A hipster’s paradise. A hidden playground.
Nicknamed “hip-jiro” this neighborhood is a fairly new hot spot. A manufacturing hub by day, it’s not clear at first sight that this is a haven for hipsters and natural wine. Streets are lined with all kinds of home goods, from floor tiles to lighting fixtures, and yes, even corners dedicated to toilets. Located in Seoul’s central Jung-gu district, it’s very close to many tourist attractions, such as palaces and traditional markets, and 포차 ‘pocha’ tents as far as the eye can see. In order to play in Eulji-ro, you’ll need to know where the hip, hidden bars are. Read on to see my picks:
해저 海底 HAEJEO
Although HAEJEO is not located in Eulji-ro, it’s very nearby in Insa-dong. Insa-dong is a famous shopping area – you can buy all of the traditional Korean collectibles you can imagine. I had to include HAEJEO somewhere because the interior is absolutely stunning. Boasting an earthy, overgrown interior, the room is filled with unique blown glass pieces of all shapes and colors. HAEJEO doesn’t do live performances regularly, but when they do, you won’t want to miss it! The setting is very intimate and dreamy. Often they book mellow jazz shows, a perfect compliment to this beautiful space.
호텔수선화 Hotel Soosunhwa
Cafe by day, live performance venue by night. The vibes here are certainly retro: dark woods, vintage, stained-glass lamps, and floral patterns as far as the eye can see. 수선화 (soosunhwa) is the Korean word for ‘daffodil,’ so it’s appropriate. Though there’s a variety of music here, I’d say it generally leans into the alt-rock scene.
콩코드 Concorde
This space is unique in Seoul. Not every bar boasts a live organ. All else aside, this space has a warm, vintage atmosphere with rich, patterned carpets and ornate folding screens. Teleport back in time when you step foot into this unique space.
신도시 Seendosi
Seendosi is hip. Plain as that. Heralded as an LGBTQ+ friendly bar, this place attracts all kinds of hipsters. Generally, on live-music nights there is a cover at the door. 도시 (dosi) is the Korean word for ‘city.’ 신도시 (seendosi) is a term for a new city. With a very punk edge, this club actually stretches up and up and up. Don’t stop at the fifth floor…
안철순 AhnCheolSoon (ACS)
ACS is without a doubt the most eccentric venue on this list. In what looks like my unfinished basement growing up in the early 2000’s, with projectors playing some retro Japanese anime, you might stumble upon an adventure. You can hear live bands on some nights, and others you might find yourself in the midst of a costume party or cultural performance. Tie a headband around your head and join the hype! Dance, scream… whatever! The two guys that run this place (Ahn-do and Cheol-soon… hence the name) are so much fun – you’ll often find them dancing in the crowd if the bar isn’t busy. Let your spirit free here; it’s most definitely a safe space.
육일봉 youkillbong
Like many of the venues in Eulji-ro, youkillbong has a very vintage feel to it. Dark wood, vintage decor, and an overall homey vibe. Well, it feels a lot like my house. While the name sounds intense, 육 (yook) means ‘six’ in Korean, 일 (eel) means ‘day,’ and 봉 (bong) means ‘stick’ so it’s translation is ‘six day stick.’ No killing involved. The more you know! youkillbong is all about music and culture. Check out their YouTube channel to see what it’s all about!
째즈스토리 Jazz Story
This jazz bar is not in Eulji-ro, however, it’s not too far. Located in Seongbuk-gu, Hyehwa is a very hip college area. You can find street performers, delicious eats, and art museums galore here. It’s also famous for a mural street if you have some time to take a stroll before dark. Jazz Story has such a warm atmosphere; it feels like a hobbit hole. The walls are lined with LPs up to the ceiling.
라 끌레 La Clé
Located a bit north of Eulji-ro in Jongno-gu is Le Clé, a cozy basement bar hosting mellow, live acts. If you aren’t NAVER savvy, it can be hard to find information for what’s happening here…
꿀잼 COOLJAM 