Basement cocktail bar near Jonggak Station: Pompier at Gak Seoul
Gak Seoul is a basement cocktail bar in Jongno, Seoul, down an alley between Jongno 3-ga and Jonggak stations, serving whiskey and original cocktails built on classics. After a walk along Cheonggyecheon, the writer ordered the low-ABV Pompier and the signature GAK's Old Fashioned (24,000 won), topped with lard oil, maple syrup and bacon for a smoky, salty-sweet finish that still let the whiskey lead. With scent drifting from the entrance and fresh flowers on every table, Gak Seoul is an easy place to slow down over one good drink in Jongno.