Top Bars in Seoul – Most Viewed (2025)

Zest Seoul, located in Gangnam, is a pioneering cocktail bar that marries sustainability with sophisticated mixology. Founded in December 2020 by renowned bartenders Demie Kim, Sean Woo, Jisu Park, and Noah Kwon, Zest has rapidly ascended the global bar scene, ranking No. 9 on The World's 50 Best Bars 2024 and No. 2 on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024. ​ The bar's name, a blend of "zero" and "waste," reflects its commitment to sustainability. Zest employs a zero-waste philosophy, utilizing every part of an ingredient across multiple cocktails. For instance, the Jeju Garibaldi cocktail uses Jeju Island oranges and Gujwa village carrots, with peels redistilled into house gin and pulp transformed into cordial or sauerkraut. ​ The interior exudes a minimalist charm, featuring stone, clay, and wood elements, with a glowing back bar showcasing homemade gins distilled from local, seasonal produce. Zest's dedication to sustainability extends beyond drinks; the bar crafts its own sodas and tonics to eliminate packaging waste and collaborates with local artisans for eco-friendly uniforms and glassware. ​ Zest's innovative approach has earned it accolades, including the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award 2024 and the Nikka Highest Climber Award 2023. It's not just a bar; it's a movement towards a more sustainable and refined drinking culture in Seoul.​

Alice Cheongdam is Seoul’s enchanting speakeasy gem, ranked in Asia’s 50 Best Bars (#46 in 2024). Hidden behind a discreet flower shop, a narrow staircase and secret door lead you into a sophisticated, dimly lit lounge reminiscent of an English manor. Plush leather sofas, dark wood, velvet drapes, and whimsical Wonderland touches set the stage. The drink menu unfolds like the seasons—Spring’s fruity fresh elixirs, Summer’s vibrant and funky blends, Autumn’s warming depth, and Winter’s bolder, boozy creations. Signature concoctions like "Make Me Bigger" (rum, amaro, banana juice, tonka) and "Unbirthday Tea Party" (whiskey, oloroso, black tea, coconut) blend molecular techniques with theatrical flair. The bar even surprises you with a rabbit-shaped tiki mug for certain drinks, and playful theatrics—like glasses appearing magically—add to the Wonderland charm. Beyond the cocktails, Alice offers a premium back-bar selection—single malts, fine spirits, and local soju—as well as quirky bar snacks packed with whimsy. With daily hours until 3 AM (2 AM Sun–Thu, 3 AM Fri–Sat) and a smart cover charge for entry, Alice Cheongdam tends to fill up—reservations or timely arrivals are wise. Here, Alice Cheongdam isn’t just a bar—it’s an immersive journey into a topsy‑turvy wonderland of taste and sensation.

Tucked discreetly beneath the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, Charles H is an intimate and atmospheric speakeasy inspired by legendary cocktail chronicler Charles H. Baker. With design by AvroKO featuring mahogany, velvet tapestries, apothecary-style bottles, and subtle Korean royal motifs, the venue evokes an elegant 1920s New York-meets-Seoul vibe. The cocktail menu is a narrative journey—part classic, part original—evoking global destinations that Baker once explored. Standouts include the Velvet Martini with Jeju Hallabong, and inventive originals like the Coconut Grove with Thai curry notes and Spilled Milk using local soju, coffee liqueur, and black sesame. Since Keith Motsi and Odd Strandbakken took the helm, Charles H has earned accolades as Korea’s #1 bar and #7 in Asia, ranked #42 globally in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2021. From the moment you arrive—potentially greeted with a welcome sparkling wine and guided past a secret door—you enter a world where every drink tells a story supported by meticulous craftsmanship. Beyond stellar cocktails, the bar also offers bar snacks and the exclusive H Bar—an intimate, course-style tasting enclave seating only eight. Whether it’s a first date, celebratory night, or refined after-work sip, Charles H delivers sophistication, mystery, and global flavor in equal measure.

Nestled in Cheongdam-dong, Le Chamber is one of Seoul’s most iconic speakeasy bars. Behind an unassuming bookshelf entrance lies a dimly lit subterranean lounge with soaring ceilings, plush leather seating, glittering chandeliers, and mellow live piano music. Elaborate signature cocktails like the Mori Kiri (green‑tea martini with dry‑ice smoke) and Chamber Story (spiced rum, tropical fruits, hazelnut, bitters served inside a book) showcase flair and storytelling in every sip. Founded by world-class bartenders Eom Do‑hwan and Lim Jae‑jin—winners of Diageo’s World Class Korea—and later joined by champion bartender Park Sung‑min, the bar exemplifies “fine drinking”: slow, curated, memorable and refined. Expect meticulous service, a curated menu presented in hardcover books, and over 200 whiskies, plus house‑made ingredients like fermented pours and ginger beer. The 50-seat venue also offers VIP bottle storage and occasionally draws K‑pop stars for intimate Gatsby‑style cocktails. With main cocktails around ₩27,000 (USD 25) and occasional bar charge or entrance fee (₩10,000), Le Chamber ranks among the most premium cocktail experiences in Seoul.

