The Best Dive Bars To Visit In Seoul

Seoul is a city that almost literally does not sleep. Numerous bars and clubs remain open until the wee hours of the morning. However, for those not interested in the all-night party scene in Hongdae or Gangnam, here are several bars offering a low-key environment that are worthy of a visit.

Exterior of Southside Parlor/Courtesy of Rebecca Biage

1. Southside Parlor

Bar, Beer, American

You’ll feel right at home in this Texas-style bar, located in Seoul’s Itaewon neighborhood. The dim lighting above the main bar area is provided by an eclectic configuration of mason jars, with a bulb strategically placed in the middle jar. The location of two dart boards adorned with cowboy hats adds to the rustic, American-style interior. Small, wooden tables are arranged throughout the bar, along with a long table countertop against the back wall that offers a great evening view of parts of the city. As you take a seat at the copper-plated bar, you’ll notice a wide array of liquors and spirits to choose from (a Long Island iced tea will run you about $12), and the kitchen also serves food should you get hungry.

2. Heaven for a G

Bar, Korean

At Itaewon’s Heaven for a G, order from a menu offering stouts, lagers and craft beers in the $6-9 price range. Heaven for a G’s interior is a mix of simple and modern décor. The gray concrete walls and floor give the bar a warehouse feel. Wooden crate barrels serve as tables with wooden stools surrounding them. While relaxing patrons are treated to old school music, courtesy of Stevie Wonder, Al Green, and Earth, Wind and Fire. If you find yourself needing some sustenance, the kitchen can cook a pizza, pasta or calzone (price range $7-15).

3. Vinyl

Bar, Coffee

With its low, wooden tables painted in multiple colors, Vinyl Bar’s small interior exudes a quirky vibe. Even though it’s a bar, the coziness of the establishment makes it feel more café-like. Post-modern artwork, a ukulele and vintage posters adorn the rustic, orange walls. Patrons can have a seat in one of the animal-print seats, enjoy a vodka cranberry, and peruse the latest issue of Big Issue magazine while waiting for a friend. Drinks at Vinyl Bar are served in plastic bags (similar to an IV-bag) which can be taken away while exploring the neighborhood of Hongdae’s hip boutiques. Alcoholic beverages, such as a tequila sunrise or a peach crush, run about $5-6.

4. Holly Beer

Bar, Pub Grub, Asian

Holly Beer is located in the Konkuk University area (also known as Kondae). The auburn ceiling and metal tables give the place a contemporary yet relaxed feel. Underneath the bar guests can see the silver beer casks tinted in blue lighting. Holly Beer serves a variety of specialty craft beers. The watermelon wheat in particular is a must, with an earthy flavor and sweet watermelon undertones. The brews are priced at around $7. Take a seat at one of the tables near the open patio and people watch the late-night clamor along Achasan-ro.

5. Chun Ja

Bar, Korean

Located right off of Kondae’s famous Rodeo Street, Chun Ja Bar is a surprisingly pleasant hidden gem if you’re searching for a quieter bar scene. While the beer inventory is rather limited (Cass, Guiness, Corona), people don’t necessarily come here for the drinks, but for the colorful, inviting atmosphere. The interior walls are decorated with drawings of various countries, along with pictures of each country’s beer. An assortment of vibrant, miniature airplanes hang from the ceilings, while tchotchkes decorate the wire-wooden dividers at the tables. The white, twinkling lights that decorate the perimeters of the windows add to Chun Ja’s already cutesy interior.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.