Solo drinking at a Jongno cocktail bar: 3 signatures at Gak Seoul

Today I came to City Hall to meet with a council member after a while, toured the office, had a meal, and while walking along the Deoksugung stone wall path, I wasn't ready to go home yet, so I searched for a Jongno cocktail bar. One kept coming up as one of the best-vibe bars around Jongno, so I came here to drink solo! Every Naver receipt review mentioned the owner being handsome and cool, so I was so curious — and he really is that handsome!! If you're looking for a good-vibe date spot in Jongno, here's my highly recommended cocktail bar review, let's go!!

Where is Gak Seoul, and what are its opening hours?

Gak Seoul is located in the basement level of 1 Samil-daero 15-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 462m from Jongak Station Exit 4. It's open daily from 19:00 to 02:00 the next day, with separate men's and women's restrooms.

When I first followed Naver Map here, I stood around wondering, is this really the right place? Until I spotted the standing sign!

Jongno cocktail bar Gak Seoul is on the basement level, but open that door and it's a completely different world!!! A nice scent drifts out right from the entrance. The mood lighting is amazing, such a good atmosphere! I couldn't believe it was the same building — one door and it's a totally different place!

Inside Gak Seoul: counter seats and group tables

Walking in, there are group tables so groups are welcome too! And there are counter seats perfect for drinking solo! I naturally took the seat right in the center of the counter, to watch the drinks being made and admire the owner's good looks at the same time haha

After sitting down, they bring you a glass of water like this, and the mood is really so nice haha. Apparently this place gets crowded from late evening onward! Sitting there, I could definitely feel guests flooding in after 9 pm.

Gak Seoul's cocktail menu and what three drinks cost

The owner also gives recommendations, and for the signature cocktails I'd definitely recommend ordering after hearing his explanation once!!

⭐What I ordered⭐

• Geudaeui Tomato (그때의 토마토) ₩22,000
• Malty Salty ₩22,000
• French Connection ₩24,000

1. Geudaeui Tomato (tomato cocktail), 22,000 won

Honestly, since it has tomato in it, I expected a red drink, but it's this clear!! They use a ton of tomatoes, strain them over and over, into what's called tomato water — and "tomato water" is really the perfect way to put it!!!

Watching it get made right in front of me, I could tell just how hygienically it's prepared.

They serve chips as a side snack with it, but the cocktail itself is sweet enough that you don't even really need a side dish! So good ㅜㅜ It doesn't feel like drinking alcohol at all, so I think people who don't usually drink would love it even more!!

The pepper in it is definitely the kick! Coarsely ground pepper you occasionally bite into, giving a cleaner finish to your mouth, if that makes sense?

2. Malty Salty, 22,000 won

They said it tastes like Chorripong (초코) cereal soaked in milk, and I was so curious — it really is an adult version of that cereal milk! Super smooth, with a slightly spicy kick on the finish.

Watching it get made is also fun. They shake it a lot, enough to build up fine, dense foam, and it's genuinely the smoothest thing!!

Even though it's the lowest-proof of the signature cocktails, I actually felt like this one hit harder than the Geudaeui Tomato!! When I said it felt strong, the owner asked if he should remake it for me. (So he could adjust it to my taste!) Such a sweetheart, so kind!

3. French Connection, 24,000 won

I ordered the cocktail the owner said he drinks often around this time of year. Apparently it's cognac-based, and cognac makes me think of Kim Jong-il only haha lol lol

The French Connection has a pleasant sweetness and relatively simple ingredients — recommend it for anyone looking for a sweet, high-proof drink!!!!

The drinks kept coming!!! I meant to drink just a little today, but talking with the owner was so fun that I ordered one more ㅠ

Is Gak Seoul worth it for solo drinking or a Jongno date?

A hidden gem I found in Jongno! The owner is handsome and the cocktails are delicious, so I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a good-vibe Jongno cocktail bar!!!! It's a total vibe~~~ I'll definitely be back haha

🙏Thanks for another delicious visit today.🙏