Hongdae cocktail bar for quiet drinks: Doran Honsul Bar

Even though it’s called a honsul bar—a bar for drinking alone—it’s not only for solo visitors. Like me, you can come with a friend, have a drink, and chat away together!

A calm space away from Hongdae’s bustle

As soon as you open the door, a calm space unfolds that feels quite different from Hongdae’s busy, lively atmosphere. Soft lighting and gentle music made the whole place feel cozy and warm.

It feels great whether you come alone for a quiet drink or visit with a friend or partner for an easy conversation! The spacing and atmosphere between tables didn’t feel too imposing, so I could relax even on my first visit. 😊

The cocktails I ordered

Long Island Iced Tea

15% · ₩15,000

This classic cocktail is made with several different spirits, so it has a full-bodied flavor while still tasting sweet and refreshing like iced tea! If you like cocktails, it’s a menu item worth trying at least once.

Wildflower

23% · ₩15,000

Even the name of this cocktail had that distinct Doran feeling 🌸 My friend and I each ordered a different cocktail and enjoyed a glass apiece. The glasses looked pretty and suited the atmosphere so well—it was great for photos!

How varied are the cocktail and whisky menus?

Doran has a wide range of whiskies as well as cocktails.

Looking at the menu, there were all kinds of options, from classic cocktails to martinis, highballs, and mojitos, so it was easy to choose according to your taste. They say they have more than 40 cocktails and more than 50 whiskies, so I thought it would be a good spot for people who enjoy drinking, too. Whisky highballs are available, and there are non-alcoholic options as well, so it seems easy to visit with a friend who doesn’t drink much! You can order by QR code, haha.

Complimentary snacks and a review event

When I ordered cocktails, simple snack chips came along with them. They were perfect for casually picking at while having a drink, so I liked them 😋

There’s also an event where you get one free cocktail for writing a review, haha.

Why this honsul bar is great with friends, too

Actually, I visited with a friend this time!

Because of the name “honsul bar,” you might wonder if you have to visit alone, but it was genuinely great for two friends to come, chat comfortably, and enjoy drinks together. If you’re looking for somewhere to have a drink with a friend and talk in a quiet atmosphere instead of going to an overly noisy Hongdae bar, I recommend Doran! It seems like a good place for a light drink after work or when you’re looking for a cocktail bar with a nice atmosphere in Hongdae 🍸

There are lots of games too, so you’ll be able to start chatting naturally even with people you’ve just met!

A drink shared with a friend and an easy chat, away from Hongdae’s bustling streets 🍸

If you’re looking for a cocktail bar with a nice atmosphere in Hongdae, I recommend Doran Honsul Bar.