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Any recs for bars good for going solo?
I'm currently visiting to see family, but have most… Korean American here but I did live in Korea most of my teenage years, so I know how painful it is to go around doing things solo in this country.
I'm currently visiting to see family, but have most of my evenings free and I finished all the shows I've been watching lol.
Most of my friends here are either married, left the country, or don't go out as much, leaving me as the only one who dabbles in degeneracy every now and then.
I would love some recommendations on any spots that would be cool to visit solo.
My Korean is fluent so it doesn't necessarily have to be a spot popular with foreigners, so no preference on that. I do love me some good tequila so if you know any spots with a good selection, that's also a plus. (they really gotta drop jose cuervo here smh)
Any help is appreciated, thank you :)
ngl the best solo move in seoul is just finding a spot with a counter and a bartender who's not too busy. since ur fluent, try 바틀 in mangwon. it's this tiny bottle shop that doubles as a bar, owner's a younger guy who actually curates his agave spirits and won't just pour u the usual. he's prob got like 30 different mezcals and tequilas, and on a tuesday night u might be the only customer so he'll just chat and pour u samples.
also if ur near hongdae, there's a place called 조용한술집 on the backstreets past the main club area. no sign in english, just a wooden door with a small light. the owner's a lady in her 50s who makes her own infused sojus and will absolutely judge ur korean drinking etiquette but in a funny way. good for when u want quiet but not dead silence
Since you mentioned tequila, I'd skip the usual spots and head to 연남동 instead. There's a place called 살라 that's basically a hole in the wall with maybe six seats, and the owner brings in small batch tequilas and mezcals you won't see on any menu in itaewon. He's a quiet guy but if you sit at the counter and ask about the different agave regions he'll warm up and start pulling out bottles you didn't even know existed in Korea.
For a different solo vibe, try the second floor of the old Euljiro printing press buildings around 을지로3가. There's a bar called 노가리 that's run by a former journalist who keeps the lights dim and plays old Korean rock. The crowd is usually writers or photographers drinking alone, and nobody bothers you if you just want to stare at your phone and sip something. They don't do fancy cocktails but the makgeolli selection is solid and they have a few decent anejo tequilas hidden behind the counter if you ask nicely.
honestly for solo drinking in seoul, just hit up any of the hongdae or haebangchon rooftop spots on a weeknight. bartenders actually talk to u more when its quiet and u sit at the bar. fwiw, 알라바마 in hongdae has a decent tequila selection for korea standards, not just the usual cuervo trash. they do a mean paloma too
if u want something more chill, try 사물탕 in haebangchon. small spot, owner's a bit eccentric but knows his spirits. solo friendly vibes and u can actually hear urself think. just avoid friday nights anywhere near itaewon unless u like waiting 20 mins for a drink
Seoul on a Budget: Tips 2026
Stay in guesthouses or hostels in Hongdae or Myeongdong for as low as 20,000-40,000 won per night. For a private room, try a goshiwon (student housing) starting at 300,… 🏠 Affordable Accommodation
Stay in guesthouses or hostels in Hongdae or Myeongdong for as low as 20,000-40,000 won per night. For a private room, try a goshiwon (student housing) starting at 300,000 won per month. Book directly with the property or use local platforms like Yanolja for discounts.
🍜 Cheap Eats
A bowl of bibimbap or kimchi jjigae at a local restaurant costs 6,000-8,000 won. For budget meals, visit convenience stores like GS25 or CU for triangle kimbap (1,200 won) and instant ramen. Street food like tteokbokki (3,000 won) is filling and cheap.
🚇 Transportation Savings
Use a T-money card for subway and bus rides at 1,400 won per trip, with free transfers within 30 minutes. A day pass costs 5,500 won for unlimited rides. Walk between nearby attractions like Gyeongbokgung and Insadong to save even more.
🎫 Free Attractions
Many palaces, including Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, offer free admission on the last Wednesday of each month. Cheonggyecheon Stream and Namsan Park are always free to explore. Visit Bukchon Hanok Village for a glimpse of traditional Seoul without spending a won.
💰 Local Money-Saving Tips
Locals often use apps like Coupang Eats for discounted meal deliveries or visit traditional markets like Gwangjang Market for cheap, fresh food. Avoid tourist-heavy areas for souvenirs; instead, shop at Daiso for affordable Korean snacks and gifts.
🎭 Free Cultural Experiences
Watch a free traditional performance at the Korea House or at the Namsangol Hanok Village on weekends. Many museums, like the National Museum of Korea, have free permanent exhibitions. Check out Hongdae street performances for live music and dance.
🍺 Nightlife on a Budget
Join a free walking tour of Hongdae or Itaewon to discover cheap bars and pubs. Many places offer happy hour deals from 5-7 PM with 50% off drinks. For a unique experience, visit a pojangmacha (street tent bar) for soju and anju under 10,000 won.
📱 Essential Apps
Download Naver Map for accurate transit directions and KakaoTaxi for affordable rides. Use Mango Plate to find restaurant discounts and coupons. For free Wi-Fi, connect to the city's public network at subway stations and parks.
this is a solid list, one thing i'd add is that the t-money card also works for the airport railroad express (arex) and you can get a discount if you buy a "climate card" from the subway machines for like 62,000 won a month, unlimited rides on seoul metro and buses. also, for free stuff, the seoul city wall hiking trail from naksan park gives you amazing views of the city and bukchon without paying a thing, plus it's way less crowded than namsan. gwangjang market is great but go for the sundubu (7000 won) at the stalls in the back, not the front ones near the entrance which are pricier for tourists
honestly the guide nails it, one thing i'd add is that the t-money card deposit is refundable at any convenience store when you leave, most people forget and just toss it. also for free stuff, the seoul philharmonic does free outdoor concerts at seoul plaza in spring and fall, just show up with a blanket. if you're near hongdae on a friday night, the playground area has buskers that are genuinely talented, way better than the overhyped clubs
i live here and a few things this guide nails. one tip that saves me money is the "climate card" for 62,000 won a month, unlimited subway and bus, even works on the airport express if you're staying a while. for cheap eats, skip the main streets in hongdae and go into the alleys behind the art center, there's a place that does dwaeji gukbap (pork soup) for 7,000 won and it's way better than the tourist spots. also, the seoul city wall trail from naksan park is free and gives you killer views without the namsan tower price tag, way less crowded too