If you’re looking for a place to have a drink in Seoul, you’ve come to the right place. Seoul has 11 fantastic pubs and bars. But which ones should you check out? Here are some of my favorites: Whynot Cocktail Bar, Pussyfoot Saloon, Alice Cheongdam, Le Chamber, and The Blackbird. I hope you’ll enjoy them as much as I did!
Whynot Cocktail Bar
If you’re looking for a fun, gay-oriented bar in Seoul, look no further than Whynot Cocktail Bar. It is one of the city’s best-kept secrets, opening at 3am on weekends. Locals and industry types frequent Whynot, which boasts a full bar and expertly made drinks. The bar itself has a friendly atmosphere and a large dance floor.
While drinking cocktails and mingling with locals at the bar, you can take in the live jazz playing on the first floor of the bar. There’s also a nice selection of wines and spirits. The live DJ adds to the ambiance of the bar, and you’ll find yourself meeting new friends as you drink in the warm ambiance. You can also dance the night away to hip-hop tunes.
Located in the heart of Gangnam, this quaint cafe-bar transforms into a hipster-friendly cocktail bar. The bartenders here use fresh fruit, spiked juices, and mint to make their signature drinks. This place offers the ultimate female-friendly experience, and many of their cocktails are based on North American cocktails. A drink here can cost as much as $30, so take the time to make a reservation in advance.
Pussyfoot Saloon
Located in the posh Hannam-dong area, Pussyfoot Saloon is a unique and funky place to enjoy an adult beverage. The cocktails here are crafted using unusual ingredients and presented in fancy glasses. Its menu also features a cheese board, as well as drinks such as bee’s knee and sea salt. The atmosphere is incredibly fun and quirky, and the drinks are quite pricey.
Located at the InterContinental Seoul COEX, this bar features a rooftop patio, premium hookah, and trivia nights. Its sister bar, Pocket Seoul, serves burgers and fried chicken. Another unique bar in Seoul is Seendosi, a tech-school turned bar, where smokers sit on the roof in church pews. If you’re into live music, check out Vinyl Music Bar. 풀싸롱
Located in a former train station, Pussyfoot Saloon is an aesthetically stunning space. The interior resembles a vintage train car. Aside from great drinks, this cozy bar also has good service and an inviting atmosphere. Customers gave it 4.4 stars on Google, so you can bet it’s a good place for a night out.
Alice Cheongdam
The name of this speakeasy is a nod to the popular children’s book, “Alice in Wonderland.” This bar’s whimsical decor and quirky bartenders will make you think you’re somewhere out of this world. To celebrate the bar’s name, you’ll find the Alice Boutique, a bottle of cocktail in an elephant-shaped glass. The Alice Boutique also features a secret bar room, which is accessed via the back of the bar.
During the day, this place serves as a cozy cafe. At night, it transforms into a trendy cocktail bar. You’ll find the bartenders shaking signature drinks, while you enjoy the soulful jazz music. It’s a perfect place to watch the city go by. If you don’t have reservations, just walk in and grab a seat. Service is fast and friendly, and the band plays a great selection of music.
The speakeasy tradition is alive and well in Seoul. There are dozens of speakeasy-style lounges showcasing the finest cocktails in the city. The classic Korean drink, soju, is drunk in style at many of Seoul’s cocktail bars. Located on the 37th floor of the Conrad Hotel, this chic bar overlooks the Han River. Its dark wood and glass interiors create a cozy atmosphere, and the beef served there is second to none. Another popular cocktail bar is Flower Gin, a hybrid gin bar that looks and smells like an English country garden.
Le Chamber
For a fun drink in the city, head to the speakeasy-themed Le Chamber. With a sultry atmosphere and dark leather seats, the bar offers classic and innovative concoctions. There are more than 200 whiskeys on the menu, and cocktails include Chamber Story rum and fresh ginger. The bar is surrounded by plush leather armchairs and a live piano.
While most locals dress up for special events like weddings or birthday parties, Le Chamber is a great choice for a night out. This speakeasy-style bar is located in the Gangnam neighborhood, and has an instagrammable entrance. Besides the cocktails and whiskey, there is an impressive selection of traditional fermented spirits and whiskies. You can also enjoy some jazzy blues music while drinking here. There is no need to make a reservation, and you can get a seat immediately. Service is prompt and friendly. I was impressed with the band playing during my visit.
