33 Incredible Cocktail Bars in Seoul

Seoul has some of the best cocktail bars in the world. I know that’s a bold statement, but after spending six weeks working my way through the city’s cocktail scene, I can say it with complete confidence. This city takes its drinks seriously, and the creativity I found in every bar is unlike anywhere else I have been.

There is a tea bar that infuses its own spirits, a speakeasy hidden behind a fridge door in a fake fruit shop, and a bar with no menu at all, where the bartender builds a drink around whatever you’re craving, and bars I had to push a book to get into. I put together this guide after personally visiting every bar on this list.

Here is everything you need to know about the best cocktail bars in Seoul.

If you only have a few nights in Seoul, start with my favorites: Gyewol, Bar Tea Scent, Jean Frigo, Radio City, Bar Geranium, and Zoo Sindang. The full list below covers all 33 bars I visited, organized by neighborhood, with addresses for each one.

My Top Picks

Best Cocktail Bars in Seoul By Area

Best Cocktail Bars in Gangnam

Bar Tea Scent

Website | Neighborhood: Cheongdam | Address: South Korea, Seoul, Gangnam District, Seolleung-ro 162-gil, 16 1층

Tea is meant to be calming, and that is precisely the vibe this bar goes for. Stepping inside feels like entering a quiet zen sanctuary, with soft music and water trickling down the walls.

The bar infuses its own tea-based spirits in-house. Popular ones include gyokuro vodka, lapsang souchong scotch, and chamomile tequila. The cocktail menu is split into sections by tea-making country, with each one built around that country’s teas and flavors.

If you want a drink that isn’t on the menu, the bartenders are magicians who can whip up pretty much anything. I asked for a Bloody Mary and got the best one I think I have ever had. It was a curry Bloody Mary, and the only reason it isn’t on the menu is that it doesn’t contain tea.

Alice Cheongdam

Website | Neighborhood: Cheongdam | Address: South Korea, Seoul, Gangnam District, Dosan-daero 55-gil, 47 지하 1층

Alice Cheongdam is an Alice in Wonderland-themed speakeasy that has earned a spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. I absolutely loved this bar.

The entrance is hidden behind a flower shop down an alley, where a short flight of stairs leads you inside. The space isn’t big, so if you are with a large group you may be waiting a while for a table. Reservations are only taken for the first two hours after opening.

Inside, the space is dim with dark wood paneling, plush chairs, and quirky Wonderland-inspired artwork on the walls. The bar seats were also super comfy.

The cocktail menu is so much fun you will want to try everything on it. Each drink has a silly name and a cute illustration, plus every cocktail comes with a story you’ll get to hear once it’s served.

The menu is also organized by drink strength, which I thought was clever. If you are feeling peckish, every guest gets a snack basket. I didn’t eat dinner beforehand, so it was nice to have some nibbles while I drank.

Calvados Garden

Website | Neighborhood: Cheongdam | Address: B1, 19-37 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea

Calvados Garden is the third bar in Andy Yoon’s growing collection of concept-driven bars in Seoul. Just like at his other two bars, Bar Tea Scent and Bar Geranium, he takes a single ingredient and builds an entire experience around it. This time, that ingredient is Calvados, an apple brandy from Normandy, France. Yoon has even established a partnership with Groult, a Calvados producer in the region.

Inside, a water-filled table surrounded by seating serves as the centerpiece, and the bartender adds nitrogen to it to create a smoky effect. I enjoyed that far too much. The drinks were excellent, but not all of them contained Calvados. If you are really keen to try the brandy itself, there is an entire menu of different varieties.

ChapterThree

Website | Neighborhood: Cheongdam | Address: South Korea, Seoul, Gangnam District, Cheongdam-dong, Apgujeong-ro, 406 1층

If you are book-obsessed like me, this bar is for you. By day it’s a doctor’s office waiting room, and by night it’s a library-themed speakeasy. To get in, you have to push one of the books beside the door, which magically swings it open.

Inside, hundreds of books lined the shelves throughout the bar, and as if I wasn’t already excited enough, the signature cocktails were inspired by literary classics.

I had three drinks here. The first was the Mowgli, made with rum, soda, and mint, which came in a jungle-inspired box. This was my favorite presentation of the night.

