[box_dark]IFC MALL[/box_dark]
The IFC Mall is a new mega shopping center located in the space underneath the International Financial Center in Yeouido. The mall features 100 stores and restaurants, including a major bookstore, two-floor H&M, nine-screen cinema, and international food court. The layout is very American, and it has a good range of inexpensive to mid-range stores.
All of the dining outlets are located on the lowest level, L3. The mall houses global brands such as H&M, Zara, and Uniqlo, along with the flagship stores of popular brands such as Banana Republic and Hollister. Window-shoppers can check out the latest bestsellers at YP Books or see a movie at the nine-screen CGV multiplex.

FYI>
www.ifcseoul.com
(서울시 영등포구 여의도동 23 | 23 Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul)

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Yeouinaru Station 여의나루역 (Line 5), Exit 1 or Yeouido Station 여의도역 (Lines 5, 9), Exits 3 or 4.

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[box_dark]Rooftop Pool at the Hamilton Hotel | 해밀턴 호텔[/box_dark]

The Hamilton’s rooftop swimming pool is particularly popular on weekends during the summer. Arrive early, as it gets really crowded on weekends, especially if you want to secure a spot on the pool deck. The pool is open from 10am—6pm. Admission is KRW 15,000 during the week and KRW 20,000 on the weekends.
Enjoy food and beverages with hot DJ beats! The taste of a cold pint of draft beer and the smell of barbecued burgers will arouse nostalgia of your hometown. There is an in-house shopping area where you can buy swimwear and other necessities.
Even though the pool offers a great panoramic view of the city, people-watching is the name of the game here, as the place is packed with girls dancing and guys flexing their muscles.

FYI>
T. 02-3786-6247, www.hamilton.co.kr
(서울시 용산구 이태원동 119-25 | 119-25 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul)

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Itaewon Station 이태원역 (Line 6), Exit 1

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The lull of a more languid land

You don’t need to head to the Caribbean to find charming tropical watering holes

The summer season is upon us with a vengeance. If you can’t manage plans to escape the confines of our fine concrete jungle for a seaside retreat, here are SEOUL’s suggestions for replicating the beachside boozing experience.

Written by Daisy Larios
Photographed by Ryu Seunghoo

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[box_light]Bonjour Hawaii | 봉주르 하와이[/box_light]

The signage may say “French and Pacific food” at Bonjour Hawaii, but items like the sushi pizza reveal a decidedly Japanese tilt. Dishes are adorned with corn on the cob, orchid flowers, and grilled pineapple, adding to the tropical feel, while the crinkle-cut french fries served with the BBQ plate awaken the nostalgia of cafeteria lunch fare. Mojitos and other tropical cocktails are served in jars and bedecked with the requisite cocktail umbrella, maraschino cherries, and honeycomb fruit cocktail stirrers befitting of any equatorial drink. Those looking to stay away from the overt sweetness of tiki cocktails can choose from a slew of Hitachino bottled beers from Japan’s Kiuchi Brewery. Things are largely “self-service” here, and you’ll need to order your food and drinks downstairs at the beach shack before finding a seat on one of the three floors. Bonjour Hawaii’s strength lies in the beachykitschy atmosphere generated by the abundance of astroturf, primary colors, beach umbrellas, wicker baskets, and playground-yellow milk crates, making the grounds look like a scene straight out of a 1960s beach party film—perfect for imagining yourself in the lull of a more languid land.

FYI>

T. 010-9756-5406
(서울시 마포구 서교동 395-112 | 395-112 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul)

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Hapjeong Station 합정역 (Line 2, 6), Exit 3

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The Bungalow’s tropical charm is evident right from the outset: the sultry red and gold accents fuse with the bamboo and exotic masks on the walls to make you feel as though you’ve been transported to a vaguely Southeast Asian locale. There is a cornucopia of rooms and seating options hidden in the nooks and crannies of this three-story establishment, including open-air seating, a bar, wicker cocoons for couples that swing from the ceiling, and more. But if Seoul’s signature summer heat and humidity have you dreaming of a white sand beach, try one of Bungalow’s sand rooms, where you can dig your toes into cool sand while sipping on fruity cocktails. There are also two jacuzzis, including one on the third-floor outdoor terrace; the combination of alcohol and hot tub is sure to help you unwind. You’ll need to call ahead to make a reservation if you want to snag that spot, though.
This Itaewon mainstay—it’s been lounging in the alley behind the Hamilton Hotel for about nine years now—has a full bar, offering everything from whisky, wine, and martinis to Bungalow’s signature tropical cocktails. Especially fun is the one served in a real coconut—nothing says summertime better!

