Cheonggyecheon-side cocktail bar in Seoul: Apparent Sour at Gak Seoul

Eulji-ro | Jongno cocktail bar Great vibe, lots of signature cocktails 📍Gak Seoul

The weather's been great lately, perfect for walking along Cheonggyecheon. After work I met up with a close noona (older female friend), had a solid dinner, and we decided to walk the stream together. It felt like a shame to just say goodbye after that, so we figured — one cocktail each 🙂

Where is Gak Seoul and what are its hours?

Gak Seoul is a cocktail bar on basement level 1 at 1 Samil-daero 15-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul. It's a 7-minute walk from Jonggak Station Exit 4, and 5 minutes from Cheonggyecheon stream.

• 🚘 Parking: Jongno Building parking lot, 395 Samil-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• 🚶 7-minute walk from Jonggak Station Exit 4
• 🏞 Cheonggyecheon stream is right nearby, 5-minute walk
• 🕔 Hours: daily 19:00 – 2:00 / last order 1:30
• 🐕 Pet-friendly
• ✔️ Private bookings available

A classy-looking exterior, tucked away on basement level 1 — the anticipation already builds just walking down the stairs.

What is the mood and lighting like at Gak Seoul?

Inside, Gak Seoul keeps things moderately dim, with a lamp glowing at each bar table. Comfortable music, a good scent in the air. Let's head in.

You know that lighting that makes girls look pretty? I always check the lighting and dimness whenever I go to a bar or restaurant, and this place passed the test right away 🖐🖐

The bartender was really kind :) Gave detailed explanations of the cocktails and even carefully recommended what to try. I'm a lightweight who doesn't know much about drinks, so I usually just go with the recommendation... and this time the pick was totally my type 📌

Seating at Gak Seoul: tables for two to group tables

There are cozy tables for two, up to tables for four.

There's also group seating for larger parties.

Cocktail and whiskey menu at Gak Seoul

Time to order :)

Gak Seoul has a really wide range of cocktails that women tend to love. Each one lists exactly which spirits go in, which made choosing easy — and there are lower-ABV options too, so feel free to ask the bartender any time :)

If you like whiskey, you'll probably love this place :) They have plenty of whiskey-based cocktails too.

From single malts to blended whiskies, you can compare each one's character and flavor — neat if you want to taste the whiskey's true character, or as a highball depending on your taste 🩷 They also said they'll recommend an easygoing whiskey for anyone trying it for the first time 🥃🥃

What we ordered: Childhood Tomatoes and Apparent Sour

At Gak Seoul we ordered two cocktails: the Apparent Sour and the Childhood Tomatoes 🍅🍅🍅

Childhood Tomatoes, 22,000 won: basil and tomato

The signature cocktails were the most interesting part. [Childhood Tomatoes], ₩22,000, is easy for women to enjoy without feeling too boozy. Tomato and basil come through so fresh and bright. A cocktail where the fragrance of basil stood out way more than any strong alcohol smell.

The mini tomato is so cute!! First you taste it with your eyes, then with your mouth ♥️

Apparent Sour: bright and sweet-tart

My first time trying the [Apparent Sour]. Truly that bright, sweet-tart midsummer flavor — I think I'll just be ordering this one from now on 😘 If you're not great with alcohol, I totally recommend this cocktail. It's not just sweet in that headache-inducing kiddie-drink way — it's genuinely fresh and tangy!

The vibe was so good that the time just flew by. A day I got to drink my favorite Apparent Sour! I'll be back :) Eulji-ro cocktail bar | Gak Seoul GAK