The Rose Du Prince, based on “The Little Prince,” was made with gin, apricot liqueur, lime juice, and black currant syrup.

And finally, I got the Sherlock, made with amaretto, lemon juice, and a third ingredient you have to guess. The menu gives you clues.

If you like whiskey, you are also in luck! The bar has a massive whiskey collection and offers tastings.

Birdman Bar

Website | Neighborhood: Sinsa | Address: South Korea, 지하 1층 55-4 KR 서울특별시 강남구 가로수길

Birdman isn’t really a well-known bar. In fact, I had some trouble finding it and almost gave up, but eventually I spotted an unmarked door and opened it. I then descended a flight of stairs that looked like it led to a creepy basement, and at the bottom, another door led to the bar.

Inside, it was dark, with quirky and slightly creepy decor, interesting murals painted on the walls, and lots of vintage trinkets. The bar was indeed bird themed, which shouldn’t be too surprising. A bright red bird under a glass cloche greets you at the entrance, and if you venture further toward the bathroom, you will find eerie displays of vintage toys.

There weren’t many signature drinks on the menu, which was a bit disappointing, but the ones I had were great. The Cassis Spanner was my favorite!

Seasonaltone

Website | Neighborhood: Nonhyeon | Address: South Korea, Seoul, Gangnam District, Gangnam-daero 124-gil, 3-6 호은빌딩 2층

This bar was tough to find, and I almost gave up before finally spotting it hidden on the second floor of a random building. It seemed very popular with locals, so I was excited to dive in and try some drinks.

I worked my way through about half the menu. The bell pepper cocktail was a favorite, as was the Corn Harvest, made by sautéing corn in brown butter before infusing it into bourbon, and the Little New Year, which featured a house-made red bean syrup.

I sat at a long counter-style table by the window which offered a great view of the street below.

Drinks are added to the menu occasionally depending on what is in season, and if you are curious what is currently being served up, check out their Instagram!

Ferrytail

Website | Neighborhood: Nonhyeon | Address: B1 Unit B01, 166-7 Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Some locals recommended Ferrytail to me, and honestly, this bar was difficult to find online. It’s tucked away in a very local part of Gangnam.

It’s a one-man operation run by owner Jung Kookyoung, who crafts an inventive cocktail menu that rotates seasonally. I happened to visit while he was working on the new menu, and he let me taste one of his upcoming creations: an Ube Cheesecake cocktail. It was perfection. I would have devoured 5 of those.

So regardless of what season you visit or what is on the menu, I can guarantee anything you order will be delicious. He also serves up an incredible banana brûlée.

Scentique Cocktail Bar

Website | Neighborhood: Sinsa | Address: 643-17 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea

Scentique is a hidden gem in Gangnam crafting cocktails with unique ingredients, including blueberry mango brandy, coconut foam, cinnamon and coffee whiskey, truffle whiskey, and rose Calvados. The bar also distills some of its own alcohol, which is probably why the drinks tasted so good.

The ingredient combinations were so unique I had to try as many as I could, and I got through a pretty good amount. My favorites were the Matcha Garden, Coconut Orchard, and Truffle Bliss (alcoholic ice cream). The Rose Blossom was also excellent.

Bar Geranium

Website | Neighborhood: Cheongdam | Address: 84-14 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea

Bar Geranium was one of the most unique bars I drank at in Seoul. Instead of a regular menu, the bartender brought out a box of six stones, each infused with a different scent, and every scent had three cocktails associated with it. You smell each stone, find the scent you like best, and pick one of its cocktails.

I ended up having quite a few drinks here. My favorite was the RU Nuts, a peanut butter based cocktail. The Campfire was also good: smoky, sweet, and garnished with a charred marshmallow. The Silky Velvet was another winner, a boozy ice cream made with whiskey, vanilla, truffle chocolate, and a cherry on top.

Mixology

Website | Neighborhood: Apgujeong | Address: South Korea, Seoul, Gangnam District, Dosan-daero 58-gil, 18 지하 1층

Mixology is a swanky basement bar in Gangnam. The bartenders not only craft great drinks, but also distill their own alcohol, which makes its way into many of the cocktails.

