Local places · 59 stories
Bars in Korea, told firsthand by local bloggers — with photos and Google Maps.
Motsumo Sejong Dodam Branch is an izakaya in Dodam-dong, Sejong, where I tried soy sauce motsunabe, gopdoritang, and a matcha dessert during a sponsored visit. The clear broth and generous vegetables in the motsunabe stood out, while the boneless chicken in the gopdoritang was easy to eat; the added udon noodles were a little too soft and crumbly for me.
Titan Hapjeong is a bar between Hapjeong and Sangsu in Mapo, Seoul, serving aged sashimi and charcoal barbecue. I sat in the outdoor seating area and had the spicy charcoal barbecue platter with corn cheese, soju, and draft beer. The barbecue was about as spicy as Buldak 볶음면, but the sweet, savory corn cheese made it easier to eat.
Chomyeon is a cocktail bar on the second floor near Dongmyeong-dong’s dining alley in Gwangju. I visited with a friend for five cocktails and salsa nachos; its quiet mood, bar seats, smoked Godfather, and rich espresso martini stood out.
Nani Yeouido Branch is an izakaya on the third floor of the S-TRENUE Building, near Exit 3 of Yeouido Station in Seoul. After work, I had shoulder rack lamb ribs and spicy Nagasaki seafood nabe; the well-spaced tables, calm setting, and combination of tender lamb and warming broth stood out.
Mullae Hanjan Solo Drinking Bar is a social bar in Yuseong, Daejeon, where I visited with companions for a whiskey highball, Midori Sour, and Hibiki. The music, games, and chance to mingle stood out, though non-groups were seated directly beside strangers and there was a late-night wait when I visited.
Dameun (담은) is a Korean pub in the basement of Banpo Shopping Town 4, just outside Express Bus Terminal Station in Seocho, Seoul. I shared a seven-item jeon platter and sous-vide pork belly suyuk with Mungyeong omija takju; the moist pork loin yukjeon stood out, and the softly lit, slightly dark interior suited a quiet conversation.
Hey Jinny is a cooking pub on Eulji-ro 12-gil in Jung, Seoul, where I met a friend for an invitation gathering. From a window seat, we shared Osaka niboshi shrimp oil pasta and eohyang gaji; the comfortable lighting, table spacing, and attentive service made conversation easy.
Ibangin is an izakaya near Sindang Jungang Market in Jung, Seoul, where I tried kushikatsu, cumin stir-fried lamb, and two udon dishes. The crisp, lightly battered fried items and well-balanced dishes stood out, and the softly lit space felt suitable for a date or group gathering.
Dari Yeodeolgae is an octopus pub near Suyeong Station in Busan, where I reserved a counter seat and ordered the small sliced boiled octopus and pollock roe rolled omelet. The octopus was springy without being tough, and the soft, savory omelet paired well with it; the compact shop was nearly full when I visited.
Hanamato Daehangno Hyehwa (하나마토 대학로혜화) is an izakaya about a three-minute walk from Exit 4 of Hyehwa Station in Jongno, Seoul, with outdoor terrace seating. I had the charcoal-grilled yakitori and oden set at a counter seat with draft beer and highballs; the smoky skewers and warm broth were good, though the oden softened quickly in the hot broth.
Kaken is an izakaya one minute from Exit 2 of Dangsan Station in Seoul. I visited around 11 p.m.; the irori-grilled fish was sold out, but the charcoal-grilled mero was rich and smoky, and I liked the open kitchen and kind service.
Ito is an izakaya in Gwangjin, Seoul, about a two-minute walk from Konkuk University Station. I ordered the ₩63,000 Ito Set with assorted sashimi and sukiyaki; the low-lit, quiet dining room suited a date, though parking was inconvenient.
