Konkuk Univ. highball bar for a 1 a.m. weeknight second round: Yahwa

After a beer with a friend in Konkuk Univ., we went to Yahwa Solo Drinking Bar Konkuk University Branch (야화 혼술바 건대점) for a 2nd round. I'd been curious about it for a while. It's a solo-bar brand with dozens of locations across the country and it keeps growing fast. This Konkuk Univ. branch, right in my neighborhood, opened only about two months ago, but it's already busy. I'll honestly tell you about the moody interior, the wide menu and how my visit went ♡

Where is Yahwa Solo Drinking Bar Konkuk University Branch, and how late is it open?

Yahwa Solo Drinking Bar Konkuk University Branch is at 16-4 Achasan-ro 33-gil, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, basement level 1, 159 m on foot from Exit 2 of Konkuk Univ. Station. It's open Mon–Thu 20:00–05:00 and Fri–Sun 19:00–06:00. There is no parking.

• Facilities: reservations, group use, Wi-Fi, separate men's/women's restrooms, no kids zone
• Other: no pets, mobile payment accepted, private rental available
• Seating: counter seats, bar table, single seats, couple seats

Come out of Exit 2 and head into the Matui Georí (Food Street). Turn a little way into the Amusuljip alley and Yahwa Solo Drinking Bar Konkuk University Branch is right there on your left.

And this is the entrance. The vibe is already something else, right? Follow the softly lit hallway inside and the bar is on your right, with the restrooms at the end of the hallway.

The moody atmosphere hit me the moment I walked in, and my excitement for the drinks grew before I'd even sat down.

What is the atmosphere like at Yahwa Solo Drinking Bar Konkuk University Branch on a weeknight?

We went for a 2nd round around 1 a.m. on a weekday, and there were already quite a few guests. As time went on, friends came in, and so did men and women stopping by alone for a casual drink. Past 2 a.m. it actually felt livelier.

The friendly owner and a staff member greeted us warmly as soon as we walked in. They show you to a seat naturally, so it isn't awkward even if it's your first visit or you come alone. Solo drinkers, couples and groups of friends all seemed to visit.

Inside, the shelves are packed with all kinds of liquor, and since the bar is new there are plenty of new releases too. Photos come out looking moody, so it feels like a good date spot as well.

There's a basket under each chair for your belongings, so you can stash your bag comfortably.

How do you order at Yahwa Solo Drinking Bar Konkuk University Branch, and what's on the menu?

You order easily by QR code, which also lets you check the Wi-Fi, find the restrooms and call staff. There's even a "Boss, there's a villain here" button, so if something bothers you, you can tell them right away without feeling awkward.

There's also a clever "Please change my seat" feature, and one for moving to a seat you like, so just like at a Konkuk Univ. flirting bar you can slyly shift to a seat you fancy.

The menu really is varied: highballs, signature cocktails, whisky and bottles. There are light highballs to suit your taste, plus cocktails you can choose by aroma and strength. There's also a wide whisky lineup and a bottle-keeping service, so it's great for regulars too.

Peach Highball, Malibu Highball, Midori Sour and Kkotjam: how do they taste and what do they cost?

We ordered four drinks, a Peach Highball, a Malibu Highball, a Midori Sour and Kkotjam, and the total came to ₩50,000. I agonized over these picks for a long time.

• Peach Highball ₩11,000 (7.5% ABV)
• Malibu Highball ₩11,000 (6.5% ABV)
• Midori Sour ₩14,000 (5% ABV)
• Kkotjam ₩14,000 (9.5% ABV)

When you order, they bring snacks and chocolate too. The snacks can be refilled.

If you're a light drinker: Peach Highball and Malibu Highball

I don't drink much, so the Peach Highball and Malibu Highball, sweet and easy to sip, suited me best.

The Peach Highball especially has a sweet, fresh peach aroma and is light enough to enjoy more like a soft drink than liquor.

They also have board games ready, so it's not just a place to drink. It's nice for chatting and playing around naturally.

Kkotjam and Midori Sour were my friend's taste

Kkotjam, on the other hand, had a really charming floral scent, but it's fairly strong, so it felt a bit much for me. My friend, though, said the Kkotjam was refreshing and delicious.

The Midori Sour had a lively fresh melon aroma, and my friend especially enjoyed it.

Is Yahwa Solo Drinking Bar Konkuk University Branch okay to visit alone?

There are darts on one side of the bar, good for passing time alone or playing together.

This time I spent the time with a friend and left, but looking around, people who came alone were quickly chatting naturally with other guests.

The owner and staff also start friendly conversations with each guest and build a good atmosphere, so I don't think it would feel awkward to come alone.

Yahwa in Konkuk Univ. is an easy place to visit, whether you want a quiet drink alone or a late night of talking with a friend. The relaxed atmosphere means you might even meet someone new and mix naturally, so it's worth a stop when you want a different kind of night in Konkuk Univ.