Welcome back, my friends! 👋 Are you ready for Part 2?
If you enjoyed my last guide to Euljiro’s top local restaurants, you’re going to love this. Euljiro’s charm doesn’t stop at food—it’s also famous for its amazing retro-cool bars 🍻 and unique hidden cafes. ☕️
Today, I’m diving into the best spots for a drink or a sweet treat, all verified by real data from Kakao Navi and Kakao T. Just like the restaurants, these are the places we locals genuinely love and visit all the time.
Get ready to experience the true soul of ‘Hip-jiro’! Let’s go!
🍻 Euljiro’s ‘Hip’ Bars (Locals’ Picks!)
1. Chin & Nose (친앤노즈)
- What to Expect: 🤫 This is a true speakeasy-style bar! It has a hidden entrance that makes you feel like you’re in a secret club. I love it because it’s sophisticated and quiet, making it the perfect spot for a relaxed, deep conversation over an amazing cocktail.
- Location: 📍 122, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Traveler Tips: 💡 Finding it is part of the fun! Look for a small, unassuming entrance on the third floor. It’s very easy to miss, which just adds to the exclusive, hidden vibe.
2. Wonjo Manseon Hof (원조만선호프)
- What to Expect: 🍻 This place is a legend in Euljiro. It’s a massive, lively outdoor beer hall (we call it a “hof”). On a warm evening, there’s nothing better than joining the bustling crowd, drinking draft beer, and experiencing classic Korean “hof” culture.
- Location: 📍 14, Chungmu-ro 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Traveler Tips: 💡 Seats fill up very quickly, especially after work. I recommend going just before sunset to grab a good spot and watch the area come to life.
3. Eulji Jangmanok (을지 장만옥)
- What to Expect: 🇭🇰 A chic and modern bar specializing in Hong Kong-style cuisine with a unique Korean twist. The interior is very trendy and sophisticated, making it a super popular spot for young Koreans to see and be seen.
- Location: 📍 12, Eulji-ro 12-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Traveler Tips: 💡 This place gets packed on weekends. If you want a more relaxed experience (and a better chance of getting a table), I’d suggest visiting on a weekday evening.
4. Pungnam Wonjo Golbaengi (풍남 원조 골뱅이)
- What to Expect: 🌶️ This is a famous, old-school spot that has been around for decades! They specialize in golbaengi (sea snails) served in a spicy, tangy sauce. It’s a true taste of authentic Korean bar food in a wonderfully nostalgic setting.
- Location: 📍 50-1, Supyo-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Traveler Tips: 💡 Don’t be surprised by the loud, vibrant atmosphere! It’s all part of the local experience. Just grab a drink and join in the fun.
5. Le Temple (을지로 르템플)
- What to Expect: 🥃 A bar with a truly unique and artistic vibe. The beautiful interior design feels like a cozy, old European temple. They specialize in a wide selection of whiskeys and other spirits, making it a great place to unwind.
- Location: 📍 2, Chungmu-ro 7-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Traveler Tips: 💡 The quiet and artistic atmosphere is perfect for a relaxed evening or a deep conversation. It’s a wonderful escape after a long day of sightseeing.
6. Eulji OB Bear (을지로 OB 베어)
- What to Expect: 🍺 A true Euljiro classic! This old-fashioned bar is famous for its simple, perfect menu: fresh, cold draft beer and nogari (dried pollack). It’s a no-frills, authentic spot that truly embodies the soul of Euljiro’s past.
- Location: 📍 49-2, Chungmu-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Traveler Tips: 💡 Just embrace the lively, authentic atmosphere. This is where you go for a taste of “old Seoul” and to feel like a real local.
7. Eulji-O-deng Do-ru-muk (을지오뎅 도루묵)
- What to Expect: 🍢 This pub has a pocha (tent bar) vibe, which I love! You can enjoy traditional Korean street food like o-deng (fish cake skewers) and grilled dorumuk (sandfish). It’s retro, casual, and perfect for a comfortable drink.
- Location: 📍 54, Supyo-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Traveler Tips: 💡 This is a fantastic place for a “second round” (what we call 2-cha!) after dinner. It’s a real local hangout.
🍩 Euljiro’s Hidden Cafes & Dessert Spots
1. Coffee Hanyakbang (커피한약방)
- What to Expect: ☕️ This is one of my favorite places! It’s built on the site where a famous Joseon-era physician once worked. The cafe has a stunning, antique “apothecary” concept. They even serve their filter coffee like traditional herbal medicine (hanyak)!