FYI>
T. 02-793-2344
www.thebungalow.co.kr
(서울시 용산구 이태원1동 112-3 | 112-3 Itaewon 1-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul)

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Itaewon Station 이태원역 (Line 6), Exit 2

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Written by Daisy Larios
Photographed by Ryu Seunghoo

Seoul’s bar scene is almost a microcosm of Korea’s breakneck ppalli-ppalli culture: cutthroat, ephemeral, overwhelming. Two fledgling businesses, though, have risen through the ranks for their dedication to handcrafted excellence.

[box_light]Magpie Brewing | 맥파이 브루잉[/box_light]

Tucked away behind the main road in rapidly gentrifying Gyeongnidan, Magpie Brewing has been crafting recipes and pouring brew at their beer store since April 2012. The cat out was soon let out of the proverbial bag, though, and Itaewon locals and far-flung fans of craft beer alike have been flooding into the new two-month-old Basement for a swig of quality brew. The co-owners—you might recognize two of them as the hosts of Arirang’s television program Semipermanent—were homebrewers in their pre-Korea days and have continued to ply their craft here.

The exposed piping and grey cinder blocks give the Basement an industrial feel, and the dark corners and low-hanging lights that inhabit the cave-like space threaten to resurrect the art of solo drinking. The menu in the Basement is just as minimalist as their decor: a pale ale, porter, and copper ale on tap, and slices of pizza and spicy almonds for the anju-inclined. Their no-frills approach is quite simply a reflection of Magpie’s singular focus: the beer. Magpie’s various brews—look for a summer seasonal sometime soon—are also on tap at select restaurants and bars around Seoul.

FYI>
Brewshop hours: Tue–Sun 2:30pm–10pm; Closed Mondays
Basement hours:  Tue–Sun 5pm–1am; Closed Mondays
http://magpiebrewing.com
(691 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul | 서울시 용산구 이태원동 691)
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Noksapyeong Station 녹사평역 (Line 6), Exit 2

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[box_light]Limix Lab | 리믹스랩[/box_light]

As the name would suggest, Limix Lab—short for Liquor Mix Laboratory— is more than just a mere bar. Inspired by the microbrewing and microdistilling scene abroad and driven by a passion for libations, the two co-owners—graduates from Korea’s most competitive and prestigious university who gotsnapped up by Korea’s big chaebol conglomerates—abandoned the Korean Dream to try and create a culture where liquor is savored and given its due reverence rather than downed as quickly as possibly.

Playing off of the laboratory theme, Limix Lab’s interior gleams like a pristine arctic and steel altar to the liquor gods, and their playful concoctions will make skeptics of more creative alcoholic miscegenation have a change of heart. Their signature Limix vodkas are a sight to behold—jars infused with the colors of yuja (citron) and other fruits and flavors artfully line the wall like a madman’s collection of oddities. They’ve even recently started serving brunch and a variety of “A-fruit-canos” (Americanos with a shot of flavored liqueur) to those in need a lunchtime pick-me-up. Another popular item on the menu is the ice cream cocktails—an inebriating version of the oh-sopopular affogatos—and their extensive list of bottles and classic cocktails is sure to satisfy any connoisseur.

