Uncovering 7 Secret Bars in Seoul: A Guide to Finding Them

Seoul is renowned for its bustling urban lifestyle and extravagant exhibition of extravagance in every corner. But if you delve deeper, you can discover hidden treasures within the city – as long as you know where to search.

The era of Prohibition may have ended long ago – fortunately – but the concept of discovering a concealed location hidden away from plain view still adds an element of thrill to a night out. After all, there’s nothing quite like the excitement of being privy to a secret that is kept behind closed doors.

If you’re planning to visit Seoul, here’s a compilation of bars worth visiting. A helpful tip is to use Naver Maps instead of Google Maps for more accurate navigation while in South Korea.

Sookhee in Myeongdong

While walking down the street, stumbling upon a bar is one thing, but it’s a completely different experience when you start to wonder if you may come across something unexpected. To locate Myeongdong Sookhee, you’ll have to venture away from the bustling tourist area. On what appears to be an empty floor, follow a dingy cardboard sign in front of the elevator that will lead you to a corridor adorned with traditional Korean furniture. Pushing past a large vanity mirror, you’ll discover a modern room serving locally-sourced, spirit-forward signature cocktails. The friendly staff and delicious food complete the overall experience, making it a must-visit for a memorable night out. It’s recommended to make a reservation in advance as spots tend to fill up quickly.

7-9 Myeongdong 10-gil (4th floor), Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

TIGER BOXING SPEAKEASY

The image above shows a photo of Speakeasy Boxing Tiger, a popular nightlife spot located in Seoul, South Korea. The photo captures the atmosphere of the speakeasy with its dimly lit interior and the tiger motif on the walls. In another photo, we can see the bar area with its vintage decor and dim lighting, giving off a mysterious and intimate vibe. Both photos showcase the unique and alluring ambiance of Speakeasy Boxing Tiger.

The Speakeasy Boxing Tiger, located in the luxurious Sinsa area, adopts a contemporary speakeasy concept. The entrance is marked by two neon characters, and once you descend the staircase and ring the bell at the unmarked door, you will be granted access to the dimly lit interior. However, despite lacking an air of secrecy, the bar compensates with its exceptional drinks and attentive service. The bartenders, who have no trouble communicating in English, are highly attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. Additionally, a DJ plays a laid-back playlist of 90s hip-hop and R&B, providing a pleasant ambiance to enjoy.

The location of this address is 510-3 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea.

The character known as BIRDMAN

(Image credit: Birdman) (Image credit: Birdman)

Gangnam, a hub of extravagant luxury, is considered the mecca of Seoul. If you feel overwhelmed by the constant stimulation of the area, you can find solace in the hidden gem, Birdman. Created by the same team as Six Night in Apgujeong, this enigmatic bar is tucked away in an alley off the bustling shopping street, Garosu-gil. As you enter through the unmarked door (look for the bird-shaped handle), a captivating aroma will captivate you and guide you down to the basement. Each corner of the bar, adorned with vintage trinkets and opulent murals, is just as Instagram-worthy as the next.

Located in Seoul, South Korea, the address is 55-4 Garosu-gil, Gangnam-gu.

THE CHAMBER.

At Le Chamber, the door will only open if you choose the correct book from the shelf located at the entrance. The bar boasts luxurious leather seats and a warm, inviting atmosphere created by its dim lighting. The drinks are expertly crafted by award-winning bartenders and co-owners Eom Do-hwan and Lim Jae-jin. For those unfamiliar, the recommended option is the Chamber Story, a rum-based drink with a blend of tropical fruits, bitters, and hazelnuts, cleverly served in a book.

The location of the address is 42 Dosandae-ro, 55-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea.

STORAGE AREA.

The Storage Room is situated at the rear of The Cheese Salon in the fashionable Seongsu district. To enter the bar, simply pass through the slightly open white door in the shop and then push through another wooden door to gain access. Inside, you can opt for the comfortable bar-side seats or the private booths, and select from the clever cocktail menu labeled “Poor Spirits, Exceptional Cocktails”, a playful reference to the time of Prohibition when unlicensed alcohol was prevalent.

The address 8-1 Yeonmujang 7-gil, Seongsu-dong, Seoul, South Korea is located in South Korea.

MUNHAK SALON

The Hapjeong neighborhood may not be a top tourist destination, but it is home to a charming selection of hidden bars that only regulars know about. One of these is Muhak Salon, a popular choice. A small sign next to a discreet staircase will guide you to the entrance of the bar. Inside, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a drink menu inspired by literature. Each cocktail comes with a rating based on its alcohol content, giving you the chance to make a responsible choice. But that’s not all – you’ll also receive a book (in Korean) with your drink. While it’s ideal to enjoy cocktails with friends, the laid-back vibe of Munhak Salon makes it a great spot for a solo drink as well.

30 Dokmakro 2-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea

H. CHARLES.

Although not a secret bar, it is quite challenging to discover a more personal and discreet location than Charles H, the acclaimed cocktail bar situated in Four Seasons Seoul. The elegant atmosphere pays homage to the magnificence of 1920s New York City, adorned with brass tabletops and a unique Korean touch in the form of a 7-meter tapestry made of braided velvet and silk knots. Head bartender Odd Strandbakken leads the creation of exceptional cocktails at this establishment.

97 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Visit www.hiddenspeakeasy.club to find out more about traveling to Seoul and visiting these hidden speakeasy bars.