Solo drinking bar in Nonhyeon, Gangnam with team quiz games: Yusagil

What is Yusagil, the solo drinking bar in Nonhyeon, Gangnam?

Yusagil (유사길) Gangnam is a solo drinking bar in Nonhyeon that has been super hot on Instagram lately. I kept seeing it online, and after work, on my way home, I suddenly wanted a drink, so I finally went, haha. I'd heard it's crowded even on weekdays, which made me even more curious.

Let me start with the conclusion: it was a more fun and warm place than I expected. Even a shy person like me settled in quickly. Once I went in person, I understood right away why it's so popular. Here's my honest review, paid for with my own money.

Where Yusagil Gangnam is and how to get in

Yusagil Gangnam is right next to Nonhyeon Elementary School, so it was very easy to find. It's close to Exit 3 of Nonhyeon Station and also a walkable distance from Sinnonhyeon Station. Being near a subway station is the best, right? The vibe was different the moment I walked in.

You go up to the 4th floor of the building and ring the bell, and the door opens. Inside I saw a cozy yet stylish bar table. It's a layout that feels comfortable even if you're alone.

Do you need a reservation at Yusagil Gangnam?

How you can use Yusagil Gangnam depends on the day. From Thursday to Sunday it's 100% reservation-only, and on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday walk-ins are also possible. They run just two sessions a day: session 1 is 7 to 10 p.m. and session 2 is 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. I went in the second session.

A ₩30,000 deposit and separate seating: how Yusagil works

When you book Yusagil Gangnam, you prepay a ₩30,000 deposit, and that amount is deducted from what you order at the bar. I thought that was reasonable.

What's really unique about Yusagil is that even if you come with an acquaintance, they seat you apart. It lets you mix and talk with completely new people. At first it was honestly awkward, with strangers sitting on both sides of me. But the staff's energy is so high they don't give you time to feel awkward. They guide everything naturally.

Once you sit down you get a menu, and the variety is huge, from cocktails to vodka and whisky. Even people who don't know much about alcohol can easily choose with the staff's recommendations.

How was the cranberry lemon cocktail at Yusagil?

At Yusagil Gangnam I ordered the cranberry lemon, which is fresh and sweet. With the first sip, a fresh lemon aroma spreads softly through your mouth, and you end up gulping it down like a soft drink.

I liked that the sweet cranberry flavor keeps the alcohol taste from being strong. The alcohol smell isn't strong, so it was perfect for casual drinking. The basic snack is pretzels.

Self-introductions: your name, job and a random fact about your day

At Yusagil, once the drinks arrive, a short self-introduction time begins. You share just three things briefly: your name, your job, and today's TMI (too much information), and even that gets people laughing. People with all kinds of jobs were gathered, which was fascinating, and asking each other questions makes you get close fast. Among Gangnam solo drinking spots, I can see why this one is popular.

Team quiz games and seat changes that break the ice

Yusagil Gangnam isn't just about drinking; you form teams and play a quiz game too. It sneakily stirs up your competitive streak, so everyone takes part really hard. Our team came first and we got a freebie.

After about an hour and a half, you move seats once. I moved to a sofa seat further inside, and the mood changed again. It feels like everyone chatting cozily together.

The male-to-female ratio seemed balanced at nearly half and half, and the ages ranged from 20s to 30s, so conversations can go broad. That's the charm of Yusagil, the Nonhyeon solo drinking bar.

What's the restroom like at Yusagil Gangnam?

Yusagil Gangnam has a neat restroom inside, so you don't have to go outside, which is convenient. It's a single unisex stall, but it's well maintained and was clean. There's even a nice-smelling Febreze, haha.

Who should try Yusagil, the Nonhyeon solo drinking bar?

If you're tired and lonely after work and want to fill up on some warmth, I'd recommend Yusagil Gangnam without hesitation. It's a great place to drop in casually when you want to make new friends.

You'll feel awkward being alone at first, but on your way out you'll find yourself laughing with everyone and swapping Instagram follows. Oh yes! I also had a lively chat for the first time in a while. If you want a special experience or to meet new people this weekend, visit Yusagil, which is definitely on any Nonhyeon bar recommendation list. I think it'll be a happy memory.

I spent a warm and fun night at Yusagil, a kind of trailblazer among Gangnam hotspots.

People go to a bar for the taste, and go back for the warm atmosphere.

I'm 200% going back. Do you have a hangout of your own where you can open up and talk?