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Drink List 1

The ultimate Seoul bar guide

Follow the crowds to find the hottest bars in Seoul tonight

Written by
Michelle JY Park
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Looking to reward yourself at the end of a long week? All dressed up with nowhere to go? There's a saying in Korean: "Mul-i jotda," meaning the crowd is sexy and the standards are high. Head to these bars where the "mul-i jotda" and let loose on a Friday night.

Seoul bars you need to know

Le Chamber
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Bars
  • Cheongdam-dong
  • price 4 of 4
  • Recommended

Posh. High-end. Sophisticated. All words that come to mind when you step into Le Chamber. From their pricing to their service, Le Chamber is a speakeasy that strives for the finest. Diageo World Class champions and owner-bartenders Eom Do-hwan and Lim Jae-jin offer seven-star service. Consecutive Korean champion Park Sung-min recently joined the star roster, garnering more interest. Their sign has no distinct shape or form, understandably so as a speakeasy, but the entrance to their basement is even more intriguingly mysterious. The entrance is shaped like a bookshelf, and only if you pick the right book will the door open.

The Griffin Bar
  • Bars
  • Hotel bars
  • Jongno-gu

The Griffin Bar, situated on the 11th floor of the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square, is a popular rooftop bar with stunning views of the Heunginjimun Gate and the bustling Dongdaemun area. During warm weather, the outdoor terrace is a hit, so arrive early to grab the best seats. The bar offers an extensive selection of single-malt whiskies, wines, and cocktails, including the Arirang cocktail made with munbaeju and black sesame, and the well-balanced Boutique drink featuring gin, Campari, basil, and egg whites. Unique fusion drinks like the Hangang Miracle and Dongdaemun Sling are also available exclusively at The Griffin Bar.

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Vvertigo
  • Bars
  • Hotel bars

Vvertigo, located on the rooftop of Conrad Seoul, offers an unforgettable experience with panoramic views of Seoul's Yeouido business district. This sky bar is known for its stunning sunset and night views, providing guests with a mesmerizing atmosphere to enjoy sensuous dining and signature cocktails. Sip on a craft beer while feeling the cool breeze of the city and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Seoul. Vvertigo is the perfect spot to unwind after a long day or to celebrate a special occasion with loved ones.

The Westin Josun Seoul Lounge and Bar
  • Bars
  • Hotel bars
  • Jung-gu

The Lounge & Bar at The Westin Josun Seoul offers modern classics on the first floor of the hotel. The signature Milk Tea Cocktail and the Chai Wallah, a balanced mix of traditional chai spice and Guatemalan Zacapa Rum, are highlights. The moving bar table offers customers the opportunity to watch their drinks created right in front of them while enjoying live jazz music every weeknight.

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Speakeasy Mortar
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Bars
  • Wine bars
  • Hannam-dong
  • price 3 of 4
  • Recommended
Riding the wave of the single male whiskey trend is the second coming of the speakeasy. At Speakeasy Mortar, there is no sign—and you can't even open the door yourself. It opens only after the staff slides open a little wooden peephole to see who's outside. The “chosen” can enjoy their moderately-priced drinks in a moderately comfortable environment.
ATM
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • Bars
  • Hannam-dong
  • Recommended

Son Dam-bi comes here for wine and Bae Jung-nam comes here for beer. When ATM first opened its doors, celebrities frequented the place, creating a stir. Now that it has become a popular hotspot, you'd best not get your hopes up for a celebrity sighting. An abbreviation for the expression "against the machine" (no relation to the American rock band), ATM is a laid-back pub, regularly attracting the fashion crowd.

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