6 Best Cocktail Bars in Seoul: My Favorite Spots for a Night Out in Seoul

Anytime I talk about Seoul, I typically go straight to the cafe scene. This city is known for its delicious pastries and coffee, but it also has a pretty great cocktail and wine scene. There are small little places with cool vibes, cozy seating, and some of the best speakeasies I’ve seen in Asia.

Seoul is a great place for cocktails and a night out. On this list of the best cocktail bars in Seoul, I’ve included some famous spots that are on Asia’s 50 Best list, as well as a few hidden gems I found while I was there that I literally won’t shut up about.

So grab your Google Maps and get ready to tag all of these cocktail bars.

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6 Best Cocktail Bars in Seoul: My Favorite Spots for a Night Out in Seoul

The Best Cocktail Bars in Seoul — My Experience

To be quite frank, Oliver and I aren’t big drinkers anymore. We both had our fair share of late-night solo traveling escapades and now prefer to be in bed early and wake up feeling fresh. Can anyone say “hello thirties!” Ha. But we do enjoy a nice glass of wine or a cocktail, especially when we’re in a city, and that’s exactly what Seoul delivered for us.

We stayed in a cute little area in Mangwon that actually ended up having some of the coolest cocktail bars. Everything from an awesome speakeasy where you literally walk through a fresh fruit market fridge (don’t worry, I’ve included it) to more casual wine spots. Seoul is definitely a late-night city, and finding a good cocktail was never hard.

We also spent our last three nights in Myeongdong, where we found a cool rooftop spot and a vibey wine bar that actually ended up becoming my favorite stop. If you love vinyl records playing, dim lighting, and a few nibbles, then pretty much everywhere on this list will be your kind of place. And while I did include a few bars that show up on every “best bar in Seoul” list, I also added some spots where you can blend in with the locals and enjoy a chill night out.

6 Amazing Seoul Cocktail Bars That You Have to Try

Seoul is known for its cafe scene, but once the sun goes down, the bar scene really shows off. Whether you’re easing into the night with a glass of wine or hopping between late-night cocktail spots, these bars make it very easy to stay out longer than planned.

From low-key neighborhood wine bars to hidden speakeasies and polished cocktail lounges, these were our absolute favorites for the best drinks in the city.

1. Bar Cham Seoul

Opening Hours: 6PM-1AM, Closed on Tuesday
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Bar Cham was high on our list of things to do in Seoul. It was recently awarded 6th Best Bar on Asia’s 50 Best list and 56th on the World’s Best Bars list, so we knew we had to check it out, and it absolutely did not disappoint.

From the moment we walked in, the hospitality was incredible. We’ve been to a few different bars on the Top 50 list, and honestly, I’m not sure I’ve ever felt more welcome. The atmosphere was spot on, and the cocktails were even better. Their drinks feature Korean ingredients and flavors, which really makes each cocktail feel like it’s telling a story, not just something mixed behind a bar.

If you only go to one cocktail bar in Seoul, I highly recommend this one. Try to get there right at opening so you don’t have to wait in line, because it can get busy.

2. Pine & Co

Opening Hours: 7PM-2AM
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After visiting the Starfield Library in Gangnam, Oliver and I decided to check out this speakeasy in the area. One of my friends had mentioned it to me and also warned me, good luck trying to find the entrance. They weren’t wrong.

This speakeasy is definitely tucked away, and we actually had a lot of fun wandering around the neighborhood trying to find the hidden door. I won’t tell you where it is because that’s part of the fun. Once we finally made it inside, we were welcomed by a retro-style bar with that underground kind of vibe, and I loved it.

The drinks are super innovative, and the bartenders are really knowledgeable. We ordered the Ant Love Corn, a creamy tequila-based drink topped with edible ants. It was cool and tasted way better than I thought it would.

3. Barboo

Opening Hours: 5PM-12AM, Closed on Monday
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If you’re looking for a vibey night away from the tourist crowds, you have to check out this local wine bar. I absolutely loved it, and it would for sure be a regular spot for me if I lived in Seoul. It’s located in Itaewon, which is a more international area, and I highly recommend visiting or staying here if it’s your first time in the city.

The wine bar sits on the third floor and is so cool and chic, with hand-drawn menus, big windows, and bar-style tables that make it easy to go solo or with a group. The chef is trained in French food and it was also amazing. We ordered the tuna tartare, a creamy pasta, and a really nice bottle of white wine. With music playing in the background, it was honestly the perfect little date night.

