Korean Job Discussion Forums

SeoulNate · Joined: 04 Jun 2010 Location: Hyehwa

Just looking for some recommendations on the local hangout spots in Hyehwa.

I just moved into the area this weekend after some deliberation where I wanted my next apartment in Seoul to be and while I am familiar with the area, im not really sure where the local expats hang out.

Looking for a chill place, nothing too crazy or club-ish.

Thanks!
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Chalmers · Joined: 20 Oct 2008

not too many expat places in hyewha proper, but there is a place called "green room". it's nt on the main drag but back on that busy street with all the chain coffee shops and dunkin donuts. go out exit 4, turn left, keep walking until you get to that busy street and then cross it. its up there near the dunkin donuts.

there are 2 green rooms as of last time i was hanging out there (about a year ago). one is a small cafe type place, the other is the on that you're looking for. it has a small patio/deck outside. this place is kind of in between some buildings and not on the street. just look for some signs.

Seoulman69 · Joined: 14 Dec 2009

Check out Bar Mario.

SeoulNate · Joined: 04 Jun 2010 Location: Hyehwa

Cool, I'll give them a look. Thanks for the suggestions guys. Any more out there?

joeteacher · Joined: 11 Jul 2007

There is one of those grab-your-own-beer places near the rotary. It's in the alley behind the NY English Studio (not sure on that name). Best selection of beer in that area, as far as I've seen. The owner, Jun, is a real nice guy.

english_prospect · Joined: 21 Nov 2011

I like the 8[pal] bars. There's at least 6 or 7 of them around Hyehwa

waynehead · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Location: Jongno

I thought that "green room" place was called the Comfort Zone? Maybe it's changed its name, I go there so infrequently I could definitely have missed it. Anyway the directions are good and it's a nice bar.

Trip · Joined: 28 Dec 2008

The original Comfort Zone (Green Room) is on the main street next to Starbucks. The owner built a new Comfort Zone (Living Room) behind Starbucks. They both are still called Comfort Zone, and the one behind Starbucks has a nice outdoor deck, food, and darts. Dos Tacos is back there now, too.

Bar Mario is another great bar, as mentioned.

Ddo Ori duck restaurant (down the alley near Tous Les Jour on SKKU street) is very delicious. BK's Duck (down an alley street not far from Bar Mario) is tasty duck, too, with a unique style.

Bong House hostel (down the alleys near SKKU street) has a bar with a pool table. It's a small place, but a good place to meet your tourists.

The Doors 1 and 2 (down the alleys near SKKU street) has great records and requests, and Blue Monday (near Little Elephant Thai restaurant) does, too.

The theater district on exit 1 and 2 side has some decent places, but I like the local flavor of the other side and SKKU area. Lots of small and unique bars are down those alleys. Have fun exploring them. See if you can find the cat bar.

There's a couple of Toastmasters clubs in Hyehwa, too, if you want to meet English-speakers in the area.

supernaut · Joined: 04 Jan 2007 Location: Nova Scotia

I second Comfort Zone, good vibe and owner is a great guy. The grab your beer place is also great and the owner is cool.

I reallllllllllllllllllllly recommend Jo's Basket on the exit 1 side... not too far from the Family Mart and Starbucks

SeoulNate · Joined: 04 Jun 2010 Location: Hyehwa

cool, thanks! I'll try and get out there this weekend to check it out

furtakk · Joined: 02 Jun 2009

How is the rent around that area?

I really love that part of Seoul and I'm looking to move in the not too distant future.

thagolfman · Joined: 24 Aug 2012

Zen bar....which is not to far from comfort zone is also a place where a lot of expats hang out. Used to go there a lot

waynehead · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Location: Jongno

SeoulNate · Joined: 04 Jun 2010 Location: Hyehwa

My new place is right at Hansung uni station (literally I can fall out of my apartment into the subway station) and costs 650 a month. The size is decent, not huge, but it has a separate bedroom, veranda and a nice sized bathroom. It's also only a few years old and very modern.

As the above poster said, if you want cheaper, go up near Suyu/Ssangmun. However, I couldnt be happier with the area or the apartment. I've lived in a few really large places here, but they were all older family style places or older lofts and I prefer my newer, albeit somewhat smaller, place.

Yaya · Joined: 25 Feb 2003 Location: Seoul

There is a small oldies and LP bar in an alley called Sam Cooke. I've been there several times and I like the sound and music there (though they can play hammy ajeossi stuff.

Get a Korean friend to help you with this Korean-language link on how to get there.

http://blog.naver.com/folsomz?Redirect=Log&logNo=140138108244