Updated August 15, 2024
There’s places like Gangnam where you go to be seen. But Hannam is somewhere you’ll go for a good time – a place with the best bars, where time flies as you jam to excellent music in one-of-a-kind places that are intimate and private.
It’s commonplace that you’ll meet the owner of the concepts, and experience personalized, great service.
I love Hannam, and I grew up right next to it. It’s been a classy yet trendy neighborhood since I was a kid.
If you’re searching for the best bars in Hannam, you’ve come to the right place.
Where is Hannam?
Hannam is a hip neighborhood in the Yongsan District of South Korea, with tons of boutique shops, trendy cafes & nightlife.
The name Hannam comes from the fact that the Hangang River is south of the neighborhood (hence “Han”) and that Namsan Mountain is to its northwest (where the “nam” comes from).
Within Hannam is Hangangjin (near Hangangjin Station), which has a ton of flagship stores for Korean and international brands that draw in a younger generation.
Then there’s UN Village, an affluent neighborhood that was once home to UN and US military officers post-Korean War. You’ll feel the vestige of the international and American influence in the townhouse-turned lounges and bars in this area.
Best Bars in Hannam
1. TENT
Hannam is full of intimate, one-for-one concepts where you can feel and see the owner’s vision, and you’re one of a handful of tables.
TENT is one of those places – seating is limited and private, in a “tent”-like way.
It’s the perfect place to fall in love, while sipping whiskey on dimly-lit channel back sofas.
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Yongsan District, Hannam-dong, 684-26 B1
2. Bourgogne Hannam (부르고뉴 한남)
It’s nice when you visit a venue that gives you a sense of wonder and a lil’ adventure. I loved stepping into Bourgogne Hannam, which is designed like a wine cellar. The heavy wooden door reveals the stone walls and oak caskets shone in dim lighting.
Bourgogne doesn’t kid around when it comes to their wine list. They have 600 selections of wine to choose from. Worry not, the sommelier will help you find your perfect bottle!
The cost of the bottles typically range from 80,000 to 90,000 KRW (60-66 USD) and they do offer wines by the glass, which are swapped out daily.
This romantic venue is perfect for a date but also classy enough for a family outing.
Address: 2/F, 81-1 Dokseodang-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
3. Pussyfoot Saloon
All aboard for a 1930s train ride in Shanghai…
This speakeasy is full of Instagrammable moments, from the digitized train windows on the second floor, to the fiery performances from the good bartenders.
The first floor, which resembles a train platform, opens out into an outdoor balcony and sports a high loft ceiling.
Address: 7-8 Daesagwan-ro 31-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
4. Thirsty Thursday
What’s for sure is that Koreans can drink. But part of the secret is that we eat a ton while drinking, too. So much so that there’s a term for the food eaten while drinking – anju.
Thirsty Thursday has a delicious assortment of anju. You’ve got to try their Sesame Oil Sea Urchin Noodles (25,000 KRW, 18 USD), whose flavor profiles and textures just knock it out of the park. The mouth-watering homemade Tiramisu is a great way to top things off.
Thirsty Thursday is a fantastic place for both seasoned and beginner whiskey enthusiasts. For the best personalized recommendations, you might consider their pairing course, which comes with 2-3 whiskeys (50,000 KRW, 37 USD).
Address: 62-4 Itaewon-ro 54-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
5. Gaenari Whiskey Hannam (개나리위스키 한남)
Gaenari (Korean for the yellow flower forsythia!), reminds me of those hip, candle-lit Brooklyn lounges where people are wearing baggy sweatpants and patched one-of-a-kind jean jackets that cost a lot more than you’d think.
This modern venue is an awesome place for a casual date or for catching up with friends.
The rooftop, from which you can see Namsan Mountain, is a vibe.
Like any good Korean bar, can’t forget about anju. Gaenari has Korean Chinese fare. Give the tasty appetizers, like the Cucumber Salad, a try. The Tan Tan Noodles are also a delicious snack!
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Yongsan District, Hannam-dong, 684-88 2/F
6. mahā hannam
You know, I’m a fan of beautiful spaces, but I think I have better taste than I could ever decorate a space myself. mahā is one of the spaces where I’m like, what if my home could be this beautiful?
mahā is the hypothetical library of an architect, perhaps an architect I’d hire myself (not me living in a humble rental in NYC haha).
