Bars guide Seoul

Issue 124 | Whisky Magazine 53

outh Korea isn’t thefirst place you’d think of for Scotch,but a growing interest in singlemalts, and more recentlybourbon, is driving abustling bar scene. Whilethe rice based liquor sojuremains the nationaldrink of choice, youngprofessionals, especiallywomen are seeking outspeakeasies and whisky barsto learn about this fine drink.In the last three years there’sbeen a shift away from cheap blendedwhisky drunk in hostess bars to single malts consumed in civilisedestablishments. Such is the enthusiasm, that Koreans are willing topay a hefty premium for scotch. In many establishments pricesstart at 25,000 won (£15) a dram. Prices are high thanks togovernment taxes up to 180 per cent and stiff business overheads. A predilection for rare older vintages is also driving collecting and entrepreneurship as bars compete to offersomething different. Here are eight of our recommended watering holes.

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Joshua gives us an introduction toSouth Korea’s bar scene

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NOGOSAN-DONG AHYEON-DONG

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500m NAEBU RINGWAY

Hangamg River

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5 The Factory B1, 402-13 Seokgyo-dong,Mapo-gu

6 d.still 410-3 Seokgyo-dong, Mapo-gu

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Whisky bar Cocktail bar Serves food Hotel TURN OVER FOR DETAILEDDESCRIPTIONS ON EACH BAR

Bars guide Seoul

8Why Not 657-160 Hanam-dong,Yongsan-gu

7Vault +82 653-94 Hanam-dong,Yongsan-gu

4Bar Sahm 660-17 Sinsa-dong,Gangnam-gu

1 Coffee Bar K 89-20 Cheongdam-dongKangnam-gu

3 Bar Lupin 84-18 Cheongdam-dong,Gangnam-gu

2 B2888-2 Cheongdam-dong,Gangnam-gu

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56 Whisky Magazine | Issue 124

Hidden behind an unmarkeddoor, Bar Lupin is ideal for thebusiness person who needs toescape the noise and stress ofthe bustling metropolis of Seoul.It’s easy to unwind with smoothjazz trickling through the soundsystem and 250 whiskies toperuse including the glorious 30Years Old Hibiki. Gin loversrejoice! There are 40 gins from

around the world along with award winning gin cocktails. Theinterior is reminiscent of Japanese whisky bars from ten years agowith old paintings, a giant antique clock and model yachts addingsome old world charm. The cigar selection here is limited so bringyour own, as well as plenty of cash. 10,000 won cover charge.Bottle keeping service and valet.

Definitely more upscale thanyour local Starbucks, CoffeeBar K was the firstestablishment to cater to theneeds of discerning Scotchdrinkers in Seoul. 500 singlemalts are on the menu as wellas Japanese whiskies, 200cocktails and a wine list thatfeatures rare older vintagesand fine champagne. The

mixologists here have won many global competitions, lived orstudied in Japan, and possess a deep knowledge of Japanesewhiskies, spirits and cocktails. Book an early seat at the bar(before 9pm), to mix with high flying businessmen or talk cultureand travel with Gangnam’s classiest ladies. If you’re shy thebartenders are also happy to engage in lively debates on whiskyterroir or pre-prohibition cocktails. It’s party central Thursday toSaturday so reservations are essential. Valet available.

One of the few places whereyou can enjoy a single malt onthe sidewalk, this hole in thewall is the perfect spot to watchthe youth of Apkujeong showoff the latest designer fashion.If seated at the bar, you’ll bedrinking under hundreds of halffull whisky, tequila and ginbottles suspended from theceiling. Prices are very

reasonable for the area, starting at 13,000 won a dram andGlenfarclas 105 Cask Strength is just 22,000 won. There’s adecent beer selection, including Duvel, and around sixty whiskiesto choose from at this twenty-five seat bar. The Dutch coffee hereis fantastic, the staff laid back and friendly. No valet but BarSahm is one of the few bars open on Sundays. Around 60whiskies to choose from.

