Local places · 59 stories
Bars in Korea, told firsthand by local bloggers — with photos and Google Maps.
People & Peoples (피플앤피플즈) is a bar near Exit 7 of Sangdong Station in Bucheon, known for pastry pizza and lasagna. I sat outdoors with my husband and baby and had pastry pizza, gambas al ajillo (shrimp in garlic and olive oil), and draft beer. The crisp pizza and lightly spicy shrimp went well with beer, though two dishes left the two of us very full.
Mullae Hanjan Solo Drinking Bar, Daejeon Bongmyeong Branch is a cocktail bar in Yuseong, Daejeon. I visited alone, tried four cocktails, and reordered the chocolate-milk-like signature drink. It was easy to sit alone, though Bongmyeong Hanjan was a matter of taste.
Motsumo Sejong Dodam Branch is a Japanese-style pub in Sejong’s Dodam-dong dining alley specializing in beef offal hot pot. We shared a special soy sauce motsunabe with extra noodles and cheese okonomiyaki; the hot pot was less rich than I expected, generous, and especially interesting as the broth changed while it cooked.
Titan Hapjeong is an izakaya between Hapjeong and Sangsu in Mapo, Seoul, specializing in aged sashimi and charcoal barbecue. I visited around 1 a.m. for Yeon Cham Gimbap and late-night barbecue; the gimbap was filling with tender fish, while the barbecue was sweet-savory with a gentle charcoal aroma, though it became a little heavy after a while.
Nani Yeouido Branch is an izakaya on the third floor of S-Trenue Building outside Yeouido Station Exit 3 in Seoul. I had lamb shoulder rack and chadol ttanttan nabe with my wife; the tender lamb with basil sauce and the mildly spicy, rich broth stood out. The room-style seating and open window seats also made it a comfortable place for a quiet conversation.
Hanamato Daehangno Hyehwa is an izakaya in Jongno, Seoul, with a first-floor bar and a second-floor window-side space. I ate mentaiko cheese potatoes, chicken skewers, and spicy jjamppong upstairs, and enjoyed the open-air feel and snack selection.
Hey Jinny is a cooking bar on the second floor near Euljiro 3-ga Station Exit 10 in Jung, Seoul. I visited at 3 p.m. on a weekend for wine by the glass, a rum and Coke, oil pasta, and eohyang gaji; the cozy setting and nutty pasta stood out, and even the crispy eggplant worked for me.
Dari Yeodeolgae is an octopus-focused pub in Suyeong, Busan. I had octopus gambas and fish cake soup; the spicy gambas, substantial banchan, bar seats, and inner tables stood out.
People & Peoples is a pizza and beer bar on the first floor of Gukcheon Building in Sang-dong, Bucheon. We ordered pizza, fresh pasta, beer, and cola for two; the thick, lasagna-like pizza was memorable, and the outdoor area was not too noisy during our visit.
Kaken is an izakaya right outside Exit 2 of Dangsan Station in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul. I stopped by for a second round with a friend, ordered a 10-skewer assortment and Suntory draft beer at the kitchen-facing bar, and enjoyed watching the grilling despite the busy Sunday evening crowd.
Ito is a basement izakaya in Gwangjin, Seoul, about a two-minute walk from Konkuk University Station. Three of us shared assorted sashimi, a mizutaki set, and Napolitan udon; the partitioned tables made conversation easy, though Saturday seats filled quickly after 6 p.m.
Ito is an izakaya in Gwangjin, Seoul, about a two-minute walk from Konkuk University Station Exit 2. My partner and I shared a mille-feuille nabe and assorted sashimi set; the high partitions made conversation easy, and the thick-cut sashimi stood out.