The bar’s cocktail crafting skills are so well known across Seoul that other venues hire them for a bespoke menu creation service, building unique cocktail menus tailored to each place.

Sherlock

Website | Neighborhood: Cheongdam | Address: 117-38 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea

If you want a bar that is really under the radar, Sherlock may be the spot. I scoured the internet for an Instagram, a Facebook page, or anything that would lead me to this bar, but nothing! There is a Google Maps page, so at least that’s something.

Seoul is full of themed bars, so I wasn’t surprised to stumble across this Sherlock Holmes-themed bar, and I absolutely loved every second of my visit. As soon as we sat down, we were handed a menu that looked like an old rolled-up map, along with a magnifying glass. Not that the text was THAT small, but still very cool.

I think the only thing that wasn’t Sherlock-themed was the drinks, which was a bit disappointing, but all the cool props and the ambiance made up for it.

If you want a night you may forget, I recommend ordering The Earthquake, which is what my friend went for. It comes in a skull glass, which tells you exactly what sort of drink it is. The Rose cocktail and the Tea Martini were both very nice.

Le Chamber

Website | Neighborhood: Apgujeong | Address: South Korea, Seoul, Gangnam District, Dosan-daero 55-gil, 42 지하 1층

Le Chamber is one of Seoul’s more popular speakeasies. You arrive in what looks like a small library, where you have to find the right book on the shelf and press it to make the door swing open.

The bar was founded by Louis Eom, a Diageo World Class competition runner-up, and the menu reflects that. He has created drinks with unusual ingredients that just work. My favorite was The Corpse Reviver, a liquid take on carbonara made with mushroom rum, egg yolk, pecorino cheese, and pepper. Sounds weird, but it was delicious.

The B&B was also nice, made with butter bourbon and amaretto, then topped with candied bacon. The Movie Snack was another standout, mixing nacho tequila, truffle popcorn cordial, and white cacao.

If you want drinks with a crazy presentation, the Chamber Story arrives inside a hollowed-out book and mixes spiced rum, tropical fruits, hazelnut, and bitters. The Buddha is another fun one, served in a smoke-filled Buddha glass.

If you are feeling peckish, I recommend the sausage plate. It comes with six different sausage varieties. It’s probably meant to serve two people, but I devoured it solo.

Zest

Website | Neighborhood: Apgujeong | Address: South Korea, Seoul, Gangnam District, Dosan-daero 55-gil, 26 하늘빌딩 1층

Getting into Zest is a process, and not an easy one. The bar is reservation-only, and if you do snag a table, you get a 90-minute time slot, which is enough for at least three drinks.

It sits at number 2 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars and number 9 on the World’s 50 Best, the highest any Korean bar has climbed on that list, but if I am being honest, I went to other bars in Seoul that were way better.

To their credit, co-founders Demie Kim, Sean Woo, Jisu Park, and Noah Kwon built Zest around zero-waste principles, sourcing ingredients from across Korea and upcycling everything down to the orange peels, which get redistilled into the bar’s own house gin.

The bar even carbonates its drinks in-house to cut down on packaging waste.

Pine & Co

Website | Neighborhood: Apgujeong | Address: 33 지하 Seolleung-ro 157-gil, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea

Pine & Co earns its name from two things: the pine tree, a Korean symbol of longevity, and the pineapple, which represents hospitality.

Now, this is a speakeasy, and a difficult one to find. My friends and I had a bit of trouble tracking it down, but when we did, it was worth it!

This Bloody Mary isn’t like any I’ve had before. Instead of using thick tomato juice, the bar filters the tomatoes down to a clear water, which makes the drink much lighter. It’s then drizzled with oil and topped with a skewered tomato.

Pine & Co. is one of the most technically advanced bars I have been to. The team uses rotovap machines, sous vide equipment, and advanced filtration systems to craft their drinks. Sustainability matters here too: the bar partners with local cafes to repurpose leftover coffee grounds.

Best Cocktail Bars in Jongno

Bar Cham

Website | Neighborhood: Tongin | Address: 34 Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

Bar Cham is one of Seoul’s most popular bars and is located in a beautiful hanok, a traditional Korean house. To get a table, you either have to book a month in advance or join the night-of waiting list, which can be pretty long depending on the day and time of night.

