Bars in Seoul

15 Samcheong-ro 9-gil sits in one of Seoul's most atmospheric neighbourhoods, within easy walking distance of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. Booking is easy — no advance reservation required — making it a low-friction addition to a Jongno evening. Confirmed details on the drinks program are limited, so treat this as a discovery stop rather than a destination anchor.

4 Dosan-daero 17-gil sits in Gangnam's gallery-and-boutique corridor, making it a practical choice for after-dinner drinks on a date night or low-key celebration. Booking is easy, the neighbourhood does the atmosphere work, and the address suits a two-to-three round stop rather than a full evening. Best visited Wednesday through Saturday; early arrival recommended on weekends.

53 Nonhyeon-ro 153-gil is a Gangnam District address that drops you into one of Seoul's most competitive bar corridors. Easy to book and suited to small groups, it works best as part of a wider Nonhyeon-ro evening. Check the by-the-glass list on arrival — that is where the value case is made or lost in this neighbourhood.

684 Itaewon-dong sits in one of Seoul's most internationally mixed neighbourhoods, with the ambient energy and mid-tier pricing that makes Yongsan District a practical choice for a casual evening out. Booking is easy, the crowd skews international and laid-back, and Thursday nights offer the best balance of atmosphere and elbow room. A solid option if you're already in the area.

Bonny's Pizza Pub in Yongsan is a low-key late-night option for pizza and drinks in a neighbourhood that runs quieter than Itaewon or Hongdae. Easy to walk into, no ceremony required. Best treated as a comfortable anchor for an extended evening rather than a destination in its own right.