Quiet solo-drinking bar in Gwangjin, Seoul: Uu cocktails

A quiet solo-drinking bar on the third floor of a residential street

These days, solo-drinking bars seem to be popping up all over the place! Today I’m introducing Uu (우우), a solo-drinking bar near Konkuk University in Seoul. It is a newly opened spot that launched in early August this year.

Uu, a solo-drinking bar near Konkuk University in Seoul, sits in a quiet commercial area.

It is in a relatively quiet residential neighborhood~

Follow the map and you will come to a quiet building. The third-floor window says that Uu is open.

A hideout where you can come alone or hang out with a group—that is the feeling Uu is going for~

It is on the third floor, and there is an elevator too. It is close to Konkuk University Station exits 2 and 3.

A dark space where you can choose solo drinking or joining a table

The tables were divided into two sections. On your first visit, you are asked whether you literally want to drink alone or would like to join other people. You may be wondering about the ages of the guests too..! There was a real range, from people in their very early twenties to their mid-thirties, haha. Naturally, IDs are checked at the door, so make sure to bring yours!

Here is the seating layout. It can hold more than 30 people. I visited on a weekday, so it was not very crowded, but weekends can get busy. If you send a DM before visiting, they can let you know how many seats are currently left~!

There were cups and board games on the tables.

The intuitive board games and balance games looked great as conversation starters. When things feel awkward, you can drink while playing a game.

And there was even a sentimental guest notebook~~ I could see that they opened on August 7. There was hand cream and more too, which showed their thoughtfulness.

There was also a prize draw. I remember the participation fee being inexpensive, so it might be nice to give it a try at least once!

This explains the rules for using the space. Since the atmosphere is relatively free, it is good to know the parts you need to observe. Most of it is common sense, so there is nothing major to pore over.

QR check-in and ordering

You order by QR after taking your seat.

When you first enter, you start by checking in to your seat. You can order later through the same QR code, and each table has a number written beneath it.

Once checked in, the usage rules appear, and each person writes a short introduction too.

There were so many menu items that I could not attach them all, but there was a wide range of alcohol, from whiskey to cocktails. They do not serve separate snacks or dishes, but you can bring in delivery or takeout food to eat. There were various events too. Looking back, there was one I qualified for, haha—I will make sure to catch it next time!

Signature cocktails and complimentary gangnaengi

Once you sit down, gangnaengi (puffed corn) arrives as the complimentary snack (?). It may not sound like much, but it was quite tasty. I saw someone write in the notebook that this place is famous for its gangnaengi, and I agree..! Haha.

Uu (₩15,000). This is Uu, a signature menu item with a pretty presentation.

I remember it being around 11% ABV, but the sweet sugar-like coating around the rim made it feel lighter. It was visually pretty too, so lots of other people ordered it. I think I would order this again if I went back, haha.

Earl Grey gin and tonic. A staff member was nearby when I ordered, and recommended it after considering popular choices and their own personal favorites. The Earl Grey flavor came through gently, and I was glad I ordered it.

Aa. This is another signature drink, Aa. I remember it being 6% ABV, and it tastes remarkably similar to a latte. I think people who like coffee or prefer lower-alcohol drinks would really enjoy it.

For my last drink, I got one more with help from the staff. I cannot remember the exact name @_@, but I finished with something lower in alcohol~

Overall thoughts and visiting tips

Honestly, places like this are about the atmosphere, so I was not expecting much from the drinks—but Uu, this solo-drinking bar near Konkuk University in Seoul, had decent drinks too. I wondered whether an introvert could really settle into such a dark, quiet setting, but the atmosphere was free and the staff were so welcoming that I ended up having fun for much longer than expected. It is still early days after opening, and it was not very crowded when I visited on a weekday. If you want a more bustling feel, perhaps try Friday or Saturday~! If more regulars start coming, I think it could make a nice hideout-like space too!