Based on the same conceptas his Singapore bar, expat MikeSoldner offers an exclusiveselection of fine whiskies andunusual rums in a luxurioussetting. There’s an excellentselection of cigars and the staffreally know their cocktailsoffering a more intimate westernservice experience. You can alsohire a plush private room should

you wish to play poker. Friday nights are popular with live jazz whichis a good match for rare vintages such as Bunnahabhain 1978 andAvonside Glenlivet 1938. And if you like rum this is your place.Delicacies such as English Harbour 1981, The Kraken Black SpicedRum and Plantation Barbados 2001 are served by the glass. Forreservations there’s a minimum spend policy. Watch out for thestrict dress code. If you arrive in jeans or shorts you will be offeredunflattering baggy pants or asked to leave. So don your bestthreads! 10,000 won cover charge. Valet service.

1 Coffee Bar K 89-20 Cheongdam-dong, Kangnam-gu 2 B28

88-2 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu

4 Bar Sahm 660-17 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu3 Bar Lupin

84-18 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu

Whisky bar Cocktail bar Serves food Hotel

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Bars guide Seoul

Issue 124 | Whisky Magazine 57

The list here offers plenty ofdepth for those looking toexplore 300 older vintages ofmajor producers and sherryaged scotch. A bottle ofGlenfarclas Sherry Butt 1953goes for 20 million won, or youcould try a dram of GlendronachKorea Edition Oloroso 1996 for33,000 won. There’s a goodselection of cigars and plenty of

space here for large groups, corporate events or those tired ofcramped, smoky basements. The owners here are very seriousabout their footwear and offer a complimentary shoeshine service.The cover charge is 5,000 won, and there’s a 10,000 won bottlekeeping service. Cold cuts and cheeses available as well as a valet.

Childhood friends Han Kiu-seon and Park Si-young havecreated a space perfect forwomen wanting to unwind aftera hectic day at the office. Withtwenty years bartendingexperience under her belt ParkSi-young really knows herwhiskies and can craft mindblowing cocktails to suit yourpalate. “Single-malt whisky is

smooth and not for drinking quickly. It’s something to enjoy,” shesays. There are 250 whiskies listed along with 170 cocktails anda small kitchen that turns out salads, beef sirloin and escargot.Ms Han, a former art dealer, will happily discuss art, music andKorean culture with guests. The crowd here is friendly and liberalsince we’re in Hongdae, the party district of university nightclubs,heavy metal bars and hipster cafés that don’t close until dawn.

Hard to find but well worthscrambling though thealleyways to get to, Why Not isa cozy second floor bar with abroad selection of smallproduction scotch, rarebourbons, fine gin and weirdliquors. Singapore trainedmanager Park Kwan-chul isalso an entertaining characterwith plenty of stories and

humour to light up the wee hours of the morning. No printed listbut over 200 whiskies behind the bar and some of the best pricesin town will keep you coming back. Slices of jamon and variouscheeses are available, or order pizza from next door. Don’t be putoff by the lack of parking, dimly lit stairs or location, this is ahidden gem with bespoke furnishing such as stag antler coathangers, antique lights and fine crystal that makes one feel rightat home.

Tired of corporate life as anauditor Eom Kyeong-sup openedd.still with Chef Kim Shin-woo in2010. Two small wood bars aremanned by three bartenderswho rotate to keep discussionlively and entertaining. There’s atable for parties of twelve at thisestablishment that trulydeserves to be called a whiskybistro. The ambience is cozy and

relaxed and it’s definitely worth coming here for a dinner or post-concert date. Meat lovers will enjoy the pork cheeks with duck fatfries and the crème brûlée is perfectly balanced with a wee dram.“We’re not a speakeasy, rather we’re aiming for a pre-prohibitionclassic bar,” says Mr Eom. There are 250 fine whiskies along withEuropean liquors, twenty bourbons and the odd bottle of rum. Thehumidor is well stocked and there’s an array of dried fruits and nutsshould you get hungry later on. Ladies will enjoy the cocktails andbe charmed by the dexterous bartenders at this 27 seat bistro.

6 d.still 410-3 Seokgyo-dong, Mapo-gu

5 The Factory 402-13 Seokgyo-dong, Mapo-gubarfactory.co.kr

8Why Not 657-160 Hanam-dong, Yongsan-gu7 Vault +82

653-94 Hanam-dong, Yongsan-gu

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