FYI>
Hours: Sun–Thurs, 11:30am–2am; Fri–Sat, 11:30am–5am
http://facebook.com/limixlab
T. 02-323-9875
(360-24 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul | 서울시 마포구 서교동 360-24)
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Sangsu Station 상수역 (Line 6), Exit 2

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[box_dark]TARTINE | 타르틴
Tartine Revives European Flavor[/box_dark]

Tartine Bakery & Café is a small pie shop in Itaewon with a French country decor. It serves authentic American pies, cookies, and cheesecakes; butter tarts; rich, dark drinking chocolate; and much more. All of their items are baked in their own kitchen throughout the day. The pie crusts are handcrafted from a recipe that has been in Chef Garrett Edwards’ family for generations. The flourless chocolate torte and cheesecake are unpretentious in flavor and texture. Pies are KRW 7,700, and large 10-inch pies are available by special order at KRW 42,000. Open from 10am to 10:30pm.

FYI>
T. 02-3785-3400
www.tartine.co.kr
(119-15 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul ㅣ서울시 용산구 이태원동 119-15)

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Itaewon Station 이태원역 (Line 6), Exit 1

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Renaissance Seoul Hotel’s Vendome | 르네상스 서울 호텔 벤돔
OPEN-AIR PUB ENTICES BEER LOVERS

Renaissance Seoul Hotel’s Vendome is welcoming patrons with the opening of its outdoor Beer Garden. Visit Beer Garden with your friends, colleagues, and family for a buffet and drinks under cool parasols. In particular, a variety of Beer Garden packages are available between 6pm and 10pm, featuring unlimited beer and grilled snack options at a reasonable price of around KRW 45,000. During lunchtime, pizza is priced at KRW 20,000, while à la carte items sell for KRW 15,000. Vendome is open from noon till midnight.

FYI>
T. 02-2222-8630 | www.renaissance-seoul.com
(676 Yeoksam 1-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul ㅣ 서울시 강남구 역삼1동 676)

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Yeoksam Station 역삼역 (Line 2), Exit 8

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Written by Daisy Larios

The Gwancheol-dong area in Jongno by Jonggak Station 종각역 (Line 1), Exit 4—the labyrinth of alleys that lie between the Bosingak Belfry 보신각 and Cheonggyecheon Stream 청계천 and extend eastward past Piano Street—is an oft-overlooked nightlife area in the heart of historic Seoul. Packs of colleagues and friends, often local office workers, roam this neon maze looking to let their hair down after putting in a hard day’s work. A Korean night out always begins with dinner, and you’ll have no shortage of restaurants to choose from in this neighborhood. Afterward, head out for icha 2차—round two—at one of the drinking establishments below, and when you’re sufficiently lush, check out one of the many noraebangs 노래방 (karaoke rooms) in the area.

Beer Pong: Alcoholic Game Lounge | 비어퐁

Perhaps the most distinct of the watering holes in the Jongak area is the aptly named Beer Pong, where you can relive all the glory of your college years. Pitchers of beer start at just 10,000 won at this friendly basement bar, and there are three beer pong tables for you to show off your, ahem, athletic prowess. If beer pong isn’t your thing, roulette, darts, and jenga are also available. Beer vending machines, a bongo, and a box of neon-colored wigs round out the fun and funky vibe. Open til 5am on the weekends and 3am every other night.

FYI>
T. 02-723-2939, www.facebook.com/seoulbeerpong
102-1 Jongno 2-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울시 종로구 종로2가 102-1

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Jonggak Station 종각역, Line 1, Exit 4

ⓒ Seoul Selection

ⓒ Seoul Selection

Akbari Pocha | 악바리포차

Only about a year old, Akbari Pocha is a modern iteration of the traditional streetside pojangmacha 포장마차 (covered wagon), the tarp-covered foodstalls that abound in Seoul. It takes full advantage of its cavernous basement space by modeling the bar after—you heard me right—a prison. The lower level offers communal seating, but the tables behind bars on the second level offer a surprisingly…intimate experience. Akbari offers your typical anju 안주 fare, the appetizers that traditionally accompany drinking in Korea. Open until 9am nearly every day of the week.

