentrated in a small area near Mullae-dong Station, and the best way to experience it is simply to walk around and pop into whatever looks interesting. There is no single "it" venue, the appeal is the overall atmosphere and the sense of discovery. This is one of the best things to do at night Seoul has for people who are tired of polished, commercial nightlife and want something that feels a little rough around the edges.
Jjajangmyeon Bar (and the Workshop Bars)
One of the most distinctive things about Mullae-dong's bar scene is the number of venues that operate out of converted industrial spaces. Old metal workshops with exposed brick walls, concrete floors, and industrial lighting now house bars that serve craft beer, natural wine, and creative cocktails. There is no single name that defines the scene, but the collective experience of wandering from one workshop bar to the next is what makes Mullae-dong special.
I spent a Saturday evening in Mullae-dong about a month ago and visited four different bars over the course of the night. One was a tiny natural wine bar run by a Korean woman who had spent years in France and came back to open her own place. Another was a craft beer bar with a rotating selection of Korean and international brews. A third was a cocktail bar where the bartender used Korean ingredients like omija and ssuk (mugwort) in his drinks. Each place had its own personality, and the owners were all present, pouring drinks and talking to customers.
Local Insider Tip: "Mullae-dong is not well-connected by subway, the nearest station is on Line 2 but it is a bit of a walk to the main bar area. Take a taxi if you are coming from another neighborhood, it is worth it. Also, many of the bars in Mullae-dong close earlier than you might expect, some by midnight or 1 a.m., so start your night here and then move to Hongdae or Itaewon if you want to keep going. The neighborhood is also worth visiting during the day for the street art and the remaining metal workshops."
Mullae-dong's transformation from an industrial zone to a nightlife destination mirrors a broader trend in Seoul, where old neighborhoods are being repurposed by creative communities. It is a gentrification story, and not without its tensions, but for now the neighborhood retains enough of its original character to feel authentic. The metal workshops and the bars coexist side by side, and that tension between old and new is part of what gives Mullae-dong its energy.
Euljiro: Seoul's Hippest Retro Nightlife District
If Mullae-dong is Seoul's industrial nightlife district, Euljiro is its retro counterpart. Euljiro has been a commercial and industrial hub for decades, known for its printing shops, hardware stores, and old-school restaurants. In the last few years, a new generation of bar and restaurant owners has moved into the area, drawn by the low rents and the nostalgic atmosphere. The result is a neighborhood that feels like stepping into a time machine, with bars that look like they have been there for 30 years but are actually brand new.
The area around Euljiro 3-ga and Euljiro 4-ga stations is where most of the action is. The streets are narrow and lined with old buildings, and the signage is a mix of faded Korean characters and new neon. Euljiro is particularly popular with people in their late 20s and 30s who are looking for something different from the Hongdae or Gangnam scenes. It is also one of the best neighborhoods in Seoul for solo drinking, there are several bars where sitting alone at the counter is completely normal and even encouraged.
Sool Gallery
Sool Gallery is a bar in Euljiro that specializes in Korean traditional alcohol, or sool. The menu includes a wide selection of makgeolli, soju, and fruit wines, many of them from small-batch producers that you will not find in convenience stores or regular bars. The interior is designed to feel like a traditional Korean space, with wooden furniture, hanji (traditional paper) lighting, and a general warmth that makes you want to stay for hours.
I went to Sool Gallery on a weeknight about two weeks ago and it was the perfect antidote to a long day. I ordered a flight of three different makgeollis, each one paired with a small plate of anju. The bartender explained the provenance of each drink, which region it came from, what grains were used, and how it was fermented. It was like a mini education in Korean drinking culture, and I left with a much deeper appreciation for the diversity of traditional Korean alcohol.
Local Insider Tip: "Ask the staff to recommend a pairing based on your taste preferences rather than just ordering from the menu. They know their inventory intimately and will often suggest something you would never have chosen on your own. Also, the back room is quieter and more intimate, request it if you are on a date or having a serious conversation. Most people sit at the front counter without realizing there is a whole other space behind it."