Keep in mind, groups are capped at four people. Walk-ins are accepted starting at 7 pm, but keep in mind the wait could be long.

You can add your name to the list using a computer out front, but unfortunately it only accepts Korean phone numbers. If you don’t have one, head inside and ask the staff to DM you on Instagram when your table is ready, which is what they did for us.

Cobbler

Website | Neighborhood: Tongin | Address: 16 Sajik-ro 12-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

Cobbler is set inside a restored hanok, renovated by owner and head bartender Robin Yoo, one of the most respected figures in Seoul’s cocktail scene. The space has wooden beams, soft lighting, and a long bar counter, home to the most coveted seats in the house, where you can watch the magic happen.

There’s no menu. Instead, you tell the bartender what you’re in the mood for, whether it’s a flavor, a feeling, or a spirit you love, and they build a drink around it. If you are hungry, you are in luck: a warm fruit cobbler arrives as soon as you sit down.

The bar doesn’t take reservations, so the wait can be long, but it is absolutely worth it.

Charles H

Website | Neighborhood: Gwanghwamun | Address: 97 Saemunan-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

Charles H. is named after Charles H. Baker Jr., an American writer and globe-trotting cocktail enthusiast who spent the 1930s traveling the world and documenting the drinks he found along the way.

Once you do find the bar, it’s like escaping into a vintage world, with plush leather seats and jazz playing softly in the background. The cocktail menu reads like a travel magazine, with drinks named after and inspired by the cities Baker visited, from New York and Naples to Bangkok and Lima.

I am a savory drink girl, so my favorite was the Naples cocktail, the Margherita-Margarita, which tasted like a liquid margherita pizza. It’s made with tequila, tomatoes, oregano, basil, fresh whey, and toasted grissini salt, and the salted rim tasted just like pizza crust.

The Spilled Milk, based on Seoul, was another favorite, made with soju, pyrolyzed banana, black sesame, cold brew coffee liqueur, and banana cream.

Now, don’t get this bar confused with H. Bar, a second speakeasy hidden inside Charles H. that requires a reservation. More on that one below.

H Bar

Website | Neighborhood: Gwanghwamun | Address: 97 Saemunan-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

This bar is an entirely different experience from Charles H. For one, it’s a lot smaller, so you get more attention from the bartender, and two, the menu is small, with only a few drink and food options.

The cocktail tasting course pairs eight drinks with three bites, using techniques like rotary evaporation, centrifugation, liquid nitrogen, and freeze-drying alongside local Korean ingredients including Chodang corn, Daejeo tomatoes, Korean melon, and perilla leaf. The menu changes seasonally, so the lineup depends on what’s in season.

If I am being completely honest, I found this bar underwhelming. The drinks at Charles H. were a lot better. Maybe my experience would have been different had I done the cocktail tasting instead of ordering à la carte. For food, I got the Jeju black pork, which was bland.

I am still mentioning this bar because the space itself was very cool and worth checking out, and maybe you will like the drinks more than I did. To make a reservation, you can click here.

Bar Zeya

Website | Neighborhood: Insadong | Address: South Korea, Seoul, Jongno District, Ujeongguk-ro 2-gil, 17 지하 1층

Bar Zeya is primarily a whiskey bar, so if you are a whiskey fan, there are hundreds of bottles to choose from! The bar also crafts beautiful cocktails, and like the true cocktail aficionado I am, I went a bit crazy.

The bartenders definitely went all out on the menu. One drink, the K-BBQ, tasted exactly like Korean barbecue, true to its name, and comes garnished with dried pork. Another, the Martequita, was made with cheese tequila and tasted just like pizza.

So needless to say, the bartenders played around with the craziest ingredients and created some of the most inventive cocktails in the city. There is food, but the menu is pretty limited. I was starving, so I ordered the cheese board, which hit the spot.

Best Cocktail Bars in Jung

Zoo Sindang

Website | Neighborhood: Myeongdong | Address: 11 Toegye-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

Zoo Sindang might be one of Seoul’s worst-kept secrets at this point, but that doesn’t make finding it any less fun. The exterior looks like a dilapidated old fortune-telling shop, with crumbling signage and a weathered awning.

