Euljiro underground wine shop for corkage-free work dinners: Gaja Wine

Where is Gaja Wine Euljiro?

Gaja Wine Euljiro (가자주류 을지로점) is a wine shop in the Euljiro underground arcade, between Euljiro 1-ga and Euljiro 3-ga stations, where office workers' restaurants and all kinds of shops cluster. Did you know the stretch between Euljiro 3-ga and Euljiro-ipgu stations is packed with places office workers love? If you work nearby, you've probably walked past this shop once or twice. I'd had my eye on it for a while, so this time I finally dropped in to look around the wines.

Jongno–Euljiro wine shop Gaja Wine Euljiro

Is Euljiro a good place to buy wine or whisky as a work gift?

I thought Gaja Wine Euljiro is a handy spot when you need to give wine or whisky to a coworker, boss or client. It's close to Euljiro-ipgu Station and easy to reach from Euljiro 3-ga too, so grabbing a gift near the office is convenient. With so many office workers passing through, it's great for popping in on your way home, and it's also fine when you're hunting for a gift for an important occasion.

There are wines and gift sets on display right at the front of the shop, so it's easy to spot as you walk by. You can get a quick look at what they have without even stepping inside. Gift-friendly bottles are displayed prominently, so I figured office workers nearby could easily choose a gift during lunch or on the way home.

Once I stepped inside, the first thing I noticed was the walls completely filled with all kinds of liquor.

Costa Extrema Pinot Noir or Chardonnay: which should you pick?

Costa Extrema Reserva Privada Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

At Gaja Wine Euljiro I chose both bottles, the Costa Extrema Reserva Privada Pinot Noir and the Chardonnay. If you only want one: Pinot Noir is the safe pick if you usually like red wine, and Chardonnay if you like white wine or fresher styles.

• 🍷 Pinot Noir: red fruit like cherry and strawberry, subtle spice and soft tannins. Recommended if you like a light, elegant style. Pair with: meat or seasoned dishes
• 🥂 Chardonnay: centered on apple, pear and citrus fruit with bright acidity, for a fresher, cleaner drink. Pair with: raw fish, seafood, cheese, salad

What kinds of drinks does Gaja Wine Euljiro carry?

One side of the shop had a good variety of wines that make nice gifts. Beyond that, the range from wine to whisky is huge, so it's fun to browse slowly. I imagine lots of people come for gifts, and it's also a nice place just to look at wines or whiskies you've been curious about.

I remember really enjoying Graham's port, so whenever I see a sweet, full-bodied port I can't help stopping to look.

The Balvenie, a whisky well known as a favorite among women, caught my eye too. Its smooth, sweet flavor makes it relatively easy for whisky beginners, and I heard it's a popular gift choice. With whisky like this alongside the wine, all in one place, I thought it would be a fine stop when choosing gifts for coworkers, bosses or clients.

Wine, whisky, sake, traditional Korean liquor... Gaja Wine in Jongno–Euljiro seems to have everything.

How did the Costa Extrema Chardonnay pair with Vietnamese rice paper rolls?

Costa Extrema Reserva Privada Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

The Costa Extrema Chardonnay went well with wolnamssam (Vietnamese-style rice paper rolls). That day I paired the Chardonnay I'd picked up at Gaja Wine Euljiro with the rolls, and the Chardonnay's fresh flavor suited the many vegetables and mild ingredients inside. The clean acidity especially refreshed my palate, which made it great with food. It isn't heavy on its own either, so I thought it's a Chardonnay that goes nicely with a light meal.

Bringing wine to a corkage-free barbecue dinner

Personally, I think it's a good idea to bring a bottle bought at Gaja Wine Euljiro to a corkage-free restaurant (one that lets you bring your own wine without a fee) for a company dinner. Quite a few places run corkage-free these days, so before heading to one, stopping by Gaja Wine in Jongno–Euljiro for a bottle seems like a good plan. 🥂