Seoul’s bar and mixology scene has grown at such an exponential rate over these past few years that it’s tough to keep up with the growing trends. With many mid-range to top-tier cocktail bars in Seoul vying to put the city on the world map of cocktail stardom, there’s much that a thirsty tippler can look forward to.
Armed with a deep respect of the craft and equal ounces of spunk and creativity for good measure, we have here a list of 8 cocktail bars in and around the city that are paving the way toward the capital’s prospering cocktail scene.
1. Alice Cheongdam – An Alice in Wonderland-themed cocktail bar
Locating this speakeasy is no easy feat, but some white rabbit signs, a flight of stairs and a secret door at the back of a flower shop later, you’ll find yourself wound up in a whimsical wonderland that may look prim and proper like a gentleman’s club, but is anything but. This Alice In Wonderland-themed lounge-style bar focuses on experimental cocktails, served with equal measures of theatrics and flair.
Address: 84-20 청담동 Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours: 7PM – 3AM (Daily)
Contact: +82 2-511-8420
2. Charles H – Ranked as Seoul’s best bar in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2019
Adorned with gold and marble, this glamorous hotel bar is a homage to its namesake, legendary cocktail writer, Charles H. Baker. Exotic yet sophisticated, this intimate cocktail bar serves a fine array of elegant and masterfully crafted cocktails. If you’re mad about whisky (like we are), go for the Manhattan Flight, a platter comprising three unique abbreviations of the classic Manhattan cocktail.
See the full list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2019’s winners.
Address: Four Seasons, 97 Saemunan-ro, Dangju-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours: 6PM – 1AM (Mon to Wed), 6PM – 2.30AM (Thu to Sat), 6PM – 1AM (Sun)
Contact: +82 2-6388-5000
3. Cobbler – Situated in a restored traditional Korean house
A small, intimate cocktail bar housed in a restored traditional Korean house, what you’ll find in this dimly lit speakeasy is nothing more than the long wooden bar top, a few comfy chairs parked in front of it and two small tables.
For what it lacks in size though, it more than compensates in the drinks that they serve. The bar adopts a strict no-menu policy, meaning that every cocktail is made through prior discussions between bartender and customer.
Address: 16 Sajik-ro 12-gil, Sajik-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours: 7PM – 3AM (Mon to Sat), Closed on Sundays
Contact: +82 2-733-6421
4. Jean Frigo – Walk through the refrigerator to enter the speakeasy
Widely known across the globe as ‘the refrigerator bar’, Jean Friso rose to fame via social media as a result of its unique entrance. Located in an unassuming fruit store in Dongdaemun, gaining entry into the hidden bar is as easy as opening a fridge.
Here, you’ll find a variety of fresh-tasting fruit-forward cocktails made by a team of highly skilled bartenders using fruits from the store it’s disguised as.
Address: Toegye-ro 62-gil, Gwanghuidong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours: 12PM – 2AM (Mon to Thu), 12PM – 3AM (Fri & Sat), Closed on Sundays
Contact: +82 2-2275-1933
5. Le Chamber – A world-class experience awaits in Gangnam
Run by a team of world-class bartenders, Le Chamber in Seoul’s upperclass district of Gangnam is a high-end speakeasy bar that strives for excellence in all aspects of modern mixology. Don your best outfit and be served by the likes of Diageo World Class champions and owner-bartenders Eom Do-hwan and Lim Jae-jin, who’ll spare no effort in concocting the perfect drink to suit your fussiest fancy.
Address: B1, 83-4 Cheongd am-dong, Gangnam-gu
Opening Hours: 7PM – 3AM (Sun to Thu), 7PM – 4AM (Fri & Sat)
Contact: +82 2 6337 2014
6. Pussyfoot Saloon – Won Campari One To Watch Award 2019
A relatively new addition to Seoul’s bustling bar scene, Pussyfoot Saloon raises the bar (in every sense of the word), serving up delicious, made-to-impress libations in a sleek, sophisticated space.
Their drinks are made with precision using only the freshest ingredients and best possible spirits so whether you opt for a classic like a Negroni or one of their signature drinks, you can trust that you’re in professional hands.
Address: 7-8, Daesagwan-ro 31-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours: 6PM – 3AM (Daily)
Contact: +82 2-792-5945
7. Southside Parlor – The unpretentious bar that everyone loves
Opened by native Texans (and friends), Phil, Robbie and Johnny back in 2013, Southside Parlor has since been a beloved fixture in the Gyeongridan district of Itaewon. Unlike many of the swanky, sophisticated cocktail bars in this list, this bar requires neither a suit nor a tie.
The bar oozes with casual, laid-back vibes and welcomes anyone and everyone who’s keen on learning (and drinking) about cocktails. Whether you’re new to cocktails or a seasoned connoisseur, you’ll appreciate the their broad selection of drinks, ranging from classic to creative.
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Itaewon-dong, 527 번지 4 층
Opening Hours: 6PM – 12AM (Sun to Thu), 6PM – 2AM (Fri & Sat), Closed on Mondays
Contact: +82 2-749-9522
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