Bars in Seoul
Unusual bars in Seoul
Image adapted from (left to right): @jinsilhani and @uik.s
If you’re single and ready to mingle, it’s not a bad idea to hit up one of the many watering holes in Seoul to get to meet new people. But we know how difficult it is to narrow down your choices even after going through reviews on Google. So here are 10 bars in Seoul you can hit up to make new friends and who knows – you might actually meet your dream Korean boyfriend.
1. Kompakt Record Bar – retro vinyl bar
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Situated in Apgujeong, Kompakt Record Bar offers its customers a cozy laid-back space to have drinks over good ol’ vinyl music.
Image credit: @minshox
Step into the bar and the first thing you’ll notice is a DJ counter next to the bar. The music here is a mix of jazz, hip-hop, soul and funk. While the vinyls at Kompakt are not for sale, the ambience and music are so good, you’ll want to return time after time.
Image credit: @jangpotify
Grab a counter seat and sip on classics such as Gin Tonic (KRW10,000, ~USD8.30) or Gakubin Whiskey Highball (KRW15,000, ~USD12.50).
Alternatively, if you’re looking to spoil yourself, try the Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve (KRW24,000, ~USD20) or Yamazaki Single Malt 12 Years (KRW40,000, ~USD33.30). Both are higher-end Japanese whiskeys.
Address: 46, Dosan-daero 25-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 7PM-2AM, Closed on Sun
Telephone: 010-2718-5866
Website
2. Seendosi 신도시 – hidden bar in a warehouse
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Seendosi is a bar located on the 5th floor of a warehouse. Its decor is striking, with colourful neon signs hanging from the ceiling and walls plastered with mismatched murals and posters.
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Aesthetics aside, their range of beer and cocktails are just as impressive. Apart from Korean maekju (beer), this bar offers beers from around the world, such as Thailand’s Chang (KRW5,000, ~USD4.20), Singapore’s Tiger (KRW6,000, ~USD5), and France’s 1664 Blanc (KRW8,000, ~USD6.70).
If beer is not something up your alley, classic cocktail options like Jager Bomb (KRW7,000, ~USD5.80), Mojito (KRW11,000, ~USD9.20) and Tequila Sunrise (KRW8,000, ~USD6.70) will do the trick.
Image adapted from: @ziiiimiii
We recommend having some good ol’ popcorn (KRW5,000, ~USD5.20) with your drinks. But if you’re in for a sinful treat, sides like hash brown (5 for KRW8,000, ~USD6.70) and french fries (KRW9,000, ~USD7.50) are certainly worth busting your calorie budget for.
Address: 31 Eulji-ro 11-gil, Supyo-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: Mon – Thu 7PM-2AM | Fri 7PM-3AM | Sat 3PM-3AM, Closed on Sun
Telephone: 070-8631-4557
Website
3. Dokil Jutaek 독일주택 – bar in a traditional hanok house
Image adapted from (left to right): @cafe_essential and @germanyhouse_nonofficial
No, we didn’t make a mistake. This isn’t one of those cafes nestled in a traditional hanok house, but a bar.
In Korean, Dokil Jutaek means “German House”, but it’s also a play of words where Do Ju means “to drink on one’s own” – in other words, it’s a perfect place for singles to gather and strike up new conversations.
There’s also a small courtyard if you prefer drinking al fresco.
Image adapted from (left to right): @iamjejeon and @chloessim
In terms of food, Dokil Jutaek’s signature platters are crowd favourites. Wine connoisseurs should definitely give its Wine Plate (KRW18,000, ~USD15) a shot. It consists of perfect wine pairing snacks like parma ham, feta, and cheddar cheese.
But if you’re craving authentic German sausages, the Herb Sausage & Olive Cheese Plate (KRW22,000, ~USD18.30) will not disappoint.
Image credit: @chloessim
Be sure to also try one of their craft beers. At only KRW11,000 (~USD9.20), a glass of Old Rasputin Imperial Stout 9% packs a punch with its rich malty flavour.
Address: 16-4 Daemyeong 1-gil, Myeongnyun 4(sa)ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: 12PM-2AM, Daily
Telephone: 02-742-1933
4. Cobbler 코블러 – no-menu bar
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The next time you’re around Gyeongbokgung Palace, don’t just stroll past Cobbler without going in. Inside a refurbished hanok house, you’ll find a whiskey bar with vintage decor and elegant ambience.
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The bar has a wide selection of labels, but it doesn’t have a drink menu. Here, you don’t have to rack your brains to decide on a drink as the experienced bartenders will specially craft a concoction that suits your palate. Prices start from KRW10,000 (~USD8.30), but it can go up to KRW20,000 (~USD16.60) depending on the choice of whiskey.
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Munch your way through the complimentary Cobbler pie and caramelised walnuts while you sip on the drinks.