The entrance is guarded by a large cat statue, which you push to get inside. That detail alone sets the tone. Once you’re in, it feels like being transported to another planet: a technicolor jungle of plants, lanterns, and colorful lights.

The bar is pretty small, so it’s best to make a reservation. We had six people, so we were given a private booth, which was really nice. This is a zodiac-themed bar built around the animals rather than the signs, and every cocktail on the menu corresponds to one and comes with its own story. The Rabbit and Lamb cocktails were especially good.

I also recommend grabbing dinner here. The food was a definite highlight for us. I got the scorched rack of lamb with curry sauce and almost licked the plate clean. This bar was incredible, and I would go as far as saying it was one of my favorites in the city.

Sookhee

Website | Neighborhood: Namsan | Address: South Korea, Seoul, Jung District, Toegye-ro 44-gil, 3 1층

Bar Sookhee sits in Namsan, a neighborhood where old print shops and hardware stores have given way to a buzzing bar scene. The entrance hides behind an unassuming wooden door. Step inside, though, and you’ll find yourself in a 1920s speakeasy.

Keep in mind there are two locations, and I only went to the one in Namsan. The other is in Myeongdong and is supposed to be quite good.

In place of a traditional cocktail menu, the drinks are written on the back of a coaster, and each one is named after a fruit. I tried almost all of them, and my favorite was the Pineapple. If you have ever had a pineapple cookie, it tasted exactly like one.

The bartenders were so much fun! One of them got talking with me about movies and shows, and I casually mentioned I had done some extra work while living in LA. When she found out one of those shows was Brooklyn Nine-Nine, apparently one of her favorites, she looked like she was on the verge of happy tears.

Jean Frigo

Website | Area: Mukjeong | Address: 9-8 Toegye-ro 62-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

From the outside, Jean Frigo looks like a small fruit shop, with boxes of produce and a row of refrigerators lining the storefront. The entrance is one of those fridge doors. You just have to figure out which one.

The space spreads across two levels, and tables are marked by a piece of fruit instead of a number. The best part was ordering, which happens via a vintage payphone. You get a coin, then you call down to the bar to place your order.

The cocktail menu is all about fresh fruit. My favorite was the Very Blue, a blueberry based drink. My friend got the tomato, basil, and honey cocktail and said it was very good.

The food is delicious too. We got the rose pasta gnocchi and a picnic platter, essentially an elevated charcuterie board served in an actual picnic basket. It also came with a creamy, fruit-shaped ice cream.

Reservations aren’t required, but they’re worth making if you are with more than two people. We got lucky coming on a weekday when it wasn’t that busy, but every table filled up shortly after we arrived. You can make a reservation here.

Ghiwon22

Website | Neighborhood: Myeongdong | Address: 121-3 Myeong-dong, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

Ghiwon 22 stands out for its focus on traditional Korean spirits, with cocktails built around ingredients like Andong soju and makgeolli.

The menu is split into two signature cocktail lists. The first is titled “Joseon Dynasty Favorite Spirits,” featuring cocktails made with traditional Korean spirits that have been popular since the Joseon era. My favorite was the Jukryeokgo & Omija, made with jukryeokgo, a traditional Korean bamboo liquor, combined with omija berry and cream. It arrives in a pot with a cloud of nitrogen smoke billowing out.

The second list is called “Infused Liquor & Traditional Spirit Cocktails,” featuring drinks made with Korean spirits and liqueurs infused in-house. My favorite from this menu was the Main Signature No. 2, made with Andong soju and sweet pumpkin sikhye, a traditional rice drink.

The two signatures I mentioned above are the only ones with cool presentations, which is why they cost a bit more (26,000 won vs. 23,000 won). Everything I tried was great, though, and if you are unsure what to order, tell the bartender what tasting notes you are in the mood for and they will recommend something you’ll love!

The food was its own experience. The bar was testing a Korean appetizer platter, and everyone got one to try on the house. I followed it with an order of the crispiest chicken karaage and truffle fries.

Best Cocktail Bars in Mapo-gu

Gyewol

Website | Neighborhood: Hapjeong | Address: 18, Worldcup-ro 19-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Okay, firstly, this bar was probably my favorite on this entire list. Not only were the drinks delicious and unique, but it’s owned by a couple who are the sweetest AND most talented bartenders and all-around lovely people.

