Guui-dong whisky bar in Seoul: Macallan 12 and chocolate at Geumeumdal

On days when you want a quiet, atmospheric drink instead of the same loud routine, I found the hideout you have to run to!!!! This is an honest review because it was genuinely good, so you can trust me, haha. Walking down the alley off Achasan-ro in Gwangjin-gu, I saw soft light spilling out of Geumdal's entrance and went straight in without hesitating!!!!

What is the atmosphere like at Geumdal in Guui-dong?

Geumdal (그믐달) is a whisky bar in Guui-dong known for crescent-moon mood lighting and dark wood interiors. I opened the door and thought, a great place hiding in here?? haha. Crescent-moon mood lights softly glow over the bar counter, and the atmosphere is overwhelmingly comfortable!!!! (I don't live in this neighborhood, haha. I came all this way just for this vibe!!!!)

The heavy dark wood interior and walls packed with whisky bottles give off a fancy hotel lounge feeling, haha. There was not a bit of sticky floor or dust, so the bar was perfectly clean too!!!!

How do you order whisky at Geumdal?

At Geumdal you can chat with the bartender to pick a whisky that suits your taste, and some whiskies are not on the menu. We had a fun talk with the bartender and ordered exactly what we wanted!!!! Glencairn glasses and a gorgeous bottle were set out on the table, haha.

Since some whiskies are not on the menu, if you have a favorite, definitely ask the staff. If you see one you like on the display shelf, you can pick that too! I almost forgot to take photos, but I pulled myself together and got them!!!!

What does Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years taste like?

The first thing I chose at Geumdal was the never-fail classic, Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years, haha. I drink Macallan 12 at home all the time, and drinking it in a place with this atmosphere was just... so good.

The aroma that spreads the moment it is poured is art. Maybe because it was aged in casks that held sherry wine from Jerez in Spain, rich dried fruit and sweet vanilla hit your nose hard.

A sip wraps your whole mouth in a heavy body, and a honey-like sweet finish lingers. There is almost no harsh alcohol feel, it goes down smoothly, and I could not help but exclaim!!!! You also get the cask's smokiness and nutty richness in a complex way, and the thought that it is a classic for good reason washed over my whole body, haha.

Second pick: Compass Box Crimson Cask

Next was the red-label bottle the Geumdal bartender recommended, Compass Box Crimson Cask, haha. Subtle spiciness and deep fruit notes hit with a charm completely different from the Macallan!!!! I really could not not order it, haha.

With the clear clink of glasses, one sip of whisky makes the whole day's work stress vanish!!!!

Geumdal's free snacks and chocolate pairing tip

When you order whisky at Geumdal, salty pretzels and Swiss chocolate come as the default snacks. Here is a top combo only regulars know!!!! Definitely eat these pretzels and Swiss chocolate paired with your whisky!!!!

When the strong whisky aroma lingers in your mouth, popping in a piece of sweet, classy chocolate makes the flavor explode, haha. This combo is an all-time cheat code!!!! (I am not related to the owner at all, haha.)

How were the service and restroom at Geumdal?

The Geumdal bartender was super kind too, and I was treated warmly the whole time!!!! The restroom was also kept very hygienic, so anyone of any age can use it comfortably, which was really nice, haha. If you are looking for the ultimate atmospheric drinking spot in Guui-dong, I recommend running to Geumdal!!!!

Geumdal visit info summary

• Name: Geumdal (그믐달)
• Address: 38 Achasan-ro 57-gil, Unit 103, 1st floor, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Drinks tried: Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years, Compass Box Crimson Cask
• Features: calm, comfortable, upscale deep wood interior that is good for conversation
• Visit tip: pairing the complimentary Swiss chocolate with your whisky is a must