Top 5 Makgeolli Bars in Yeonnam-dong

Yeonnam-dong is a vibrant neighborhood in the city of Seoul, South Korea just across the street from the well known and lively Hongdae district. In recent years, Yeonnam-dong has become a hotspot for night outs and sool (Korean traditional alcohol) joints. Hongdae is spreading the wealth and now there are neighborhoods that neighbor the popular university district with cool restaurants, bars, and trendy restaurants. Among the places to eat and drink in Yeonnam-dong are a variety of makgeolli bars and Korean traditional alcohol haunts.

With an extensive range of sool bars to choose from in Yeonnam-dong, it can be confusing knowing where to go for a good drink of sool. To help you get started on your night out in Yeonnam-dong, we’ve picked the best makgeolli bars in Yeonnam-dong for you to visit so you don’t have to worry about rocking up to a so-so place.

While it is important to know where you can stock up on delicious sool, we know it’s equally important to know where to go if you want to pair quality makgeolli with great food and company. With that being said, we have done our research and have found five of the best sool bars to visit in the popular neighborhood of Yeonnam-dong. In no particular order, listed below is a collection of makgeolli bars in Yeonnam-dong that have the right combination of atmosphere and quality we know our readers love when visiting Seoul, Korea.

1. Hanran (한란)

Hanran is a trendy sool bistro with a minimalist wooden interior. It is perfect for those who love simplicity and casual dining. They are famous for an impressive pork and octopus bossam and extensive selection of Korean alcohols. Their food is both beautifully presented and packed with flavor. This restaurant and bar also has a wrap-around terrace for warmer weather, so if you want to cool down outside during your dining experience, this makgeolli bar is the one for you.

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  • Address: 27-12 Donggo-ro 38-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 동교로38길 27-12)
  • Hours: Every day: 3:00pm – 2:00am

2. Chacha Meelo (차차밀로)

Chacha Meelo is a beautiful space with delicately prepared dishes and excellent sool. The aesthetics are perfect for taking pictures while enjoying a creative menu and a modern and bright atmosphere. This location would also be best for a date or when you want a higher quality lunch with friends. Reservations are essential if you want a table here.

For More Information

  • Address: 33-12 Donggo-ro 38-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 동교로38길 33-12)
  • Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 5:00pm – 2:00am; Saturday and Sunday: 2:00pm – 2:00am
  • Closed: Mondays

3. Juan Makgeolliano (줜막걸리아노)

Juan Makgeolliano is a very traditional style makgeolli bar in trendy Yeonnam, with an extensive selection of quality makgeolli you know and love. Jeon is the star here and the food is excellent all-around with carefully plated dishes and flavors for any palate. If you are in the mood for something that reminds you of old-school makgeolli in Korea, this is the place to be. We also advise you to make a reservation or go early as it’s very popular.

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  • Address: 248-2 Donggo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 동교로 248-2)
  • Hours: Every day: 4:00pm – 2:00am

4. Yeonnam Gojip (연남고집)

Yeonnam Gojip (연남고집), Yeonnam-dong, Seoul, Korea
Credit: Yeonnam Gojip (연남고집) Instagram

A trendy chef-owned and operated bar with unique dishes and a casual but stylish atmosphere. The sool list features some makgeolli but favors cheongju and distilled alcohols. Although not the best location for the die-hard makgeolli fan, we love this location’s atmosphere, food selection, and quality promise. This bar is also great for a date or intimate groups.

For More Information

  • Address: 7 Donggo-ro 38-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 동교로38길 7)
  • Hours: Wednesday – Monday: 5:00pm – 1:00am
  • Closed: Tuesdays

5. Deo Damum (더다믐)

Deo Damum (더다믐), Yeonnam-dong, Seoul, Korea
Credit: Deo Damum (더다믐) Instagram

A unique culinary experience, chef-owned and operated. Their dishes are inspired by traditional makgeolli side dishes, but are constructed with high-end ingredients. Your entire visit will have you bathed in luxury and we’re confident you’ll love how everything looks and tastes. The sool selection features artisanal and high-quality takju, cheongju and soju. We recommended this bar for an excellent dining experience or a special occasion.

For More Information

  • Address: 30 Donggo-ro 38-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 동교로38길 30)
  • Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 5:00pm – 12:00am; Saturday and Sunday: 3:00pm – 12:00am
  • Closed: Mondays

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