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Hidden bars in Seoul have become the latest trend in South Korea with both Koreans and tourists alike. In mega cities like Seoul, it is easy to miss incredible locations, with buildings housing trendy locations that are not easy to come by when walking the streets of Seoul. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best hidden bars in Seoul that are waiting to be discovered.
Why are hidden bars in Seoul becoming more popular?
When living in Seoul for the first time, you will quickly notice that there is an abundance of coffee shops, making it hard for independent brands to compete in the city. Due to this, many locations across Seoul have designed unique locations for their cafes and bars, in addition to perfecting their unique menus for visitors to enjoy. As a result, novelty themes like the hidden bars in Seoul have become more popular in recent years.
With that, hidden cafes and bars have been popping up all across Seoul with aesthetic decors, illusion entrances, and speakeasies all gaining attention online. It is not surprising that Seoul has become one of the most photographed cities in the world because of its Instagrammable locations and attractions that are definitely worth a visit. Without further ado, let’s unravel the top 4 hidden bars in Seoul!
The top 4 hidden bars in Seoul you must not miss
1. Zoosindang (주신당)
This cozy wine bar in Sindang (신당) has a really unique take on the speakeasy theme. The outside of this bar looks like a closed shop without any door handles, signs, or door numbers, making it an exclusive location only for those who know what to look for.
You may wonder how to enter. Only by pressing on the cat statue outside of the shop entrance will make the secret entrance door open. Inside, the interior design of this bar is an ornate, yet inviting place to check out that is located across two fully-decorated floors.
The concept of this bar is centered around the different Chinese zodiac animals, with unique cocktails for each birth year. Additionally, there is an ever-changing experimental menu to try too, making this an ideal place to visit as one of the hidden bars in Seoul. In fact, they have various branches in Korea so you can choose one that is closer. Watch our team unravel the amazing surprises you can expect at the Jamsil branch here.
Address: 411, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04570 (link to Naver map) (Main branch in Jung-gu)
04570 서울 중구 토계로 411
Closest subway station: Sindang station, Line 2, Exit 1 (Less than a minute’s walk from the station exit.)
신당역 2호선 출구1번
2. Cafe Armoire (카페 아르무아)
Cafe Armoire is one of the hidden bars in Seoul, located near to the Konkuk University station, with a truly secluded vibe. This cafe has an incredible aesthetic, with the entrance room to the coffee shop having an eerie, set-like appearance. The entrance is an empty room on the second floor that is complete with an always static television and rustic furniture.
The visitor experience truly begins when guests open the wardrobe doors in the entrance room as a secret staircase then leads them to the real cafe on the third floor. The cafe’s unique theming continues on the third and fourth floors as visitors can get a great, yet hidden view of the busy Kondae streets below. There is even a rooftop terrace section on the fourth floor of the cafe, adding to the secluded city atmosphere that this cafe has.
As this cafe is located on the second, third, and fourth floors of the building, visitors should be aware that there is only stair access to the cafe.
Address: 117-27, Dongil-ro 22-gil, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05017 (link to Naver map)
05017 서울 광진구 동길로 22길 117-27
Closest subway station: Konkuk University Station, exit 2 (Cafe is a five-minute walk from the station.)
건대입구역 2호선 2번출구
3. Nest of Goose (거러기둥지)
Nest of Goose is a new bar in Itaewon that has been styled to look like the inside of a vintage train. Despite being in the heart of Itaewon, this bar’s entrance is identifiable from a small train ticket machine outside. This ticket machine is actually a photo booth where you can take vintage-style pictures with friends.
Inside the bar, the train aesthetic is complete by screens showing footage of travelling on a train to give visitors the immersive experience of vintage train travel. The Nest of Goose wine bar specializes in Italian cuisine in addition to providing guests with a varied drink menu.
This bar is an amazing place to check out with friends, as the bar is focused on creating a fun, yet relaxing atmosphere in the city center. If you’re planning a gathering with friends, why not consider this unique place to your list of hidden bars in Seoul to visit?
Address: 54-6, Itaewon-ro, 27 ga-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04350 (link to Naver map)
04350 서울 용산구 이태원로 27가길 54-6
Closest subway station: Itaewon station, Line 6, Exit 1 (Bar is approximately a two-minute walk away.)
이태원역 6호선 출구 1번
4. Jean Frigo (장프리고)
Last but not least on our list of hidden bars in Seoul, Jean Frigo is another place that truly commits its aesthetic to be a secret. The outside entrance of this speakeasy cafe easily tricks passersby into thinking the building is just a storage space for groceries. However, this unassuming storefront is actually a secret entrance to a two-level cafe and bar, with elaborate theming continuing on both levels.
From entering Jean Frigo via the fridge doors in the entrance rooms, you will find a futuristic-themed dining room, featuring sunken seating areas that give it an industrial atmosphere. On the highest floor, there are many light features that reflect colors all around this cocktail bar and cafe. To order food and drinks at Jean Frigo, patrons shall place all orders by using a vintage payphone on both floors.
Address: 9-8 Toegye-ro, 62-gil, Junggu, Seoul 04614 (link to Naver map)
04614 서울 중구 62길 토계로 9-8
Closest subway station: Dongdaemun History and Culture Park station, line 4, exit 4 (Destination is a two-minute walk from the station exit.)
동대문역사문화공원역 4호선 출구4번
We hope that from reading this article, you will be inspired to find some of these hidden bars in Seoul and enjoy your time spent here. Leave us a comment if you have any suggestions to share.
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