Now on to the drinks! There are 12 signature cocktails, one for each month of the year, each one built around whatever is in season or a holiday or tradition that falls in that month.

Honestly, it’s difficult to pick a favorite, but after trying 8 of the drinks (I was aiming for all 12 but couldn’t do it in the end). My favorites were The Picnic (May), which is in the photo above in the upper right, made with soju, strawberry, green apple, triple sec, and topped with frozen strawberries.

The Campfire (November), which is in the photo above in the bottom left, is made with an apple spirit, whiskey, maple syrup, and an applewood smoked marshmallow.

Next time I am in Seoul, I need to go back and try the other 4 drinks because they also looked very good.

D.still

Website | Neighborhood: Hongdae | Address: 10 Wausan-ro 15-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

D.Still isn’t a speakeasy per se, but it definitely feels like one as you turn down a side street in the middle of Hongdae, the city’s notoriously chaotic student and nightlife district, and walk through the door.

I absolutely loved every drink I had here, especially their take on the Bloody Mary. The menu changes from time to time, and the best place to see what’s currently being poured is on their Instagram.

It’s also walk-in only, so there’s no need to stress about a reservation.

Bar Rosetta

Website | Neighborhood: Hapjeong  | Address: 35 Eoulmadang-ro 5-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

If you are an artist or just appreciate beautiful artwork, Bar Rosetta is worth a visit. Each drink is inspired by a famous painting, such as Water Lilies, Starry Night, and The Kiss.

Radio City

Website | Neighborhood: Hongdae | Address: 5 Donggyo-ro 32-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

I went to Radio City a couple of times because I loved it so much. I didn’t know this at the time, but Radio City is an LP bar, LP being short for long play. These vinyl record bars are hugely popular in South Korea.

LP bars have shelves of vinyl records that customers can request. At Radio City, you order your drink, and your server hands you a slip of paper where you can write down a song request.

The concept is very cool, although my main focus was the drinks, which, let me say, were outrageous in the best way. Each drink was named after a genre of music and served in the most insane glassware.

Many of the drinks also have props to go along with them. One drink had a Walkman that you could listen to while sipping, and another came with a mini piano. There was also a drink served in a guitar, and many of them came with flowers.

This is easily one of my top 5 bars in Seoul.

The inside is also very cool, with vintage furniture and music memorabilia, so honestly, for a small bar, there is a lot to take in. You could easily stay for hours. At least, that is what I did.

Bar Catalyst

Website | Neighborhood: Yeonnam  | Address: 3F, 42-24, Donggyo-ro 46-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

If you’re a movie lover, this cinema-themed bar needs to be on your list. The cocktails are inspired by iconic films such as WALL-E, John Wick, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and the menu itself is printed on a film slate.

A projector runs classic movies throughout the night; The Mummy was playing during my visit.

Best Cocktail Bars in Seongdong

Cinderella Bar

Website | Neighborhood: Seongsu | Address: South Korea, Seoul, Seongdong-gu, Seongsu-dong 2(i)-ga, 289-247 1층

This is a speakeasy, and the entrance is designed to look like a shoemaker’s shop. I don’t want to give away how to get in, but be prepared to look around and maybe push some walls. There is a sign to guide you if you get stuck.

Inside, it looks like a dimly lit cobblestone street, with gas lamps mounted on the walls. The fairy tale theme runs through everything, and the drinks arrive in 3D printed glass holders shaped like high-end designer heels.

The drinks are named after luxury shoe brands, which strays from the fairy tale a bit, but every drink I had was great! My favorite was the Louboutin, similar to a New York Sour. Another interesting one was the Rossi, a panna cotta cocktail that was  alcoholic ice cream.

Zodiac

Website | Neighborhood: Seongsu | Address: 7 Seongsuil-ro 4ga-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Astrology has never been my thing, but when I passed by Zodiac, I had to check it out. The bar really went all out with the astrology theme. There was a telescope, and the lights mimicked a star-filled sky.

The drinks didn’t disappoint. Each of the twelve signature cocktails is modeled after a zodiac sign and arrives with a fun prop tied to its sign.

