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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Clubbing with the pretty people

Written by Daisy Larios

Just one mention of its name is apt to send locals into a tizzy of haute couture: Cheongdam-dong. The now-infamous Gangnam district’s paragon of opulence is truly a fashionista’s playground. Its wide avenues and snug side streets are lined with global luxury brand names and immaculate art galleries—but nighttime is when posh Gangnamites, aspirational or otherwise, truly come out to play. If the hipsters and suits north of the Hangang have left you longing for something a little more luxurious, make your way south to Cheongdam-dong, home to some of Seoul’s swankiest nightlife hotspots. The newly opened Apgujeong Rodeo Station 압구정로데오역 on the Bundang Line—a welcome addition to Line 7’s Cheongdam-dong Station 청담역—has made Cheongdam-dong’s glamour and glitz all the more accessible. Be forewarned, though: Cheongdam-dong’s nightlife is not quite dense enough to support a robust cab scene, so available cabs are far and few between. Rubbing elbows with the charming beauties of Cheongdam-dong also comes at a price: Cover charge into clubs will set you back 20,000–30,000 won, and expect to pay roughly half of that for a drink. Big city fun, big city prices!

© Col.l.age+

Col.l.age+ | 꼴라쥬플러스

If Gangnam’s unabashed affluence has you itching for Hongdae’s artsier shores, pay a visit to one of Cheongdam-dong’s latest destinations, Col.l.age+—you might just find your next favorite place. Col.l.age+ escapes definition. Although it bills itself as a dining lounge, it aims to create a cocktail of experiences: it’s a restaurant, art gallery, performance venue, and interactive space all rolled into one. Open for lunch, dinner, and late-night tapas (and of course, drinks) every day of the week save Sunday.

FYI>
T. 02-549-7700, www.facebook.com/Collageplus915
(B1F, 91-5 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul | 서울시 강남구 청담동 91-5 지하1층)

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Apgujeong Rodeo Station 압구정로데오역 (Bundang Line), Exit 4

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© Seoul Selection

Club Ellui | 클럽 엘루이

Sitting underneath the Ellui Hotel, this club’s location is nearly as exclusive as its clientele—it’s nestled in the northeast corner of Cheongdam-dong near the Hangang River’s Yeongdong Bridge. With its confetti-littered dancefl oors, impressive light system, and world-class DJs, Ellui is Cheongdam-dong’s go-to club. Call ahead to reserve bottle service amidst their dizzying array of VIP table and room options, otherwise you’ll want to get there early if you want to snag a locker to stash your coat in.

FYI>
T. 02-1577-9669, www.ellui.net
(129 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul | 서울시 강남구 청담동 129)

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Cheongdam Station 청담역 (Line 7), Exit 13

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© LISTEN Super Lounge

LISTEN Super Lounge | 리슨 슈퍼라운지

The latest addition to the Cheongdam-dong’s legion of lounges is LISTEN Super Lounge, an amber- and lavender-tinted haven of hipness that oozes cool. Check out their bimonthly Coup de Etat party, a veritable global gathering of beautiful people. Dress to impress—and keep an eye out for local celebrities in their VIP section. Open weekends til late (or rather, til morning).

FYI>
T. 02-540-3386, www.facebook.com/ListenSuperLounge
(B1F, 87-9 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul | 서울시 강남구 청담동 87-9 지하1)

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Apgujeong Rodeo Station 압구정로데오역 (Bundang Line), Exit 4

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