FYI>
T. 070-4248-9742
19-6 Gwancheol-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울시 종로구 관철동 19-6

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Jonggak Station 종각역, Line 1, Exit 4

ⓒ Seoul Selection

Miller Time | 밀러타임

If playing an American college drinking game on Korean soil doesn’t sound surreal enough, there’s always Miller Time. One of several locations around the country, this bar is surely the American traveler’s equivalent to an out-of-body experience—yet it is decidedly Korean in execution. Particularly popular with the after-dinner crowd, there’s Guinness for those who prefer the dark stuff and beer towers for those who can hold their liquor.

FYI>
T. 02-737-4466, www.miller-time.co.kr
11-13 Gwancheol-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울시 종로구 관철동 11-13

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Jonggak Station 종각역, Line 1, Exit 4 or Jongno 3-ga Station 종로3가역 (Line 1, 3, 5), Exit 15

Prost Pub and Grill | 프로스트 펍 앤 그릴

Part of the landmark District complex attached to the Hamilton Hotel, Prost is a traditional pub in the best sense of the term. Beer drinkers will love the vibe, but the mojitos are a good bet, too. Even the classic brick exterior is a delight. Of course, you’ve got Glam Lounge and Club Mute in the same complex, too.

FYI>
Prost: T. 070-4481-0077
Glam Lounge: T. 02-792-6164
Club Mute: T. 02-796-6853
(Hamilton Hotel Annex, 116-1 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul | 서울시 용산구 이태원동 116-1 해밀턴호텔 아넥스)

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Itaewon Station 이태원역 (Line 6), Exit 1

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As rents in the popular Hongdae club district in front of Hongik University continue to increase, the arts, culture, and nightlife scene of this dynamic neighborhood is expanding to newer, less-frequented locales. One such locale is the Sangsu-dong district, dominated by the massive Seoul Gas Thermal Power Station (formerly the Dangin-ri Power Station), a fixture of the Seoul cityscape for the last 81 years. The alleyways around this still largely commercial and industrial district are filling up with trendy cafés, clubs, and cultural spaces, resulting in an atmosphere simultaneously gritty and sophisticated. The urban scenery makes for some pleasant walks, too.[/box_dark]

This long-time Hongdae institution moved to its current location in 2009. Named after the Korean title of Hermann Hesse’s novel Steppenwolf, the café was founded by a painter and poet as a space for artistic souls to congregate. Its move to Sangsu-dong sparked a trend of like-minded spaces following suit. The café hosts a variety of artistic events, including musical performances, art exhibits, and readings by respected literary figures.

ⓒ Seoul Selection

ⓒ Seoul Selection

FYI>
T. 02-323-7861, http://cafe.naver.com/yricafe
(337-4 Sangsu-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul | 서울시 마포구 상수동 337-4)

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Sangsu Station 상수역 (Line 6), Exit 4

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Billing itself as a “safe house hidden in Hapjeong-dong,” this café hosts musical performances and film screenings in a pleasantly vintage environment. In keeping with the Hongdae tradition, indie music is usually on tap, with acoustic performances preferred. There are special live performances every Saturday at 6pm; admission is free. The menu’s got coffee, cocktails, deserts, and even a bulgogi (Korean BBQ) bagel sandwich.

ⓒ Seoul Selection

ⓒ Seoul Selection

FYI>
T. 070-4254-6230, www.당인리극장카페.kr
(361-20 Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul | 서울시 마포구 합정동 361-20)

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Hapjeong Station 합정역 (Lines 2, 6), Exit 7

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The Lost Continent of Mu is another Hongdae institution that has found a new home near Seoul Gas Thermal Power Station. Part café/bar, part music hall, and part atelier, this “cultural complex” offers a big space to host a variety of exhibits and musical performances, largely of the indie variety. A wide variety of hot and cold beverages, including cocktails, beer, and wine, are available.

Used Cassettes performing at The Lost Continent of Mu
(Photographed by Adam Paul Czelusta)

ⓒ Seoul Selection

FYI>
T. 02-332-8333, www.mudaeruk.com
(357-7 Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul | 서울시 마포구 합정동 357-7)

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Hapjeong Station 합정역 (Lines 2, 6), Exit 7 or Sangsu Station 상수역 (Line 6), Exit 4

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