Make sure you don’t confuse this bar with Zoo Sindang, another fantastic zodiac-themed spot, but that one focuses on the zodiac animals rather than the signs.

The Storage Room

Website | Neighborhood: Seongsu | Address: South Korea, Seoul, Seongdong-gu, Yeonmujang 7-gil, 8-1 B1

The Storage Room is a speakeasy hidden in the basement of The Cheese Salon, a cheese shop. You walk through the shop, push past a slightly unlatched white door, then through another wooden door, and suddenly you’re in a snug, dimly lit bar.

This is the most authentically prohibition-era speakeasy I have been to in Seoul. Even the menu is designed to look like a newspaper, with articles from the era, and the cocktail list features classics people were drinking during Prohibition.

The bar was really cool, but there were only two signature cocktails, and they weren’t on the menu. You have to ask the bartender for them. I always go for the signatures, since classics I can get anywhere. That said, the two I did try were well made!

The food, on the other hand, was unbelievable. The chicken and waffles were perfectly crispy, and the olive oil ice cream sounded weird but it added a nuttiness that worked beautifully.

Best Cocktail Bars in Yongsan

Southside Parlor

Website | Neighborhood: Itaewon | Address: 218 Noksapyeong-daero, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea

Southside Parlor is tucked away on the fourth floor of a building in Itaewon. If you look up, you’ll spot a giant sign, but it’s easy to walk straight past if you’re not paying attention.

I’d heard such good things about this place and was especially excited to try the fried chicken tacos. Now, I know this is a cocktail bar roundup, but take my advice and go hungry, because those tacos were chef’s kiss.

Southside had such a range of drinks that I ended up ordering almost the entire menu. My favorites were the Orange Fizz Julius, which tasted like an orange cream soda, and the Chiquita Pepita, made with cucumber-infused tequila. The bar actually won an award for that one.

All juices are fresh-pressed, and the syrups and sodas are made in-house, so it’s no wonder the drinks are so good. There’s also a solid whiskey and bourbon selection.

You can make reservations here.

Pussyfoot Saloon

Website | Neighborhood: Hannam | Address: 7-8 Daesagwan-ro 31-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea

Pussyfoot Saloon’s name comes from an old slang term for railway police. The bar is designed to feel like a first-class vintage train carriage, and upstairs, video screens show destinations passing by outside the “windows.”

The cocktail list was an interesting mix, and I enjoyed every single drink I ordered. The Cream Gold was my favorite, made with salted caramel vodka, espresso, and cream cheese foam. The Pine Green came in a close second, mixing cognac, matcha, egg, cream, milk, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.

Along with the drinks, you will be served the crispiest truffle french fries, and the refills are unlimited. I put away about four servings on my own.

If you are hungry, I recommend ordering the lasagna. It’s enough for two people or one starving solo diner. The bartender even brought out two plates, which were not needed.

Seoul Cocktail Bar Map

Where to Stay in Seoul

Book accommodation in Seoul by searching for hotels below!

Cocktail Bars in Seoul: FAQS

Do I need to make a reservation?

It depends on the bar, but many bars have a rule where they only allow reservations for specific times, and after that time is up, they allow walk-ins. They do not make exceptions for big groups, so it’s better to check each bar’s policy. Weekdays should also be a lot easier to get seated without a reservation.

Can I pay by card at bars in Seoul?

Every single cocktail bar I went to accepted card. In fact, I got cash out at the airport when I arrived and for the entire 6 weeks didn’t need to use it once. I only started using it up towards the end of my trip when I needed to get rid of it.

Is it rude to tip in Seoul?

Tipping is not customary in South Korea. Most bars operate a no-tip culture, so don’t worry about it.

How much does a cocktail cost in Seoul?

Most cocktails range from around 18,000 to 28,000 won (roughly $13 to $20 USD). It’s not cheap, but the quality is incredibly good, and you absolutely get what you pay for.

What are the best Korean spirits to try?

Andong soju, makgeolli, jukryeokgo, gamhongro, and munbaeju are all worth trying. Many cocktail bars use these as the base for their signatures.

Is it safe to walk around Seoul at night?

Yes, Seoul is one of the safest cities in the world. Walking around at night, even alone, is generally very safe. I would head home at 3 am some nights and never felt unsafe.

