The more options you have for year-end destinations, the better. We’ve rounded up five vinyl bars in Seoul that have everything from cocktails to music to drinks. Save the date for the perfect end-of-year rendezvous.
1. Reserve
Tucked away on the fifth floor of a building off the beaten path in Itaewon’s antique furniture district is Reserve. Large windows on both sides overlook Itaewon and the liberation village, while music fills the space. It’s the perfect place for those who want to listen to loud music and have a few drinks. They don’t accept requests. The owner plays a variety of genres, including records he digs at the time, so you can fill up your playlist over the course of several visits.
📍9, Noksapyeong-daero 26ga-gil, Yongsan-gu (Naver map)
2. OOBI
Nanyeong-dong has been swept away by the black-and-white chefs, and what’s left are the people who fill the alleys, the restaurants that have become harder to get to, and the places that are not as likely to be visited as the ones on TV, but still guarantee a sentimental time. LP Bar Ovida is an all-day and all-night coffee and drink spot. The view of cats napping or stretching out in the window is a bonus.
📍268-1, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu (Naver map)
3. Hills & Europa
Wild Duck Canteen has become one of Seoul’s hottest food and lifestyle brands, collaborating with brands outside of Korea like Norma and Atelier September. Wherever they open a new location, you can count on them to be there. In the Wild Duck Canteen universe, Hills & Europa is responsible for the music and drinks. Pudding is also a specialty here.
📍35, Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu (Naver map)
4. Damgukpo Seoul
The place that attracted people before Namyeong-dong was the neighboring neighborhood Triangle. There are many places that claim to be the hottest, and it can get confusing, but there is a bar you can always count on, Damgukpuk Seoul. It organizes various programs such as live performances by guest DJs. They’re preparing for the end of the year, so keep an eye out for updates.
📍174, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu (Naver map)
5. The Old
The Old is a record bar that represents Chungmuro and the wider Euljiro area. It’s a straightforward, vintage-looking space that’s different from the modern record bars mentioned above, and it reminds me of the Jazzkit company I encountered while traveling in Japan. They even have a few blue ribbons.
📍2, Deunggye-ro 27-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Naver map)