7 hidden bars in Seoul and all the signs you need to follow to find them

Seoul is known for its fast-paced city life and dazzling display of glitz and glamour all around. If you dig a little deeper, however, you’ll find obscure gems in the city — if you know where to look, that is.

While the Prohibition era is long past us — thankfully — the idea of stumbling upon a hidden spot tucked away out of plain sight always makes for a more exciting night out. After all, there’s nothing like the thrill of being let in on a secret behind closed doors.

Here’s a list of bars to check out the next time you're in Seoul.Tip: Download Naver Maps as Google Maps isn’t as accurate while you’re in South Korea.

MYEONGDONG SOOKHEE

It’s one thing to discover a bar while walking along the street, but it’s a whole other experience when you start to question if you’re about to find something you’re not supposed to. To find Myeongdong Sookhee, you will have to leave the sights and sounds of the popular tourist area. Located on what seems to be a vacant floor, follow a dingy cardboard sign in front of the elevator that’ll lead you to an area with traditional Korean furniture displayed in the corridor. Push past the large vanity mirror and you’ll find a sleek room, armed with a spirit-forward signature cocktail menu made with local ingredients. Friendly staff and tasty dishes complete the entire experience in this space, so be sure to get ready for a tantalising night out. Make a reservation before you go as spots can get filled up quickly.

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

SPEAKEASY BOXING TIGER

Speakeasy Boxing Tiger at the upscale Sinsa area follows a modern-day format of a speakeasy: Two neon characters signal the entrance, and after a little shimmy down the staircase, ring the bell at the unmarked door and you’ll be let into the dimly lit space. However, what the bar lacks in mystery, it more than makes up for it with exceptional drinks and meticulous service. The bartenders here — English is not a problem, in case you’re wondering —  are exceptionally attentive, friendly and knowledgeable. As for the music, they have a DJ who plays a chill playlist of 90s hip-hop and R&B for you to groove along to.

510-3 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

BIRDMAN

Seoul’s mecca for over-the-top glamour lies in Gangnam. If exploration of the area has slowly begun to overtake your senses, you’ll find respite in the tucked away Birdman. From the team behind the popular Six Night in Apgujeong, the mysterious bar is nestled within an alley of the popular shopping street that is Garosu-gil. An enchanting scent bewitches you as you open the signage-free door (look for the bird-shaped handle), which will lead you down to the basement. From small vintage objects to lavish murals, you will find every corner just as photo-friendly as the next.

55-4 Garosu-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Here at Le Chamber, the door opens only when you pick the right book from the shelf at the entrance. Decked out with opulent leather seats, along with dim lighting, the bar is feels cosy and welcoming. The cocktails are made by -class champion bartenders and owners Eom Do-hwan and Lim Jae-jin, but if it’s your first time, try the Chamber Story, a spiced, rum-based concoction with tropical fruits, bitters and hazelnuts, served inside a book.

42 Dosandae-ro, 55-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

THE STORAGE ROOM

The Storage Room is located at the back of The Cheese Salon in the trendy Seongsu neighbourhood. To get into the bar, walk past a white door in the shop that’s slightly ajar, before pushing another wooden door to enter the premise. Here, choose between the cosy bar-side seats or the intimate booths, and order from the witty cocktail menu that reads “Bad Booze, Great Cocktails”, a nod to the Prohibition era where unregulated alcohol was rife. 

8-1 Yeonmujang 7-gil, Seongsu-dong, Seoul, South Korea

MUNHAK SALON

The sleepy Hapjeong neighbourhood isn’t exactly popular with most tourists, but it boasts a delightful array of hidden bars known only to those who frequent the area. Of those, Muhak Salon is a favourite. A lone signage beside a discreet staircase will lead you down to the bar. This watering hole has a cosy atmosphere with a drink menu inspired by books. Each cocktail is accompanied by a rating system based on the alcohol content, so you’ll be able to choose a poison of your choice responsibly. That’s not all. You’ll also be handed a book (written in Korean) when your drink is served. While cocktails are best had with a friend or two, Munhak Salon’s easygoing atmosphere makes is perfect if you want a drink by yourself too.

30 Dokmakro 2-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

CHARLES H

While not exactly a hidden bar, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything more intimate and discreetly tucked away than Charles H, the award-winning cocktail bar located in Four Seasons Seoul. The refined space is a nod to the grandeur of New York City in the 1920s, flanked by brass tabletops with a local Korean twist with its expansive 7-metre tapestry of braided velvet and silk knots. Helmed by head bartender Odd Strandbakken, the cocktails here nothing short of spectacular.

97 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea