Cocktail bar in Gwangjin, Seoul with a non-alcoholic Earl Grey: Yahwa

Yahwa Solo Drinking Bar Konkuk University Branch: good with a group too?

As the name suggests, Yahwa Solo Drinking Bar Konkuk University Branch (야화 혼술바 건대점) is a great place to go alone, but it was also nice to visit with company. It doesn't have that typical pub feel where all the tables are pushed together. Each group can sit at its own table, so we could talk and drink comfortably.

I was looking for a place for a second round around Konkuk University Station and ended up at Yahwa. It felt different from a noisy pub, and I liked that. The lighting is soft and the whole place is relaxed, so it was perfect for sipping slowly and chatting with a friend about this and that.

Four cocktails we ordered at Yahwa

That day at Yahwa Solo Drinking Bar Konkuk University Branch we ordered four drinks: a Dohwa cocktail, a Malibu cocktail, a June Bug and a non-alcoholic Earl Grey cocktail.

Dohwa cocktail: an easy first glass

The first one I ordered was the Dohwa cocktail! I was curious because the name is so pretty, and the color was lovely too. It was sweet and smooth. The usual alcohol smell wasn't too strong, so it was a nice light way to start, and the gentle sweetness would suit anyone who likes cocktails. It's also a very photogenic drink, so it fits when you want a drink with some atmosphere!

Malibu cocktail: sweet coconut flavor

Then I ordered the Malibu cocktail, which is one of my favorites. I picked it because I love Malibu's sweet, smooth taste, and sure enough it was easy to drink. You can taste that sweet coconut aroma, so I think even people who don't drink much could enjoy it fairly comfortably. Personally, I'd recommend it if you like sweet cocktails.

June Bug: a sweet, fruity glass

Next up was the June Bug! It was sweet and fruity too, and easy to sip. It felt different from the Dohwa and the Malibu, so it was fun to share a few kinds of cocktails. Rather than sticking with one drink, I think it would be fun to pick several and compare the flavors.

Non-alcoholic Earl Grey cocktail: a break in the middle

In the middle of the night I also ordered the non-alcoholic Earl Grey cocktail. When you keep drinking, sometimes you want a little break, so I was glad there was a non-alcoholic option. The Earl Grey aroma was subtle and it was clean and easy to drink. It's also good that a friend who can't drink has something to choose when you visit together.

A solo bar near Konkuk University where you won't get bored alone

Above all, Yahwa's special quality is that it has a vibe that's good for visiting alone. I assumed a solo drinking bar would be a place where you just sit quietly by yourself and drink, but there turned out to be more fun things to do than I expected.

There are games like the crocodile game, so even people who come alone won't get bored, haha. When you go to a bar alone, it can feel awkward, or there's nothing to do and you leave quickly. With games like these, you can have a drink, play a game and pass the time. I think it would feel a little less intimidating for people trying solo drinking for the first time!

Why it works for friends, dates and second rounds

That said, Yahwa doesn't feel like a place you must visit alone. Even coming with company like we did, we could use our own table, so we could talk and enjoy ourselves comfortably. It would be fun to come with a friend, order one cocktail each and taste a bit of everything, and I think it would also set a nice mood for a date.

Personally, when I look for a bar in Konkuk University area, I prefer a place where I can sit comfortably and talk rather than somewhere too loud and crowded, and Yahwa won me over on that point. There's a wide variety of cocktails, so you can choose to suit your taste, and there are even non-alcoholic options, so it's fine to go with someone who doesn't drink much.

I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a solo bar in Konkuk University area, as well as people searching for a solo bar in Hwayang-dong, Seoul or a bar near Konkuk University Station. You can go alone for a cocktail and some games, or go with a group and sit separately to talk over drinks, so you can enjoy it in different ways depending on why you're visiting.

If you like sweet cocktails like me, I'd suggest starting with the Malibu, the June Bug or the Dohwa cocktail! And if you can't drink much, the non-alcoholic Earl Grey cocktail is a nice light option.

If you're after something with a slightly different vibe than the usual Konkuk bars, Yahwa is worth a visit. You can have fun even alone, and you can talk comfortably with friends or a group, so it works for solo drinking, friend get-togethers and a casual second round.