Stop by for a whiskey or even a cup of coffee. You can see the Han River both from their indoor space and outdoor patio.
Address: 85 Seobinggo-ro 91na-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
7. FA Bar (F-ing Awesome Bar)
Grungy, graffitied, exposed concrete. Bumpin’ music and incense in the air.
FA Bar, I must admit, is effing awesome. It’s nestled on the ground floor of a two-storey flagship store of the namesake LA skateboard and streetwear brand.
There’s a wide selection of cocktails and beers at a reasonable price. Plus, it’s a great spot for natural wine lovers.
This hidden gem is a hit for couples and friends alike!
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Yongsan District, Itaewon-ro 54-gil, 8 1/F
8. Maison Hannam V (메종한남브이)
Come for the stunning, panoramic views of the Han River and stay for the live jazz performances at Maison Hannam V.
The colorful lighting on Dongho Bridge, clearly visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows, are especially eye-catching at night.
The jazz performances are every Friday and Saturday evenings, from 8:30 to 10:30pm. Other than the standard 10,000 KRW (7.30 USD) cover charge, the performances are free.
There’s over 50 different cocktails and a variety of whiskeys, and plenty of tasty bites at your disposal. But let’s be real: the views are the main pull here.
With that being said, be sure to reserve ahead of time on CatchTable or via IG DMs if you want the window seating.
Above the bar is Maison Hannam, a contemporary Japanese-Italian fusion restaurant also with wonderful river views. If you dine there and then go to V, you can enjoy a 20% discount!
UN Village, where Maison Hannam V is located, is a bougee neighborhood with rows of expensive townhouses.
Perhaps in a nod to that, Maison Hannam V is Versace themed (food served on Versace plates, the walls adorned in Versace’s iconic geometric meander, and even Versace couture for sale). I think it’s a little cheesy but hey, a little glitz and glamor never hurt nobody!
Address: 24 UN village 3-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
9. Muwol (무월한남)
Experience a modern twist on the traditional Korean lifestyle at Muwol. Sip unique flavors of traditional rice wine makgeolli in a traditional two-storey Korean hanok.
One of my American friends described makgeolli as kind of yoghurty. That makes sense, because it’s a fermented drink. It’s sweet, milky in texture and tangy.
Indulge in the Ricotta Cheese Makgeoli (11,000 KRW, 8 USD), which sounds kinda weird but trust me! Just try it – it has a soft and rich flavor, and kind of reminds me of a soft cup of ice cream.
It’s lovely paired with the Korean Barbeque Boiled Pork (23,000 KRW, 17 USD). I don’t eat pork too often, but I love the Korean way of preparing it <3
Address: 31-8 Daesagwan-ro 34-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
10. Bar Swallow
You grasp your date’s hand and lead them into this cozy little nook.
Jazz is flowing and the whisky’s pouring. There’s 450 bottles to pick from, but thankfully you’re in good hands.
You’re warmly greeted by the friendly owner and legendary bartenders, including Kim Jin-Hwan, who was selected to represent Korea in Diageo’s 2018 World Class Bartender competition.
He’s mixing up the K’oriental Breeze, a well-balanced, fruity cocktail made from Glenfiddich 12, pear, shiso (perilla leaves) and yuza (24,000 KRW, 17.42 USD).
There’s a trio laughing the night away with a hunk of baked brie between them. There’s a few old souls enjoying their own company.
Cover Charge: 10,000 KRW (7.26 USD)
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Yongsan District, Hannam-dong, 744-34 1/F
Best Bars in Hannam (Conclusion)
I’m so excited for you go to try out these 10 hip bars in Hannam!
- TENT
- Bourgogne Hannam (부르고뉴 한남)
- Pussyfoot Saloon
- Thirsty Thursday
- Gaenari Whiskey Hannam (개나리위스키 한남)
- mahā hannam
- FA Bar (F-ing Awesome Bar)
- Maison Hannam V (메종한남브이)
- Muwol (무월한남)
- Bar Swallow
Thanks so much for checking out my guide to the best bars in Hannam!
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