4. JeanFrigo

Opening Hours: 6PM-1:30AM, Closed on Mondays
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JeanFrigo is probably the quirkiest bar on this list, and I’m obsessed. If you’re walking down the street, it looks like a normal fruit and veg shop, except it’s actually just a storefront for a speakeasy bar. You walk in, head to the refrigerator in the back, open the door and… voilà, the bar. How freakin’ creative is that?

What I truly loved about this cocktail bar is how much they lean into the fruit theme, making all of their drinks feel super fresh. I ordered one that focused on pomegranate, and it was absolutely amazing. The staff are really welcoming and happy to recommend different drinks. They also serve food, but we only stopped in for a few cocktails. It was such a fun and unique thing to do in Seoul.

5. Zest Cocktail Bar Seoul

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30PM-2AM, Saturday and Sunday 3PM-2AM
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I’m sad to say we didn’t actually make it to Zest while we were in Seoul, but I had to include it on this list. The bar only opened a few years ago, and in that short time they’ve built a seriously impressive reputation. In 2025, they were named the 2nd best bar in Asia on the Asia’s 50 Best list, and honestly, it’s easy to see why.

Unfortunately, when we tried to go, the line was way too long for us to wait. Looking back at photos now, I fully regret that decision lol. If you’re visiting, I definitely recommend making a reservation or showing up as early as possible.

What really sets Zest apart is their zero-waste approach to cocktails. They make a lot of their own ingredients in-house, including sodas, spirits, and citrus bases, and they reuse leftover peels and vegetables instead of tossing them. When they don’t make something themselves, they source locally, and even their bar aprons are made from recycled materials. It’s the kind of place where the cocktails are thoughtful, creative, and actually doing something good at the same time.

6. Vinyl

Opening Hours: 5PM-12AM, Friday and Saturday Open til 2AM, Closed on Mondays
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Vinyl is a super underrated bar in Seoul, and it’s located in Hongdae. It’s the perfect mix of chill with just enough excitement. When we first walked in, we were immediately hit with nostalgia. Cool posters line the walls, there are fairy lights everywhere, and mismatched stools that really bring that 80s vibe to life.

At first, we thought it would be a bar focused on vinyl records with a more jazzy feel, but it ended up being totally different in the best way. With just one bartender making drinks, the cocktails are served in little baggies with a straw, similar to tea drinks you’ll find in Taiwan or Malaysia, which completely took us by surprise. The drinks were super fresh and made with quality ingredients.

You can even order from the outside counter and take the drinks to go. For me, this bar was easily one of the highlights in Seoul.

FAQ: Best Bars in Seoul

What are the best bars in Seoul for foreigners?

Seoul is a super easy city for foreigners when it comes to nightlife. Areas like Itaewon, Hongdae, and Myeongdong are great places to start, with bars that feel welcoming even if you don’t speak Korean. Spots like Bar Cham, Zest, and Vinyl are all popular among foreigners and locals!

What are the best rooftop bars in Seoul?

If you’re after rooftop views, Seoul has some really fun options. The Roof in Myeongdong is an easy favorite for city views and a casual vibe. Moochaeseck is another great rooftop option with a cooler, more laid-back feel, and Saeseoul is perfect if you want something stylish but still relaxed. In the summer months, Casa Corona is a must. It’s a seasonal rooftop spot that feels like a little escape in the middle of the city.

What are the best bars in Hongdae, Seoul?

Hongdae is one of the best neighborhoods in Seoul for nightlife, especially if you like places that feel creative, fun, and not too polished. Vinyl was one of my personal favorites in the entire city, with its nostalgic decor and cocktails served in baggies. Woodstock is another great stop in Hongdae, especially if you’re into live music and a more energetic atmosphere. Hongdae is also ideal for bar hopping, so it’s easy to bounce between spots and see where the night takes you.

Final Thoughts on the Best Cocktail Bars in Seoul South Korea

After a week of slowly sipping our way around the best cocktail bars Seoul has to offer, a few places really stood out. From creative speakeasies to cozy wine bars and late-night cocktail spots, the bar scene here totally surprised me in the best way.

Vinyl and Barboo ended up being my personal favorites. Both had that perfect mix of atmosphere, great drinks, and the kind of vibe that makes you want to stay longer than planned. That said, Bar Cham is absolutely a must-visit at least once. It lives up to the hype and then some, and it’s one of those places you’ll be talking about long after you leave.

Whether you’re bar hopping until late or just heading out for one really good drink, Seoul delivers. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any spot on this list.