- Location: 📍 16-6, Samil-daero 12-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Traveler Tips: 💡 The entrance is a small wooden door in a very narrow alley. Don’t be fooled! The magic is hidden inside.
2. Smile Myeongpum Chapssal Kkwabaegi (스마일 명품 찹쌀 꽈배기)
- What to Expect: 🍩 A must-try snack! This tiny shop is famous for its kkwabaegi (chewy, twisted glutinous rice doughnuts). They make them fresh all day, and they are so simple, sweet, and delicious.
- Location: 📍 296-24, Euljiro 3(sam)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Traveler Tips: 💡 You’ll probably see a line, but don’t worry! The staff are incredibly fast. The doughnuts are always hot, fresh, and 100% worth the (short) wait.
3. Hoirangi (호랑이)
- What to Expect: 🐯 A minimalist, super-trendy cafe known for its aesthetic and delicious coffee. “Hoirangi” means tiger, and you’ll see their cool tiger logo. It’s a popular spot for photos and a calm place to enjoy a quality coffee break.
- Location: 📍 157, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Traveler Tips: 💡 They have a small, simple menu, focusing on quality. Their “Horangi Latte” (a creamy, sweet latte) is the signature drink you have to try!
4. Boeing (보잉)
- What to Expect: ✈️ This is such a fun and quirky cafe! It has a unique aviation theme, with airplane-inspired interiors, airplane window frames, and flight path displays. It really stands out from other cafes.
- Location: 📍 24, Chungmu-ro 5-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Traveler Tips: 💡 It’s a great spot to take a break and snap some fun pictures for your Instagram. A very unique find in the middle of Euljiro!
5. Hotel Soosunhwa (호텔 수선화)
- What to Expect: 🎨 This place feels like an artist’s secret hideout. It’s filled with vintage furniture, artwork, and has a very cool, eclectic vibe. It’s not really a hotel, but a creative space and cafe.
- Location: 📍 17, Chungmu-ro 7-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Traveler Tips: 💡 The cafe is on the 4th floor of a very old, unassuming building, which adds to its hidden gem charm. You have to wander into the alleys to find it!
6. Asoto Bakery (아소토 베이커리)
- What to Expect: 🥐 A small, cozy, and very cute bakery known for its delicious bread and pastries. It’s a great spot to grab a quick, high-quality bite or a loaf of fresh bread.
- Location: 📍 19, Supyo-ro 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Traveler Tips: 💡 I recommend arriving early for the best selection! The most popular items (like their salt bread) often sell out quickly.
7. Eulji-bin (을지빈)
- What to Expect: 🕰️ A cafe with a wonderfully cozy, vintage atmosphere. It feels so warm and inviting, filled with old furniture and props. It’s the perfect setting for quiet reading or a relaxed chat with a friend.
- Location: 📍 21, Eulji-ro 14-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Traveler Tips: 💡 Just so you know, seating time can be limited when it’s crowded. On busy weekends, they might also restrict the use of laptops to keep the cozy, conversational vibe.
🚕 Finding These Hidden Gems (and Getting Home Safely!)
As you can see, ‘Hip-jiro’ is all about tiny, hidden alleys and secret spots. That’s its magic! 💖 But I know that can be stressful, especially late at night after a few drinks at Le Temple or Manseon Hof. You don’t want to be lost trying to find your hotel!
This is where I always recommend K.RIDE to my friends visiting Korea. It’s your best friend for navigating these tricky spots safely.
Why K.RIDE is Your Perfect Euljiro Companion:
- ✅ Multi-language app support: No Korean needed! The app works perfectly in English, Japanese, and Chinese.
- ✅ Foreign card-friendly: Don’t worry about cash! You can easily register your home credit card and pay right in the app.
- ✅ Automatic destination translation: This is my favorite part! You type in “Hotel Soosunhwa” or your hotel’s address in English, and it’s automatically translated for the driver. No confusion, no stress.
- ✅ Fair pricing: K.RIDE runs on the official meter. That means no overcharging and no surprises. Just safe, fair fares every time.
💖 Ready to Explore ‘Hip-jiro’s’ Nightlife?
I really hope this two-part guide helps you explore every amazing side of Euljiro, from the sizzling BBQ to the secret cocktail bars! It’s truly one of my favorite places in Seoul.
Go have an amazing time, soak in the unique vibes, and enjoy every sip and bite. And remember, when your feet are tired and it’s time to go home, K.RIDE is just a tap away to get you back safely and easily.
Thanks for reading!
— Your K-Friend at K.RIDE ✨
See you on the road!
Explore Korea Like a Local 
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