Seoul's speakeasy scene is now Asia's deepest after Tokyo. The 10 below show why Seoul hides world-class bars.
Part of our 50 Best Hidden Gem Bars in the World listThis article is one chapter in our larger global guide. See the full pillar with every featured city.
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The 10 best hidden gem bars in Seoul
01 · Seoul
Gangnam
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Through a flower shop · Speakeasy
You enter through a flower shop and a hidden door.
Order: The Wonderland menu's signature
02 · Seoul
Gangnam
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Speakeasy · Library
Through a bookcase. Asia 50 fixture.
Order: A signature with their Korean-aged spirits
03 · Seoul
Itaewon
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Speakeasy · Reservations
Itaewon speakeasy.
Order: A Negroni with their reserve Korean amaro
04 · Seoul
Gangbuk
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Korean ingredients · Counter
Korean-ingredient-led counter cocktail bar.
Order: A drink built around makgeolli
05 · Seoul
Gangbuk
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Soju cocktails · Modern
Modern Korean cocktail bar built around soju.
Order: A soju-based clarified-milk-punch
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06 · Seoul
Itaewon
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Listening · Vinyl
Itaewon listening-bar with serious cocktails.
Order: A whisky highball during the late set
07 · Seoul
Gangnam
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Hotel bar · Four Seasons
Inside Four Seasons Seoul.
Order: A Manhattan, made the Tokyo way
08 · Seoul
Itaewon
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Korean whisky · Late-night
Itaewon Korean-whisky-focused bar.
Order: A flight of Korean whiskies
09 · Seoul
Itaewon
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Hotel bar · Park Hyatt
At the Park Hyatt Seoul.
Order: A martini at the long bar
10 · Seoul
Itaewon
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American-style · Casual
American-style Itaewon cocktail bar.
Order: An old fashioned with Texas-influenced barbecue plate
More Seoul hidden gemsThe full Seoul hidden-gem-bar index by neighbourhood.
See the full list
How Seoul hides its best
Alice Cheongdam and Le Chamber are essential. Most peak between 9 and 11 PM.