Tucked into a traditional hanok at 34 Jahamun‑ro 7‑gil in Jongno-gu, Bar Cham exudes warmth with its oak‑lined interiors—counter, shelves, tables, even the doors—all touched with handcrafted detail. Owned by world‑class bartender Lim Byung‑jin (2015 World Class Bartender winner), it champions Korean mixology through locally sourced spirits and ingredients. Patrons come here for the thoughtfully designed cocktails that merge tradition and creativity. Expect standout drinks like the Jeju‑inspired negroni with Jeju soju, volcanic‑rock tea, and local vermouth; or the Wonju blend featuring local rice distillate (“mowolin”), mezcal, corn cream, black pepper, and egg yolk. The gently glowing, intimate space seats just a few—counter and small tables—so it feels both exclusive and conversational . Bar Cham consistently ranks among Asia’s top bars—#13 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023—and stands out for its commitment to sustainability, supporting low‑waste practices and spotlighting regional Korean liquors like varietal soju and house‑made bitters. Cocktails average around $17 USD apiece. Expect refined, aromatic flavors rooted in Korean terroir, served with engaging storytelling and friendly service. Open Wed–Mon 6 PM–1 AM (closed Tuesdays), reservations are essential—especially on weekends, with groups capped at four. On quieter nights, walk‑ins at opening time often get seated. Be ready to immerse yourself in Seoul’s cocktail culture through a cozy hanok experience.

Nestled inconspicuously on Toegye‑ro in Sindang‑dong, Zoo Sindang (주신당) is anything but ordinary. You’ll pass by what seems like a run‑of‑the‑mill storefront—until you push open a false door and step into a technicolor jungle imbued with Korean shamanic mystique. Lush foliage, ambient glow‑in‑the‑dark accents, enigmatic lanterns, and even a suspended fish tank transport you into an otherworldly realm. The concept? Zodiac cocktails representing Korea’s 12 lunar‑calendar animals—with each drink thoughtfully crafted with traditional Korean ingredients, shamanic symbolism, and creative flair. Think plush textures, layered flavors, unexpected garnishes, and even color‑changing magic as your cocktail is prepared before your eyes. The food menu complements the drinks with creative Korean‑fusion bites: honey‑butter potato pancakes, tofu kimchi, savory skewers, boneless fried chicken, pasta with tofu‑cream sauce, and parfait‑style desserts like sesame mousse cake. It’s a show for your senses—visually striking, aromatic, and atmospherically immersive. What sets Zoo Sindang apart is its dual nature: a hidden speakeasy vibe that masks a richly themed interior, its zodiac concept rootedin cultural lore yet fresh and Instagram‑friendly. The staff are known to be friendly and English‑speaking, offering detailed descriptions of each zodiac cocktail. Whether you're waiting to get in (many visitors arrive early because walk‑ins are common), or perched at a bar stool beneath undulating foliage, it’s a truly memorable night out—whether for a date, a special celebration, or simply to marvel at one of Seoul’s most creative nightlife spots.

Descending into Pussyfoot Saloon in the upscale Hannam-dong district feels like entering a Parisian aristocrat’s secret train carriage. Owners Wendell Louie and Giuseppe Mastropietro have crafted a bar that livens Seoul’s cocktail scene with class and theatrical flair. The interiors echo vintage train cars—velvet seating, bronze-rich finishes, and subtle ambient lighting transport you elsewhere. Walls lined with video screens enhance the illusion of motion, simulating passing landscapes to complete the immersive vibe. The menu balances timeless classics—think Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Negroni—with inventive seasonal creations and international guest-curated specials. A signature drink, Gamcheon Holiday, combines olive oil gin, Aperol, olive brine, and lemon juice, evoking a playful nod to Italy. Creative cocktail rotation includes visiting bartenders introducing country-inspired menus mid-month. The bar stays open late—welcoming guests every evening from 6 PM to 3 AM—making it a go-to for night owls and cocktail aficionados alike. Pair your drink with indulgent bar bites like truffle fries, and enjoy warm, attentive service in an effortlessly elegant setting.

Perched on the 7th floor of JW Marriott Hotel Seoul, MOBO Bar (a contraction of Modern + Botanical) blends nature, design, and cocktails in a refined hotel-bar setting. From the moment you step in, the space evokes a garden conservatory: glass walls, plants, soft greenery, and natural light by day, shifting into moody warmth at night. The concept emphasizes botanicals: many signature cocktails are made using herbs grown in the bar’s own greenhouse and garden. MOBO’s drink menu is divided into thematic categories like Tonic, Fruit, Herbs, Spices, and Earth, offering about 18 signature cocktail options. Bartenders are known to craft nuanced cocktails using fresh juices, Korean herbs, and proprietary recipes. The bar also boasts an outdoor terrace / garden space, allowing guests to drink amid fresh air and plants. Many reviews contrast its romantic garden ambiance with indoor seating when the weather is less forgiving. Service is lauded for attentiveness and personalized cocktail recommendations. Some reviews mention that “Winter Moon” or “Summer Spiritz” are among the recommended drinks, ~KRW 28,000 range. Complimentary nuts / snacks often accompany drinks. MOBO Bar has also received recognition: it is reportedly listed as a 2025 Star Bar by Forbes Travel Guide, making it the only hotel bar in Korea on that list. Though inside a hotel, MOBO maintains its identity as a destination bar: people often arrive after dinner elsewhere to enjoy cocktails in a garden-like lounge removed from street bustle.