These bars in Seoul are embracing Korean liquor in their cocktail menus

Once overlooked on the international stage, Korean spirits are now taking centre stage in Seoul’s vibrant cocktail scene. “The most distinctive feature of Korean alcohol is its use of local specialties. Just as Korean culture, K-dramas, K-pop, and Korean food have gained global recognition, I believe K-drinks will also garner significant interest and influence. I think that Korean cocktails will set new trends in the global cocktail market and become sought after in various countries,” said Jeong Hyun (Leo) Seo, CEO and bartender of Bar Jangsaeng and ambassador for Traditional Korean Liquor.
Byungjin Lim, co-owner and bartender of Bar Cham echoed similar sentiments: “We wanted to add diversity to the perception of bar culture by creating a space where South Koreans could feel natural and comfortable, while at the same time sparking curiosity and intrigue in foreigners unfamiliar with our bar. Through studying Korean alcohol, we discovered that there are many types of Korean liquors, rich in taste and heritage, which have been passed down through ancient texts but are relatively unknown today.”
This shift reflects a broader movement towards embracing local flavours and reimagining them in innovative, sophisticated ways. In recent years, a new wave of bars has emerged in Seoul, where mixologists are not just pouring drinks but are also telling the stories of Korea’s rich drinking culture through their cocktails. From the subtle complexities of soju to the earthy richness of makgeolli, these bars are redefining what it means to have a cocktail in Seoul.
Here are some of the best spots in Seoul where you can sip on cocktails that pay homage to Korean spirits, blending the old with the new in truly unexpected ways.
OUL
OUL is a cocktail bar that stands out for its dedication to Korean spirits and the cultural stories they tell, located within the opulent grounds of Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. As part of a global luxury brand known for crafting unique experiences, OUL was conceived to introduce guests to the rich tapestry of Korea’s traditional and contemporary drinking culture. “We wanted to create a bar where guests could experience the essence of Korea’s drinking culture, one that harmonises the traditional with the contemporary,” said assistant head bartender Ike Ryu.
“OUL goes beyond just serving drinks — it’s a cultural experience that reflects the artistry and innovation of Korea,” Ryu continued.
At OUL, all cocktails are crafted exclusively using traditional Korean liquors and locally produced spirits. Take the Seoul Mule for instance. A twist on the classic Moscow Mule, this cocktail incorporates the bold flavour of garlic, a staple in Korean cuisine, through a fat-washing process with butter. The garlic-infused Korean vodka is then mixed with ginger honey, lime, and soda, creating a cocktail that is as daring as it is delightful, particularly among OUL’s international guests. Looking ahead, Ryu is optimistic about the future of Korean spirits in the global cocktail landscape. “I anticipate that Korean spirits will soon gain recognition not only in Asia but also in the global bar industry, where they will be used in innovative ways. I hope that OUL will continue to establish itself as a representative space for Korean nightlife through its offerings of traditional Korean spirits and cocktails.”
Address:  97 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, (Four Seasons Hotel Seoul) Seoul, South Korea
CRICKET SEOUL
From the same team behind Pine & Co, Cricket Seoul is more than just a bar — it’s a celebration of Korea’s rich culinary heritage. Launched by three passionate bartenders, the bar is rooted in the question: “What would a bar that truly embodies the taste of Korea be like?”
This essentially drives everything Cricket Seoul does, from the meticulously curated cocktails to the locally sourced ingredients and Korean spirits.
Andong, a region known for producing ginger with a rich earthy aroma for instance, is expressed in Cricket Seoul’s version of the classic Moscow Mule, infused with spicy ginger and crafted with Miltam soju, a triple-distilled local sorghum soju from Yecheon county. Another standout is the Taegeuk Sour, a creative take on the whiskey sour, using Andong Jinmaek soju and balancing bold flavours with a striking visual presentation of chilli and mint.
