Whisky bar in Gwangjin, Seoul: Balvenie and pineapple sorbet at Yahwa

Today I went to Yahwa Solo Drinking Bar Konkuk branch, which is apparently pretty hot in Konkuk these days! Solo drinking bars have been trending lately so I was curious, and once I actually went, the vibe was way better than I expected — pretty impressive place >.<

Yahwa Solo Drinking Bar Konkuk

Yahwa Solo Drinking Bar Konkuk University Branch at a glance

• A Konkuk solo bar close to Konkuk University Station, so it's easy to reach
• A clean, sleek space where you can also enjoy darts and games
• A good spot for a light drink, from cocktails to whisky to gin tonic

How to walk there from Konkuk University Station, and the entrance

Yahwa Solo Drinking Bar Konkuk branch wasn't far from Konkuk University Station, so it was easy to find. I'd been curious since solo drinking bars have been so hot in Konkuk lately, and the vibe felt different from the entrance already!

If you're looking for a Konkuk solo bar in particular, this had a comfortable atmosphere for chatting while drinking, so it'd be a decent pick too if you're searching for bar recommendations near Konkuk University Station.

The lighting had a nice mood too, and it felt hot even before stepping inside. My friend and I took a photo at the selfie zone by the entrance before going in haha

Inside Yahwa: D-shaped bar seats and a dart area

Yahwa Solo Drinking Bar Konkuk branch is on the basement level, and once I went in I was a bit surprised at how spacious it was! The facing D-shaped seating layout meant even coming alone wouldn't feel awkward — you'd naturally find a seat. On one side there was even a dart area! It's not just about drinking — there's something to play with in between, so there's never a dull moment.

Overall it felt sleek and clean, minimal but with everything you'd need! Not overly decorated — instead it felt upscale and comfortable, which made me think it'd work well as a Konkuk solo bar.

What we ordered at Yahwa: dohwa, Balvenie, pineapple sorbet, gin tonic

• 🍸 Dohwa
• 🥃 Balvenie
• 🍍 Pineapple sorbet
• 🍸 Gin tonic

As soon as the menu arrived, my friend and I clinked glasses — cheers! With a pretty cocktail in front of us, the mood felt even livelier somehow. I think the charm of a solo drinking bar is being able to enjoy just drinks lightly, without heavy snacks, even on a full stomach. If you like this kind of vibe while searching for bar recommendations near Konkuk University Station, this might suit your taste!

🥃 How was the Balvenie whisky by the glass?

And then the Balvenie I ordered! I wanted to enjoy a clean glass of whisky, so I went with the basic Balvenie. Very clean going down!

🍑 Dohwa, the sweet-and-tart cocktail

The dohwa was a cocktail with a subtle fruity aroma and a smooth finish. With its refreshing fruity feel plus some sweetness, it was nice to sip lightly as a first drink. It didn't have that heavy alcohol smell you sometimes get with cocktails — it was on the softer side, so it'd suit people who enjoy the mood more than drinking hard. It looked pretty too, so it was great for photos >.<

🍍 Pineapple sorbet as a palate cleanser

Lastly I ordered a pineapple sorbet as a palate cleanser. Honestly, this was so refreshing that it was perfect to eat in the middle of drinking haha. With the pineapple's signature tangy sweetness and that cold, melt-in-your-mouth texture, my mouth felt clean again! It was easy to eat without feeling heavy even on a full stomach, so I thought it was a good closing pick.

🍸 One more round: the gin tonic

And I couldn't stop there, so I had a gin tonic too haha. I actually like the gin line and prefer clean drinks, so this was right up my alley! Not overly sweet or heavy, easy to drink another glass of cleanly. If you like this style, try the gin tonic at a Konkuk solo bar too >.<

🗣️ Is it easy to chat with the next table at Yahwa?

One thing that was a bit surprising about Yahwa's atmosphere was how naturally conversation flows with the next table. The people next to us actually started talking to us — my friend is about to get married and I'm a bit shy, so our chat didn't go on that long lol. But looking around at other tables, a lot of people were naturally talking to each other and drinking comfortably. If you're someone who doesn't mind chatting with strangers over a drink, this atmosphere itself could be pretty fun.

Is Yahwa worth a visit near Konkuk University Station?

Yahwa Solo Drinking Bar Konkuk branch had a vibe that was a bit different from a typical bar, which made it fun. It was nice to have a drink and chat comfortably in a clean, sleek space, and the atmosphere of naturally connecting with the next table was memorable too. If you like drinking alone or don't mind lightly chatting with strangers, it's worth trying once. Visiting with a friend like I did, enjoying a cocktail and a whisky, was pretty good too >.< If you're looking for bar recommendations near Konkuk University Station and want something a bit different from the usual bar, give Yahwa Solo Drinking Bar a try~~ Next time I'd like to pick a different cocktail to try haha