Sool Gallery is part of a broader revival of interest in traditional Korean alcohol that has been building for the past decade. For years, Korean drinking culture was dominated by mass-produced soju and beer, but a growing number of consumers are seeking out artisanal alternatives. Bars like Sool Gallery are at the forefront of this movement, and they are helping to preserve and reinterpret traditions that might otherwise be lost.
Jongno: The Old City's Late-Night Secrets
Jongno is the historic heart of Seoul, home to palaces, temples, and some of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. It is not typically thought of as a nightlife destination, but the area has a quiet after-dark scene that rewards those who seek it out. The streets around Jongno 3-ga and Dongdaemun are full of old-school Korean restaurants, pojangmacha (street food tents), and bars that have been operating for decades. This is where older Seoulites come to drink, and the atmosphere is completely different from the trendy scenes in Hongdae or Gangnam.
The nightlife in Jongno is less about clubs and cocktails and more about the simple pleasure of sitting in a plastic chair on a sidewalk, drinking soju from a green bottle, and eating anju with people you have known for years. It is the kind of nightlife that does not make it into most Seoul night out guides, but it is arguably the most authentically Korean experience you can have after dark.
Tongin Market and the Pojangmacha Alley
Tongin Market is best known as a daytime destination for its dosirak (lunchbox) experience, but the area around the market has a small but lively pojangmacha scene in the evening. These street food tents are set up along the narrow alleys near the market, and they serve a range of Korean bar food, from haemul pajeon (seafood pancake) to odeng (fish cake skewers) to dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken). The drinks are simple: soju, beer, and makgeolli, served in plastic cups or straight from the bottle.
I visited the Tongin Market pojangmacha alley on a Friday evening about a month ago with a Korean colleague who grew up in the neighborhood. She knew the owner of one of the tents, and we were given a table in the back with extra side dishes that were not on the menu. The haemul pajeon was crispy and loaded with squid and green onion, and we washed it down with bottle after bottle of Chamisul. The tent was small, maybe six tables, and by 10 p.m. every seat was taken.
Local Insider Tip: "Bring cash. Most pojangmacha do not accept cards, and the nearest ATM is a few blocks away. Also, do not be afraid to share a table with strangers, it is common practice and often leads to the best conversations. If someone offers you a shot of soju, accept it. Refusing is not rude exactly, but accepting is part of the social ritual. And if you are drinking with older Koreans, turn your head away when you take your first sip, it is a sign of respect."
The pojangmacha culture in Jongno connects to a much older tradition of street drinking in Seoul. Before the city was full of bars and clubs, people drank in these informal outdoor spaces, and the tradition has persisted despite the proliferation of more modern venues. There is something deeply comforting about sitting in a pojangmacha on a cool evening, the plastic walls flapping in the wind, the smell of grilling seafood mixing with cigarette smoke, the sound of laughter and clinking glasses.
Seongsu-dong: The Brooklyn of Seoul
Seongsu-dong has been called the Brooklyn of Seoul, and while that comparison is a bit tired, it is not entirely wrong. The neighborhood was once a hub for shoe factories and textile workshops, and many of those old industrial buildings have been converted into cafes, restaurants, bars, and galleries. The nightlife scene in Seongsu-dong is younger and more design-conscious than what you will find in Mullae-dong or Euljiro, with a focus on aesthetics, Instagram-worthy interiors, and curated experiences.
The area around Seongsu-dong Station and the streets leading toward the Han River is where most of the nightlife concentrates. Seongsu-dong is particularly popular with people in their 20s and early 30s who work in creative industries, and the crowd tends to be well-dressed and socially aware. It is a good neighborhood for a date or a night out with friends who appreciate good design and good drinks in equal measure.
Diorama
Diorama is a bar in Seongsu-dong that operates out of a converted factory space. The interior is minimalist and industrial, with high ceilings, exposed ductwork, and a long bar made from reclaimed wood. The cocktail menu changes seasonally and features drinks made with Korean ingredients and techniques. The bartenders are knowledgeable and approachable, and the atmosphere is relaxed without being boring.