Cricket Seoul’s vision extends beyond showcasing South Korean ingredients of various seasons; they aim to revolutionise the global cocktail scene. “Cricket Seoul hopes to be part of the journey until soju becomes the seventh spirit in the diverse trends of the global cocktail scene!” said Du Ui Hong, owner of Cricket Bar.
Address: 35-6 Eonju-ro164-gil Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
BAR JANGSAENG
Bar Jangsaeng was born from a vision of coexistence with local merchants and a deep respect for Korean traditions. The bar’s name, Jangsaeng, which translates to ‘longevity’, was inspired by the traditional medical hall that once occupied the same space. The decision to retain the name and concept was intentional, reflecting the founder’s belief that, much like a chef, a bartender can bring any imagined flavour to life through their craft.
One of the standout items on Bar Jangsaeng’s menu is their unique take on samgyetang, or ginseng chicken soup. In this inventive cocktail, the process begins with the preparation of an actual samgyetang, which is boiled for six hours to create a rich, flavourful soup. This broth is then transformed into a syrup that serves as the cocktail’s base. The addition of egg white, lemon, and whisky enhances the depth of flavours, while the cocktail is garnished with traditional samgyetang toppings, creating a drink that is both familiar and utterly unique. This blend of classic Korean comfort food with modern mixology results in a one-of-a-kind cocktail that captures the essence of Bar Jangsaeng’s innovative spirit.
Address: 23, Gangnam-daero 124-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
NAEOE
Founded on the idea of harmonising the “inside” (traditional Korean elements) with the “outside” (global influences), Naeoe offers a unique experience that bridges the past and the present. Naeoe’s cocktails are not merely a mix of traditional Korean liquor and global spirits; they also incorporate other Korean elements into the ingredients. For example, Life features gin infused with omija, a five-flavour berry native to Korea, which not only highlights the versatility of Korean spirits but also invites guests to explore new flavour profiles in a familiar yet distinctly Korean context.
“Despite Korea’s deep history with alcohol and the long tradition of home-brewed liquor (gayangju), the mainstream bar culture is dominated by global influences, particularly the classic bar. Furthermore, traditional Korean liquor often feels distant from the global spirits scene. I wanted this space to be a crossroads between these two cultures. I aimed to harmoniously blend the rising interest in traditional Korean alcohol with the established bar culture and present it as a contemporary experience that resonates with today’s audience,” shared Naeoe’s CEO Youngwoong (Erick) Choi.
However, what sets Naeoe apart is not just its carefully curated cocktail menu but also its dual identity as both a bar and a distillery. This allows Naeoe to craft and serve their very own distilled soju, Naeoe21 and Naeoe39, which are made using the traditional Korean method of samyangju, a three-stage fermentation process, before they are distilled in a single-pot whiskey still. The result is a soju that captures the essence of Korea’s rich brewing history, yet with a smoothness and depth that appeals to modern tastebuds.
Address: B1, 665-8 Sinsa-dong (Apgujeong Rodeo), Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
BAR CHAM
Bar Cham, one of Seoul’s most distinguished cocktail bars, has earned a reputation for pushing the boundaries of mixology while honouring Korean traditions. Its numerous accolades, including a coveted spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, position it as a leading destination for cocktail enthusiasts. At Bar Cham, you’ll find an impressive array of native Korean alcohols sourced from across the country’s provinces. The team prides itself on using these local spirits in innovative ways, creating cocktails that marry traditional Korean flavours with modern techniques.
Take Songpyeon for instance. The cocktail reinterprets the components of the traditional Korean food songpyeon (rice cake) in liquid form by using traditional distilled soju with strong smoky notes and a roasted flavour, soju distilled with chestnuts from Gongju, as well as mugwort, sesame oil, lemon, and Korean spices. The cocktail is then milk-washed for clarity and garnished with a chocolate shaped like a songpyeon, made using mugwort and sesame seeds.
Address: 34 Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea