Seoul
International district with the densest cocktail scene per square mile. Speakeasies hidden above kebab shops. The clientele is half Korean, half expat. Walking distance between most of the bars. Save this neighbourhood guide before your next night in Seoul.
Itaewon · $$$
Cakeshop draws a steady local crowd in Itaewon. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening.
Itaewon · $$
Craftworks Taphouse Itaewon draws a steady local crowd in Itaewon. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening.
Itaewon · $$
Craftworks Taphouse draws a steady local crowd in Itaewon. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening.
Itaewon · $$$
Itaewon Classic draws a steady local crowd in Itaewon. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening.
Itaewon · $$$
Makgeolli Salon draws a steady local crowd in Itaewon. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening.
Itaewon · $$$
Mauz Rooftop draws a steady local crowd in Itaewon. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening.
Itaewon · $$$
Mortar & Pestle draws a steady local crowd in Itaewon. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening.
Itaewon · $$$
Pinch draws a steady local crowd in Itaewon. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening.
Itaewon · $$$
Soulmate draws a steady local crowd in Itaewon. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening.
Itaewon · $$$
Southside Parlor draws a steady local crowd in Itaewon. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening.
Itaewon · $$$
Tequila y Mezcal draws a steady local crowd in Itaewon. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening.
Itaewon · $$
The Booth draws a steady local crowd in Itaewon. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening.
You'll find Cocktail Bars and Rooftop Bars here, all tightly clustered enough to walk between in a single evening. That's the value of a neighbourhood guide: pick a starting room, end up four bars in, and never get in a cab. Every recommendation below is independent — barsforKings doesn't take payment for editorial placement, ever.
The order below is a working ranking, not gospel. Read the notes, pick the room that fits the night you're planning, and treat Itaewon like locals do — start early, walk between rooms, end somewhere quieter than you started.
A working editorial ranking. Walkable in a single evening — pick your starting room and let the neighbourhood do the rest.