I stopped by Diorama on a Saturday evening about three weeks ago and ordered a cocktail made with Korean pear, ginger, and vodka. It was refreshing and well-balanced, with a sweetness that came entirely from the fruit rather than added sugar. The bar was busy but not overcrowded, and the music was at a level that allowed for conversation. The prices were moderate by Seoul standards, around 15,000 to 18,000 won per cocktail.
Local Insider Tip: "The back corner near the window is the best seat in the house, especially in the late afternoon when the light comes in at an angle. For evening visits, the bar counter is better because you can watch the bartenders work and ask questions. Also, they have a small food menu that most people overlook, the Korean-style fried chicken is excellent and pairs surprisingly well with their cocktails."
Seongsu-dong's nightlife scene is still evolving, and part of the fun is discovering new places before they become overcrowded. The neighborhood is changing rapidly, and some of the venues that are popular today may be gone in a year or two, replaced by something new. That impermanence is part of the character of the area, and it gives the nightlife a sense of urgency and excitement.
The Han River: Picnics, Beer, and the City Lights
No Seoul night out guide would be complete without mentioning the Han River. The parks along the river, particularly Yeouido Hangang Park and Ttukseom Hangang Park, are popular evening destinations for locals who want to enjoy the outdoors without leaving the city. On warm evenings, the parks fill up with people having picnics, riding bikes, and drinking beer on blankets. It is one of the most accessible and affordable things to do at night Seoul has, and it offers a completely different experience from the bar and club scene.
The convenience stores along the river parks sell beer, soju, snacks, and even disposable grills, so you can set up a full evening without any preparation. There are also food delivery services that will bring fried chicken, pizza, or Chinese food directly to your spot in the park. I have spent countless evenings on the river, and it never gets old. The view of the city skyline at night, the sound of the water, the cool breeze, it is the perfect way to wind down after a night of bar-hopping.
Local Insider Tip: "The best spot in Yeouido Hangang Park is near the convenience store closest to the 63 Building, it has the best view of the skyline and is usually less crowded than the areas near the main entrances. Also, if you order food delivery to the park, tell the delivery driver the nearest landmark or convenience store, the parks are large and it can be hard to find a specific spot. And bring a blanket or a yoga mat, the grass can be damp in the evening."
The Han River nightlife is uniquely Korean in its combination of public space, convenience, and social ritual. It is not something you will find in most other major cities, and it is one of the things I miss most when I am traveling. The simplicity of it, sitting on the ground with friends, eating chicken, drinking beer, watching the lights reflect on the water, captures something essential about how Seoulites relate to their city and to each other.
When to Go and What to Know
Seoul's nightlife runs on its own schedule, and understanding the rhythm will make your experience much better. Most bars open around 6 or 7 p.m. and start getting busy by 9 or 10 p.m. Clubs typically do not fill up until after midnight, and the peak hours are between 1 and 3 a.m. Pojangmacha and late-night restaurants often stay open until 4 or 5 a.m., and some are open 24 hours. The subway stops running around midnight, so after that you will need to rely on taxis. Kakao T is the most popular taxi-hailing app in Seoul, and it works well, though wait times can be long on weekend nights.
The best nights out in Seoul are usually Friday and Saturday, but weeknights have their own appeal. Monday and Tuesday are quieter, which means shorter lines, more attentive service, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Wednesday is often themed night at various bars and clubs. Thursday is popular with people who want to start the weekend early. The drinking culture in Seoul is social and communal, so going out alone is possible but going with at least one other person is better. If you are traveling solo, sit at the bar rather than a table, it makes it easier to strike up a conversation with the bartender or other patrons.
One final piece of advice: do not try to do everything in one night. Seoul's nightlife is best experienced at a leisurely pace, with plenty of time to move between venues, eat, and simply soak in the atmosphere. Pick a neighborhood, start early, and let the night unfold naturally. The best nights I have had in Seoul are the ones where I had no plan and simply followed my instincts, and that is what I hope this guide helps you do.
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