Seoul is not only the cultural, hi-tech, and historical capital of South Korea but also a city that knows how to party! If you are blessed with the chance to visit this city, you will also experience some of the world’s most exotic and unbelievable bars. From early KTV bars to contemporary nightclubs with the most advanced facilities, there is everything one is looking for. It’s a place to catch a breather, have a good time with friends, and have one or two drinks.
In this article, you can follow us to some of the best places to grab a drink in Seoul, from traditional Korean bars to rooftop options.
Traditional Korean Bars
Traditional Korean bars, such as Pojangmacha outdoors or Hanok decorated bars with multiple food stalls, are a must-visit. These traditional places are ideal, especially for travelers who would like to experience traditional Korean culture while drinking soju (Korean distilled spirit) or makgeolli (rice wine).
Samgyeopsal and Soju Pairing Bars are in many parts of Seoul, such as Hongdae and Myeongdong. These bars allow you to savor grilled pork belly, best accompanied by a glass of soju. The Insadong Hanok Taverns venues have wooden structures, traditional Korean snacks, and real-time playbacks of Korean music.
Unique Pool Salon Entertainment Havens
Gangnam pool salons are not simply bars because they are situated in the affluent area of Gangnam and are different from your typical drinking parlor. They are pool salons that offer leisure, entertainment, and technology in one place, and it is a unique experience.
For instance, Gangnam-Baseball prides itself on being the number one pool salon in the region in which it operates through its unique features, such as the Magic Mirror and Shirt Changing System. It offers a clean interior design, VIP drinks, and impeccable service for those traveling and wanting a nice experience. Whether you are visiting gangnam-baseball.com to play the game of pool, watch the entertainment, or just quench your thirst with a cup of beer, this is one place anyone cannot afford to miss.
Rooftop Bars Lighting Skyline at Night
Those who want to become more lively can visit one of the rooftop bars in Seoul. They combine stunning city skyline views with exquisite original cocktails and an elegant interior. One of Seoul’s most popular rooftop bars is Vvertigo, located in the Gangnam district. It offers an incredible skyline view and a collection of brilliant cocktails, wines, and finger-licking foods.
The Griffin Bar (Myeongdong) is also on top of Hotel JW Marriott Dongdaemun, where people can enjoy the sunset while savoring a flawless drink. Last but not least, those who prefer a laid-back atmosphere and a view of Namsan Tower might want to visit the Oriole in Itaewon.
Hidden Gems: Seoul’s Speakeasies
Seoul’s speakeasy bars are usually not easy to locate, but it is always fun to go hunting for a good place to have a drink. One of the most popular Speakeasies in Seoul is Alice Cheongdam, which is derived from Alice in Wonderland. This fun bar is located in the Gangnam area and serves cocktails in a magical atmosphere.
The Anthracite bar is a former factory in the Itaewon district that serves cocktails made of perfectly mixed beverages. Finally, the Le Chamber is an underground cocktail bar located in Gangnam that cannot be found on Google Maps. It is accessed through the secret door hidden behind a bookshelf and is one of the best bars for quality cocktails in Seoul.
K-Pop Inspired Bars
One wonders about K-Pop’s most famous musical movement’s relevance to the sound of Seoul drinking spots. There are a number of bars in the city designed based on the concept of idols, and they serve various types of drinks along with live music bands.
Kloud Beer Hall is among the best K-Pop-themed bars on the K-Pop Bars List. It is a large bar located in Gangnam, where one can enjoy premium Korean beers with live music. Equally, the SMTOWN Coexartium, situated in the company’s headquarters, is a café-bar that serves meals and snacks and offers an opportunity to meet idols.
Late-Night Karaoke Bars
For those who need to include vocals in the drinks equation, there is the so-called Noraebang in Seoul. These venues provide individual spaces where one can sing without disruption while offering a choice of beverages and tidbits.
The Luxury Su Noraebang, situated in the city’s Gangnam district, is a popular karaoke bar with luxurious rooms and a list of songs to perform. However, if you prefer to save your money and are looking for something more casual, there are numerous karaoke bars where you pay by the number of coins.