Do Seoul bars have food menus?

Many cocktail bars offer food, and generally, the food I have had at the cocktail bars in Seoul has been delicious. It’s always worth eating beforehand if you are unsure, and every bar will give you snacks to munch on while you drink.

What time do bars in Seoul open and close?

Most cocktail bars open around 6pm or 7pm. Closing times vary. Some close around 1am or 2am on weekdays, while others stay open until 4am or later on weekends. Seoul nightlife runs late.

Is there a cover charge?

While there isn’t specifically a cover charge to enter, many cocktail bars will charge 5,000 – 10,000 won, which covers things such as service, welcome drinks, snacks, etc. Not every bar has a cover charge, but many do.

Do Seoul cocktail bars have non-alcoholic options?

I have seen nonalcoholic options on the menu of pretty much every cocktail bar I have gone to. You can also ask the bartender to whip you up a mocktail, and most would be more than happy.

How do I get around Seoul at night?

You have a few options. The metro stops around midnight, but there are night buses, although depending on where you are going, they can take a long time. There is also Uber, which would be the quickest option, so it all depends on where you need to go. I recommend downloading Naver Maps for your trip. Google Maps doesn’t work, and Naver was an excellent alternative.

Are there dress codes at Seoul cocktail bars?

Most cocktail bars don’t have a strict dress code, but Koreans generally dress well on a night out, so smart casual is a good rule of thumb, and no shorts, flip-flops, or sportswear.

Was this article helpful to you? Well, go ahead and save it by pinning it so you can reference it later on.

Travel Resources

First off, if you want to browse all my favorite travel resources, check out my Travel Resources page.

Trip Planning: I have put together the ultimate trip planning guide that will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip.

Book your Flight: Check out Momondo! They are my go to for booking flights. Airfarewatchdog is also a favorite of mine. I get notified by email every time there is a good deal from my local airport. WayAway is also a good option. They list mistake fares so many times, you can get an international ticket for as little as $300!

Book your Transportation: Busbud is usually where I check first. They check hundreds of different transportation companies all over the world and find you the best bus deal. Flixbus is one of my favorite cheap options for Europe. The buses generally aren’t too bad, and they go to most countries around Europe. It’s the perfect option for short distances. Train travel is my favorite mode of transportation, and I always use Rail Europe to book my tickets. If you need a transfer from the airport or if you are going somewhere where transport is limited (like a festival in the middle of nowhere or even a day trip) Welcome Pickups is a great option. I have used them on multiple occasions, and you can book a ride 5 hours in advance!

Book your Accommodation: My number one is Booking. If you book enough hotels from them, you can get huge discounts and perks like free breakfast and room upgrade. On a budget and looking for cheap accommodation? Hostelworld is my preferred site to book cheap and reliable hostels. Hotwire has a fun mystery to it. It’s a great site to use for last-minute bookings. They don’t actually tell you the name of the hotel when you are browsing. You will just get the area of the city it’s in, the price, and how many stars it has. I love the surprise aspect of it! Traveling to Asia? Agoda is the best accommodation booking site! If you are traveling with a big group, Vrbo is a good option. They have a huge selection of vacation rentals. Hotellook allows you to compare hotel prices around the world, so you can find the best deal!

Book your Travel Insurance: Getting travel insurance is such a crucial part of preparing for a trip. You never know what could happen, and why take the risk? Before I travel anywhere, I always book my insurance through Visitors Coverage.

Book your Activities: Now, you have planned all the logistics, time to think about what you will do once you get to your destination! These are a few of my favorite trip planning sites. I always use Get Your Guide and Viator when I am looking for tours. If you are traveling to Asia, Klook is widely used to book activities. Go City sells tickets to top attractions for up to 65% off. Eat With allows you to book dinners or cooking classes with local families. If you enjoy self-guided walking tours, We Go Trip has audio guides you can download. Big Bus Tours offers open-top sightseeing tours.

Store Your Luggage: Do you have a long layover or a late flight and need to store your luggage? Radical Storage has got you covered.

Get an eSim: Airlalo has been an amazing way for me to stay connected on the road. They have eSims in 200 countries and set up is super easy.