Address: 16 Sajik-ro 12-gil, Sajik-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 7PM-3AM, Closed on Sun
Telephone: 02-733-6421
5. The Bungalow 더 방갈로 – tropical lounge bar with a mini pool
Image adapted from (left to right): @uik.s and @itaewonlife
You can expect the crowd at The Bungalow to be slightly more diverse than the classy bars we are used to – instead of an intimate ambience, there are colourful chandeliers, bohemian tapestries, swings, and even a mini pool.
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The drinks menu is extensive here, but you can never go wrong with classics such as Margarita, Long Island Iced Tea, Sangria, and Sex On The Beach (KRW10,000, ~USD8.30 each).
Image credit: @se._.s2
On top of the usual bar snacks, The Bungalow also offers a good variety of main courses.
Image adapted from: @the_bungalow
Choose from mains like sirloin steak (KRW27,000, ~USD22.70) served with a generous portion of pasta, or Fish and Chips (KRW19,000, ~USD15.90).
Address: 8 Itaewon-ro 27ga-gil, Itaewon 1(il)-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: 5PM-3AM, Daily
Telephone: 02-793-2344
Website
6. Thursday Party Hongdae – beer pong and darts
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Thursday Party is the go-to place if you’re down for a fun night with new friends. It’s conveniently located in Hongdae, so the next time you’re around the area, pop over to unwind and let loose.
Here, the drinks are kept simple and affordable with a house pour setting you back around KRW10,000 (~USD8.30). A mug of draft beer starts from KRW3,500 (~USD2.90).
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The fun never seems to end at Thursday Party. Each round of beer pong – inclusive of beer – only costs KRW9,900 (~USD8.20), while a game of darts is only KRW2,000 (~USD1.70).
Address: 407-12 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: Sun – Thu 7PM-3.30AM | Fri & Sat 7PM-5.30PM
Telephone: 02-322-0063
7. Playground Rooftop Cafe & Bar – 2-storey bar with international parties
Located in the heart of Hongdae with a rooftop terrace, Playground Rooftop Cafe & Bar is a 2-storey bar that offers an unobstructed night view of the neighbourhood.
Image credit: @hongdaeplayground
The bar has daily events lined up for customers. Look out for the International Rooftop Party held every Friday and Saturday. You’ll get to meet people of different nationalities over games of darts, foosball, or table tennis.
Note: The bar has daily specials such as ladies nights and happy hours – be sure to check out their Instagram page for the latest updates.
Address: 14 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: Mon – Thu 6PM-11PM | Fri & Sat 6PM-1AM | Sun 6PM-10PM
Telephone: 02-337-0774
Website
8. Flower Gin 플라워진 – pet-friendly floral bar
Image credit: @distiller_so
At first glance, you’ll probably mistake Flower Gin for a florist or cafe. With an exterior decorated with potted plants and bouquets of flowers, not many will know that this spot is actually a pet-friendly gin-centric bar that doubles as a florist.
Image credit: @happy.miny
When you first walk into the place, you’ll notice an inviting open-concept bar counter. Behind that counter, you’ll notice a purple-lit shelf showcasing bottles of Hendrick’s Gin – the house brand used in all of the drinks on the menu.
Image credit: @happy.miny
You’ll find classics like Gin & Tonic (KRW9,500, ~USD7.90), as well as unique mixes like Hot Gin Punch (KRW13,000, ~USD10.90) made from a mixture of Hendrick’s Gin, rooibos tea, fruit juice and homemade hibiscus syrup. If you’re feeling peckish, they’ve got mixed nuts (KRW5,000, ~USD4.20) to go with.
Address: 250 Noksapyeong-daero, Itaewon 2(i)-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: Wed – Mon 12PM-12AM, Closed on Tue
Telephone: 02-412-1983
9. RetroGameBar 레트로게임바 – bar with retro games
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If you’re looking to take your drinking game up a notch, head to RetroGameBar. With an interior reminiscent of Super Mario, decked out with fairy lights and an abundance of game machines, this bar resembles an old-school arcade more than it does a bar.
Image credit: @shaspleen
Aside from game consoles, the bar has a collection of popular card games like Munchkins and Avalon. But if you’re in for a traditional bar game, have a friendly battle over a game of beer pong (KRW20,000, ~USD16.60) or tequila pong (KRW30,000, ~USD24.90).
While you might get carried away with the variety of games available, don’t forget to check out their reasonably priced beers (from KRW4,000, ~USD3.30) and cocktails (from KRW7,000, ~USD5.80).
Address: 407-26, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: Mon – Thu 7PM-2AM | Fri 7PM-5AM | Sat 6PM-5AM | Sun 6PM-2AM
Telephone: 010-8773-5517
Unique bars in Seoul
And here you go – a list of bars in Seoul you can hit up to meet new people and have a good time. So it’s time to go forth and have a blast in one of the cities with the most vibrant nightlife.
Before you scoot off to Seoul, check out these articles:
- 10 Affordable Korean buffets in Seoul
- 10 Korean street food better than Netflix’s feature
- 10 Female-friendly hostels in Seoul
- 15 Korean phrases for shopping
- Korean drinking culture