Behind closed doors: Seoul's most glamorous speakeasies
Prohibition might not have happened in South Korea but US-inspired speakeasies are no relic of the past in Seoul. As mixology and single-malt whisky began trending in the last five years, a few industry experts stepped up to the plate by opening hidden-away bars.
Sometimes a needle in a haystack (unknown to many locals even) and often steep in prices, these new speakeasies are well worth the search. Here's the low-down on Seoul's hottest hidden bars – if you can find them.
Southside Parlor
Opened in 2013 by three friends from Texas, Southside Parlor has 80s arcade games, hookahs and a mean rooftop view of Namsan Tower. The cocktails, which are award winning, are made by co-owner Philip Abowd, himself a decorated mixologist. The bar imports quality mid-shelf liquor whilst fresh-pressing their own juices and creating their own syrups. Southern-style barbeque and Tex-Mex tacos are served, making it a local favorite for late-night dinner and drinks.
Address: 4F, 218, Noksapyeong-daero Yongsan-gu
Alice
Follow the sign of the neatly dressed white rabbit down the stairs to a small flower shop/garden to find the entrance to this speakeasy subtly themed around the Lewis Carroll novel of the same name. Napkins embroidered with ‘Alice’, experimental cocktails and private rooms sectioned off by curtains come together to make this one of the most loved bars in Seoul.
Address: B1, 47, Dosandaero 55-gil, Gangnam-gu
Charles H.
The entrance to this luxury speakeasy is located behind a hidden marble door on the basement level of the Four Seasons Hotel. Inspired by Charles H. Baker, each page of the menu is themed around a major city – New York, Cairo and Shanghai, just to name a few. Plush leather couches and large mirrors hide in seductive corners – each detail adding to the bar’s glamourous and glitzy atmosphere. If you can manage to snag a seat, you’ll be served snacks and a light cocktail included in the cover charge. It’s easy to sit back and sip here as the service is meticulous and the mixology is world-class.
Address: B1, Four Seasons Hotel, 97 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu
Le Chamber
Very popular with Seoulites-in-the-know, the entrance to this high-end establishment can be found past a small library. Pull on the correct book from the bookshelf and you’ll find yourself in a glittering, high-ceilinged room with dark leather seats and crystal chandeliers. Boasting a collection of over 200 single-malt whiskies, Le Chamber is a favourite of celebrities, whisky-experts and anyone who likes a well-mixed cocktail.
Address: 42, Dosandaero 55-gil Gangnam-gu
D. still
Even the most trending bartender currently involved in the rising Gangnam cocktail scene will admit that D. still set the standard for many speakeasies to come. One of the most elite bars in the Hongdae area (and the only bar of its kind without a cover charge), D.still is tucked in between a fried-chicken eatery and a noisy basement club. D. still is best known for its collection of whiskies as well as creative cocktails, and the bartenders here will often draw you into conversation and customise a drink just to your liking.
Address: 10, Wausanro 15-gil Mapo-gu
The Blind Pig
Not to be confused with the bar of the same name in Vegas, Seoul's The Blind Pig has one smokey secret up its sleeve: cigars. Though South Korea has had a strict indoor-smoking ban since 2013, the Blind Pig happens to be one of the few venues where you can legally enjoy a Montecristo No 2. alongside a Hibiki 21 indoors. With table dining in addition to bar seating, the sizeable space allows enough breathing room for non-smokers and cigar enthusiasts alike. Another plus? Each drink order comes with several packaged gourmet chocolates.
Address: B1, 62, Daesagwan-ro, Yongsan-gu