Basement cocktail bar near Jonggak Station: Pompier at Gak Seoul

Today my sweetie and I had a nice bowl of eel to recharge before the upcoming half marathon, and after a walk along Cheonggyecheon we went looking for a light cocktail — which led us to Gak Seoul, a cocktail bar near Jongno 3-ga. Gak Seoul is a really charming space where you can enjoy whiskey and creative cocktails built on a base of classic cocktail structure with all kinds of ingredients and techniques.

Where is Gak Seoul, and what kind of cocktail bar is it?

Gak Seoul is a cocktail bar at 1, Samil-daero 15-gil, B1, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Coming down from between Jongno 3-ga station and Jonggak station toward Cheonggyecheon, turn into the alley past Again Fresh and you'll find it easily.

• ✨At Gak Seoul, the basic structure of classic cocktails is reimagined with all sorts of ingredients and techniques, giving you something familiar yet new.
• 💫From sweet and smooth cocktails to bright and refreshing ones, dry and clean drinks, and deep, whiskey-forward pours, there's a wide range to enjoy.
• ⭐️Gak Seoul values the time spent over a single drink — it's a space for slowly enjoying good drinks and good conversation.
• 💕Outside food is allowed (just use a little sense and pick something that isn't too strong-smelling).

Come by for an Euljiro date, a Cheonggyecheon date, a casual drink, a drink after work, a special-occasion toast, or even just a quiet night to wind down the day.

Inside Gak Seoul: interior and atmosphere

You catch a nice scent right from the entrance as you head down the stairs, and once you step inside this Jongno 3-ga cocktail bar, a cozy but simple, even modern space opens up.

The soft lighting and fresh flowers on the tables give it a comfortable, grounded feel that's really charming. It seems great for a solo drink after work, and just as romantic for a date with your partner. 💕

There are bar seats where you can watch the cocktails being made — ugh, already full! 🍸 We just watched the little performance from a distance.

Fresh flowers on every table show off the owner's sense of style. 🌷

Gak Seoul signature cocktail menu and prices

Gak Seoul's signature cocktails run from ₩22,000 to ₩24,000, and there's a Charcuterie Platter on the side for ₩25,000. With champagne, whiskey, and cocktails all on offer, there's a wide range to choose from and it's a lot of fun to pick.

• Malty Salty ₩22,000 — Jollypong, Salted Caramel, Milk
• Childhood Tomato ₩22,000 — Tomato, Basil, White Pepper
• PhillaVanilla ₩22,000 — Cream Cheese, Vanilla, Coconut
• GAK's Old Fashioned ₩24,000 — Lard Oil, Bacon, Maple Syrup
• Charcuterie Platter ₩25,000

Outside food is allowed.

Tasting the Pompier and GAK's Old Fashioned at Gak Seoul

The complimentary snack and the water glass were so pretty.

We went for a light drink, so we ordered the Pompier and the GAK's Old Fashioned. The Pompier is low-ABV and easy to drink — made with dry vermouth, cassis liqueur, and soda water as the base, it tastes crisp and refreshing.

The signature GAK's Old Fashioned was really unusual. On a deep, rich whiskey base, lard oil and maple syrup are added, topped with bacon — a signature Gak Seoul touch. The smoky aroma is deep and the bacon on top catches your eye right away. The taste is heavy and mellow, with a sweet, salty flavor that brings out the whiskey's own character — perfect for sipping slowly and savoring.

We had such a lovely time at this Jongno 3-ga cocktail bar, chatting away slowly and sweetly. The space itself is cozy, and starting with the luxurious scent right from the entrance, through the original, well-crafted signature cocktails, every little detail brings deep enjoyment.

If you're near Jonggak station or Euljiro and Cheonggyecheon and want to slow down, unwind with good drinks, and make some memories, definitely give this place a visit. Loved it so much! 💕