SMWS DISCOVERY
A night out in Seoul, South Korea
Combine K-POP, karaoke and Society whisky on a night out in vibrant Seoul, home to four outstanding SMWS partner bars across this fascinating city. Join Bon Kim from the Society’s team in South Korea as he takes us on an unforgettable evening tour
Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a city where the rapid development of today coexists harmoniously with the rich history of the past. In the heart of the city lies Gwanghwamun, where visitors can experience the royal palace of Gyeongbokgung and traditional han-ok houses.
Amidst this historical backdrop, you can also witness the bustling life of modern city dwellers, creating a scene reminiscent of a time machine. If you happen to get lost, you’ll likely encounter the kindness and politeness of Koreans, which will leave a lasting impression. Note that Seoul is a safe city, where people often leave their phones on café tables without hesitation.
From a historical appreciation for music and dance, which has led to the global success of K-POP, to the cultural integration of soju and ‘makgeolli’ (fermented rice wine) as life companions, Koreans have always enjoyed their beverages. Recently, there’s been a growing interest in the diverse flavours and aromas of whisky, reflecting individual tastes and expressions, and it has already established itself as a cultural staple.
The nightlife in Seoul is vibrant, with young people filling restaurants serving various dishes, enjoying bars of all kinds, and revelling in K-POP at pubs and karaoke spots under dazzling lights, creating a festival-like atmosphere.
Traditionally, Koreans enjoyed bottles of various spirits with friends, partners and business associates at bars. However, in recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift towards appreciating the stories and rich flavours of single malt whiskies. While ordering whisky bottles remains common, the passionate community of whisky enthusiasts continues to grow. Here’s where to head for an unforgettable evening in Seoul.
ABOVE: Bon Kim from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s team in South Korea promises an unforgettable night out when you’re in Seoul
PICTURED: Prepare to be dazzled by Seoul’s bright lights, and lively whisky scene
ABOVE: Soko is the place to go for classic cocktails
ABOVE: Le Chamber is first on the list of bars for many visitors
CONRAD 37 BAR 23-1 Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul 07326
Whenever I want to enjoy the stunning night view of Seoul, I head to the bar on the 37th floor of the Conrad Hotel. Not only is it exciting that this five-star hotel bar is a partner of the SMWS, but Conrad 37 BAR also boasts the largest selection of Irish and vintage whiskies in Korea.
Just browsing the impressive bottles is a healing experience. Savouring the beautiful night view, I ordered a glass of Bushmills 21 Year and 21-year-old SMWS Cask No. 51.24: Alternate realities. The delicate flavours and aromas of the SMWS whisky, combined with the original bottle’s charm, created a symphony-like experience in my mouth, making the evening even more memorable. Don’t forget to show your SMWS membership card for a 15 per cent discount on all menu items at the 37th-floor bar.
LE CHAMBER 42, Dosan-daero 55-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06014
Le Chamber is so popular that it’s the first bar many international friends want to visit in Korea. Created by champions of the World Class Bartender Competition, this bar seamlessly blends K-POP stars, luxury consumers and SMWS members.
The entrance space resembles a library with a large bookshelf and a solitary sofa in a quiet area. Discovering an old book on the shelf and pressing it reveals an amazing hidden ‘speakeasy’ style space, much to the delight of visitors. I asked JJ, a world-class champion bartender, for the signature cocktail Chamber Mule, while gazing at the ginseng-filled infusion bottle behind the back bar.
The cocktail’s sharp ginger flavour and refreshing lime balance, combined with the laughter and joy of the people filling Le Chamber’s grand space, was a perfect harmony.
MIXOLOGY 18 Dosan-daero 58-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06062
Known as the cocktail teachers of Korean bartenders, Mixology is a first-generation bar where classic ambiance meets modern trends. This bar’s name is so respected that no one challenges its use. Entering through the golden doors and descending the corridor, you find a cozy and elegant lounge-like bar. There’s a lab where all cocktails are developed, and Mixology’s various cocktails are so popular that they are sold as products in the Korean market. SMWS members enjoy a large, dedicated table with numerous SMWS bottlings, creating a satisfied atmosphere among whisky lovers. I ordered one of the best cocktails here, ‘Blanc de Blanc,’ and listened to the music mixed with the inspiration of the Mixology space. The cocktail, with its strong notes of Shine Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc, and lime, felt like a dazzling dance on my palate. This cocktail gives you the feeling of drinking SMWS Cask No. 35.319: Cocktail party.
SOKO 47 Hannam-daero 20-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04419
SOKO is a sophisticated space that feels like stepping into a time machine back to the 1900s. If you are looking for classic, authentic cocktails, SOKO is the place. Classic cocktails, refined through Japanese bartending techniques, have taken root in Korea, with skilled bartenders honing their craft at this unique bar named after the bartender Seok-ho. The bartenders’ gentle precision and subtle service, combined with the sophisticated balance of cocktail flavours and aromas, are considered ‘artistic’. You must try the martini and Manhattan here. Although simple recipes, their precise balance and temperature evoke the intricate and delicate feel of a Rolex, awakening all your senses. As my last drink, I ordered the Hanky Panky cocktail and SMWS Cask No. 128.28: Hanky-panky cocktail. The charm of our partner bar lies in the pleasure of having this kind of experience at a cocktail bar.
ABOVE: Classic ambience meets modern trends at Mixology
ABOVE: Enjoy a whisky with a view at Conrad’s 37th floor bar
PICTURED: Conrad 37 Bar is a partner bar of the SMWS and has the largest selection of Irish and vintage whiskies in Korea
HANGOVER FOODS IN KOREA
Koreans love to socialise, leading to a thriving culture of music and drinking. Consequently, we turn to a variety of foods to help cure our hangovers the next day. Here are some of Korea’s diverse hangover remedies you might find useful when you visit Seoul and find you may have overindulged!
Sundae hangover soup
Similar to Scotland’s traditional haggis, Korea has ‘sundae’. This dish consists of cleanly prepared pig intestines stuffed with glass noodles, vegetables and pig’s blood, cooked into a spicy soup with vegetables. Eating hot sundae hangover soup with rice will make you sweat and feel the magic of a settled stomach and a vanished hangover.
Korean BBQ and naengmyeon
Grilled meat and various vegetables on a charcoal grill, paired with flavourful sauces and wrapped in lettuce, create a ‘ssam’ reminiscent of a veggie taco. As the charcoal fire dies down, enjoy ‘naengmyeon’, cold noodles in icy broth, which perfectly complements the meat, refreshing you to the point where the summer heat is forgotten. Koreans overcome hangovers with naengmyeon and meat instead of a Bloody Mary.
Samgyetang
While fried chicken and beer are soul food for Koreans, samgyetang is enjoyed for health during the hot summer. This dish features a young chicken stuffed with ginseng, jujubes, chestnuts, gingko nuts, and glutinous rice, simmered for a long time. This chicken soup with herbal ingredients not only helps with hangovers but also leaves you feeling rejuvenated and healthy.
ABOVE: Sundae soup is a traditional hangover cure in Korea