Located in an old metal factory, Le Chamber is a trendy neighborhood venue with a rooftop terrace. It has a hipster feel and offers a great selection of beers. The bar serves food ranging from small snacks to full meals. The blind pig also has a menu of unique Korean and Japanese brands. In addition to cocktails, the bar also offers a rooftop view. If you’re looking for a fun place to relax and get a drink, consider Samcheong-dong, where luxury stores, cafes, and cocktail bars are located.
Sky Lounge at COEX Intercontinental Seoul
The InterContinental Seoul COEX is a 5-star luxury hotel located in the World Trade Centre. It is only 350 meters away from the COEX Complex. The hotel offers five dining venues and a fitness center. In addition, guests can enjoy free WiFi in all rooms. The hotel offers four restaurants with a choice of modern Italian cuisine and traditional Korean dishes. A casino and mini golf course are also available for guests to enjoy.
Guests can relax in the hotel’s Sky Lounge, which features a breathtaking view of the city skyline. Asian Live, which serves Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Arabic, and Indonesian cuisine, is another option for dining. The lobby lounge is elegant and violet in color. Brasserie serves a buffet and a la carte menus. Guests can enjoy a drink at the Sky Lounge before a business meeting in one of the hotel’s meeting rooms. https://karaokepulsallong.com
In the mood for romance? The Sky Lounge at COEX Intercontinental Seoul is the perfect location. It offers panoramic views of the Han River, the city skyline, and the southern suburbs of the metropolis. The restaurant’s attentive staff will help you plan the perfect proposal. Whether it is a romantic night out or a business meeting, the Sky Lounge at COEX Seoul is a great place to say “I do.”
The Library
The Shilla hotel is a chic, cube-shaped building within walking distance of the main banking and financial district. The stylish daughter of Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee, Lee Boo-jin is the bar’s head chef. The Shilla’s Library Bar is a popular spot for conferences and business meetings, while solo drinkers can perch on comfortable couches and browse the selection of art and culture books. The bar’s interior has a polished hotel bar vibe, while its music is accompanied by live music.
If you’re looking for a romantic setting, head to the Cheongun Literature Library. Although this library only has a modest selection of books, it’s worth a visit just for the space alone. Located on the second floor of a traditional Korean house, the reading rooms are spacious, sunny, and welcoming. Even the staff speaks English, making it a popular destination for couples and groups of friends.
Griffin Bar
Located on the eleventh floor of the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square, The Griffin is one of the city’s top rooftop bars. The restaurant is known for its top-notch service and delicious cocktails. Guests can enjoy views of Seoul from the rooftop terrace, and can sample over 200 different wines and single-malt whiskey. Guests can also enjoy live jazz on weekends.
The Griffin Bar is a popular choice of local celebrities, socialites, and affluent travelers. The bar features an impressive range of spirits, including over 28 different kinds of vodka. Cocktails at The Griffin are crafted by expert bartenders, and guests can sample a variety of signature cocktails. Guests can also enjoy a view of the Heunginjiun Gate from the bar’s rooftop terrace. The bar has four private VIP rooms for VIP guests.
A more intimate experience of the city’s nightlife can be had at Once in a Blue Moon. This jazz bar features a large menu and a diverse clientele. The menu features a unique twist on drinks by pairing botanicals with liquor. For example, guests can sip on gin cocktails infused with ginger. The music is soulful and the staff is friendly.
Pierre’s Bar
The upscale Griffin Bar serves up signature cocktails and a wide selection of vodka, rum, and premium champagnes. Located on the 35th floor of the Lotte Hotel, this cozy spot serves up upscale cocktails and has a boudoir with plush sofas. This establishment is popular with locals and travelers alike for its sophisticated vibe and impeccable service. For a romantic night out, Pierre’s Bar is the ideal place. The drinks and food are top-notch, too.
Whether you’re a casual cigar smoker or a seasoned connoisseur, Pierre’s is the place to go for a cigar break. The spacious outdoor deck offers a sea view and a comfortable atmosphere. There’s also a large selection of Cuban cigars and travel accessories, and you can enjoy your cigar break in a casual setting.