Places in Seoul where a beginner can play 10

Each group on this list says on its own page that newcomers are welcome. The Jamsil beginners' club meets on Friday evenings in a café near Jamsil Station, where members can also book a guided game with a teacher. Seoul Chess Club runs beginners' meetings beside its social nights in Hongdae, and Seoul Chess Queens, a women-only group, starts its Sunday café afternoons in Jung-gu with a short chat before pairing players.

Smaller groups suit a first game too: 2030 Chess Club plays in cafés around Seokchon in fours, Ilsan Paju Chess Club meets in Goyang, and Suwon Chess Study holds study meetings in cafés near Yeongtong and Gwanggyo. Cafe Derby by Sinsa Station lends its board free, and staff explain the moves on request. AZT Chess in Dongtan has an adult class, and the King's Gambit alliance takes university students of any level. Most groups ask for a sign-up before each meeting.