One thing to know about South Korea is that they really love a good 분위기 (bunigi) – defined as “mood, atmosphere, ambience”. They emphasize the aesthetic things in life, and while exploring trendy areas in Seoul, tourists quickly pick up on this sense of artistry and style.
Seoul’s attention to 분위기, or aesthetic and good vibes, is most prominently seen in their cafes, bars, and restaurants. Drinking alcohol is another cultural norm, with South Koreans consuming an average of 14 shots per week – the highest in the world. Bring aesthetic and alcohol together, and you are left with beautifully themed drinking spots all over the capital city.
In this article, I’ve compiled a list of 5 of my favorite bars and pochas I would frequent when working full-time in Seoul. Pochas (포차) are traditionally outdoor food and drink tents in Korea. However, many modern pochas are situated indoors and are essentially large, open-space bars with a plethora of Korean food options.
There are truly an endless amount of imaginative and Instagram-worthy bars to experience in Seoul, but here are 5 that I recommend, ranked by their vibes.
5. Bar Ugly
Bar Ugly/Instagram
If you’re lodging nearby Gangnam or heading to the Gangnam area for a night out, Bar Ugly should definitely be on your bucket list. Despite its comically misleading name, Bar Ugly is a beautiful space whose interior transports you to somewhere between a gothic-inspired Victorian chamber and a Van Gogh mural. The lit ceiling’s theme is celestial and astrology-based.
Bar Ugly/Instagram
Bar Ugly offers extravagantly decorated, sweet and balanced cocktails, and savory bar snacks including crisps or pretzels. The menu is visually alluring, providing hand-painted representations of items to aid in the selection of your next beverage. The bar also offers hookah with special lounges upon request, a unique feature uncommon to other cocktail bars in the city!
Bar Ugly/Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/bar_ugly
강남구 역삼동 816-4 5F, Seoul, Korea
4. Joseon Sidae
Joseon Sidae/Instagram
The name ‘Joseon Sidae’ literally means ‘Joseon Era’, referring to Korea’s longest-lived imperial dynasty. The Joseon Dynasty was the height of Korea’s classical culture and society, and entering this pocha transports you straight back to that time. A beautiful neon sign leads you down the stairs to this historical themed bar and, upon entry, you are surrounded by an open space filled with Joseon themed decor, seating, and architecture.
Joseon Sidae/Instagram
Under warm lighting, choose between an assortment of traditional Korean food including kimchi pancake, scallion pancake, stir-fried kimchi with pork and tofu, or fried and stuffed Korean peppers. Matching the bar’s theme, a simple makkoli (traditional Korean rice wine), drank in small metal or ceramic bowls, is a popular option, as well as the classic bottle of soju.
Joseon Sidae/Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/joseon2018/
서울특별시 마포구 홍익로3길 44 지하1층
3. Jean Frigo
Jean Frigo/Instagram
The first of two hidden bars on this list, Jean Frigo is an artsy, upscale restaurant and cocktail bar located in Dongdaemun (DDP). Its exterior looks like an unmanned fruit market with a wall of refrigerators… But once you find the hidden entry, you’re met with a beautifully eccentric, industrial interior.
Jean Frigo/Naver
The absurdity of Jean Frigo does not end once inside. To order meals and beverages, you must head to a phone booth, place a coin inside, and dial a specific number. Jeon Frigo feels like an interactive art exhibition; something to be experienced, and your role as a customer is part of a larger installation. The food is delicious and the cocktails are one-of-a-kind combinations of herbs, fruits, liquor, and essences; several drinks are definitely tailored for a mature palette.
Jean Frigo/Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/jeanfrigo_official
중구 퇴계로62길 9-8, Seoul, Korea 04614
2. Hong Kong Pocha
Hong Kong Pocha/Instagram
Hong Kong Pocha is the place to be if you’re looking to get lit. Start your night by heading to Hongdae with a group of friends and grabbing a table at this neon light themed bar; I promise you won’t regret it. I’ve been to Hong Kong Pocha numerous times, and it is almost always packed with crowds.
Vita 500 flavored soju made me feel slightly healthier than usual whilst drinking
This large Hongdae pocha offers a variety of food, so come hungry! Their chicken dishes are always tasty and pair really well with flavored soju shots; they offer plenty of soju flavors as well as fruity soju cocktails. While not a full-scale “hunting pocha” (bar for meeting new people), you can befriend neighboring tables quite easily by chatting and playing multiplayer games on your table’s ordering tablet.
Hong Kong Pocha/Naver
https://www.instagram.com/hk_pocha
마포구 홍익로3길 44 2층, Seoul, Korea
1. Zoo Sindang
Zoo Sindang/Instagram
Owned by the same group as third place Jean Frigo, Zoo Sindang is another hidden bar that tops our list as being the most aesthetic bar in Seoul. Zoo Sindang’s exterior looks like an unassuming, rundown, hole-in-the-wall Buddhist temple. Find the secret entrance, and you’re in for quite the surprise…
Zoo Sindang/Instagram
The inside of Zoo Sindang is mesmerizingly beautiful. It feels like you wandered too far into a magical dream forest, filled to the brim with greenery, vibey lofi lights, and Buddhist props and furnishings. Cocktails on the menu are based on astrological signs, and each one is as unique and visually stunning as the next. The atmosphere, food, and drinks are almost so pretty that it feels like a crime to consume anything! I recommend also trying the black sesame cheesecake (the kitten statue). Zoo Sindang does not take reservations and wait times will vary, but they now have several new locations throughout Seoul.
Zoo Sindang/Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/zoosindang
서울특별시 중구 퇴계로 411
Have you been to any of these drinking establishments? Comment on your experience! As I mentioned, Seoul contains quite literally hundreds of aesthetic cafes, restaurants, and bars. If you’re interested in discovering even more places to eat, drink, or see in Seoul, keep an eye out for my blog. I’m going to post more content in the coming weeks about more of my favorite spots in the city!
Where to Stay in Seoul for Good Nightlife
Seoul has a rich nightlife, with many party areas nestled throughout the entire city. There are certain popular hubs tourists and locals alike frequent when they’re looking for a good night. Apgujeong, Itaewon, and Hongdae are all viable options when it comes to late night clubbing, but my personal favorite of the three and pick for first time travelers would be Hongdae.
Two of the five pochas on this list are found in Hongdae, along with a myriad of other amazing drinking spots. If you’re looking for lodging for an upcoming Seoul adventure, check out L7 Hongdae. With an amazing location, quality service, and luxury accommodation, L7 Hongdae is an amazing hotel to stay at for a really affordable price.
Wherever you stay in Seoul, I hope this list is helpful in choosing your next aesthetic bar excursion!
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