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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The stock list includes quality-made Korean brands such as Needlework, Eastlogue, Blackship, Moss Green, Labor Day, and All-Knit Works. The unique shop sign—designed by owner Min Jae-ki—is a testament to the shop’s American workwear spirit.

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T. 02-337-4022
www.facebook.com/pages/Storage-Co/409831225746517
(서울시 마포구 서교동 328-18 | 328-18 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul)

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Hongik Univ. Station 홍대입구역 (Line 2, A’REX), Exit 6.

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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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ⓒ Seoul Selection

Located at Hapjeong Station, Mecenatpolis is the latest addition to Seoul’s mixed-use commercial district that embraces shopping, entertainment, and residential compounds. A diverse range of retail, dining, and vibrant communal spaces merge to create a new urban haven under a single roof, providing a new social destination for city slickers. Lotte Cinema is conveniently located within the compound.

EAT>
Along with fast food chains and coffeehouses, a wide range of upscale and modest restaurants await patrons, offering unique dining experience in their terraced balconies and open-air spaces.

BUY>
Its first floor features apparel brands like Uniqlo, Muji, 8 Seconds and TopTen10.

SEE>
Online retail giant Interpark operates two cultural halls under its corporate name on the second floor of the mammoth commercial establishment. It’s worth check out its theatrical program.

FYI>
mecenatpolismall.co.kr
(490 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul | 서울시 마포구 서교동 490)

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Hapjeong Station 합정역 (Line 2, 6), Exit 10

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ⓒ Seoul Selection

Hongdae | 홍대

Stop hibernating—it’s time to kick into action. Its creative energy, artsy community, and bars and clubs are all legitimate reasons for conquering the night at Hongdae. Hit up your club of choice by purchasing a Club Day bracelet for KRW 20,000, which will get you into each of the 20-plus participating clubs.

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Bonjour Hawaii (T. 02-336-5406) is a unique brief getaway from quirky Hongdae—a nice place to lounge around with friends and Tiki drinks.

BUY>
Unlike the other stores handling mostly “hippie” merchandise, Platform Place and STYLE NANDA, for men and women respectively, carry pricier import brands and fashion items like shoes, casual wear, books, bags, and cosmetics.

SEE>
Meander around the campus of Korea’s hallmark fine arts college, Hongik University. On-campus art exhibits and other activities are worth checking out.

FYI>
Tourist Information Center: T. 02-323-2240, 02-3153-6740
(Seogyo-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul | 서울시 서대문구 서교동)

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Hongik Univ. Station 홍대입구역 (Line 2, A’REX Line)

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© Trickeye Museum

Trickeye Museum | 트릭아이미술관

Trickeye Museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to actually become a part of the art on display. Using the technique of trompe l’oeil (“deceive the eye” in French), famous works of art have been fabricated to create the optical illusion that the objects in the images on flat surfaces appear three-dimensional. Many of them have props or features added to make them more comical. You can enter the picture you used to only watch and become the subject of Renoir’s Dance at Bougival, Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, and a rather chubby replica of Michelangelo’s David. The museum is a place to have some silly juvenile fun, and perhaps learn a little bit about art. Trickeye particularly stands out in the Hongdae neighborhood, which is known for its art scene ranging from vibrant murals and street performers to a slew of interesting exhibits.

EAT>
Across the alleyway from the museum is a Korean eatery that offers bossam 보쌈, steamed pork for wrapping in lettuce, sesame leaf, or cabbage leaf. A combination of seasonings and additives, like a bean paste-based condiment, salted shrimp extract, and garlic toppings, will add extra flavor to suit your taste buds.

BUY>
On your way to the museum, you may feel tempted to pick up some of the trendiest clothes and other fashion items in town. The street leading to the museum is dotted with dozens of stores run by young entrepreneurs and amateur designers.

SEE>
The neighborhood is arguably the hottest destination in town for indie music fans, clubbers, and energetic entertainment seekers. Stick around and check out nearby art galleries, theaters, or cafés in the area until the night kicks into action.

FYI>
10am–9pm, every day Adults: 13,000 won, Youth: 11,000 won, Children (3 years old and younger): Free
T. 02-3144-6300, www.trickeye.com
(357-1 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul | 서울시 마포구 서교동 357-1)

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Hongik Univ. Station 홍대입구역 (Line 2, A’REX Line), Exit 9

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© Seoul Selection

Live Band Ssaeng | 라이브밴드 쌩

If you believe there is merit in the division of labor, you can still experience the spirit after work by creating an impromptu band at Live Band Ssaeng. Located in the Hongdae area behind the Lotte Cinema complex, Live Band Ssaeng marks a new evolution of Korea’s ubiquitous karaoke room entertainment culture. Visitors can form a hands-on band and play instruments like a guitar, drums, and electric organ, thus taking the party spirit to a level that is hardly experienced in conventional get-togethers. Even novices with little knowledge of these musical instruments can participate in the band, as these instruments are installed with an electronic assistance program that will help players learn how to play their respective instruments on the spot.

EAT>
Follow your nose and walk around the corner, where you will find the grilled fish diner Teolbogodwoeni 털보고된이. Main items on the menu include mackerel fillet and its cousin cero, to be grilled and served with several vegetable side dishes and a bowl of rice.

BUY>
Y’z Park is a recent arrival to the area’s shopping and dining landscape and offers a wide range of established fashion brands and well-known restaurant franchises from Korea, Japan, and the US. The shopping center is readily accessible from Hongik Univ. Station 홍대입구역 (Line 2 or A’REX), Exit 8.

SEE>
Sitting next to Y’z Park is Lotte Cinema, a leading multiplex chain in Korea. If you are fighting a losing battle with your must-watch list, it’s time to play catch-up and take a pick here.

FYI>
T. 02-3143-1177, www.livebandssaeng.com
(168-2 Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul | 서울시 마포구 동교동 168-2)

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Hongik Univ. Station 홍대입구역 (Line 2 or A’REX Line), Exit 8

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