Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jblair]

Does anyone know of any good bars to go to during the week in Hyehwa?

[Xuanzang]

Bibbitybop is the Hyehwa expert around these parts. He'll direct you to some good places.

[RyanInKorea]

I find Hyewha to be a great place during the day. Lot's of activity, sellers, people, girls to watch and food/drink choices, but it tends to quiet down at night.

There are some cozy places like the, ugh, forget the name. It's down the first street on your right as you're heading to the theater. It's in an old building with rickety stairs. The guy plays records type thing. Songs on request. I really recommend this place, the name will come to me eventually.

The Red Lion, on the main strip, is cool too. You have to buy your normal anju side dish. Going there just to read the translation on the menu is worth the trip. They have pretty cool glasses and are worth a theft if you're into that kind of souvenir collecting.

The Beer Hunter, also on the main strip, is a good place to get a nice buzz on, but not a good week day place for a casual drink. Just had to mention the name.

Rule of thumb: If it's on the side with Krispy Kreme, it's going to be hip and expensive. If it's on the other side, it will be cozy and less expensive.

Ryan

[Bibbitybop]

RyanInKorea has some good ideas, but I have to disagree about promoting theft. Hyehwa is growing and becoming more foreigner friendly (or should I say, accessible?). The last thing Hyehwa needs is theft committed by foreigners.

The Red Lion is ok. I've never bought anju there, but as for an "Irish" pub, it lacks a lot. It is better than a Korean style hof.

The music bar Ryan mentioned it called The Doors. Go out exit 4 and veer right down the one lane street. Baskin Robbins will be on your right as you go down this street, The Doors is at the end of it.

I prefer the 2 The Doors bars in the alleys behind the Sungkyunkwan University street. Lots of little hidden places back there.

I rarely drink at bars on the East side of Daehangno (exits 1 and 2) as they are more expensive and I prefer the younger, student or local crowd as opposed to the wine-and-dine dates that hit up the musical and play theaters.

Comfort Zone is the staple foreigner bar, but it isn't a foreigner bar. It is a bar run more on Western standards with English-speaking staff (most of them), an owner who has spent years in Canada, darts, and they know how to make a good cocktail (most of the time, small flukes do happen when you order strange drinks). People there seem more approachable, it's the neighborhood Cheers. Comfort Zone is located behind the 3-story Dunkin Donuts and 2 story Starbucks on the way to SKKU. Go out exit 4, walk straight/left and go all the way down. At the intersection, look across the street, you can't miss Dunkin Donuts.

Hyehwa itself is a date and friend area. Lots of bars, but not as open for mingling as in Itaewon or Hongdae, and less foreigners in general. There is only 1 small dance club, Bunker, on the way to Comfort Zone past CGV cinema. But if have a group or a date already, and especially if you do some alley searching, you'll find lots of wicked places that are too hard to give directions to. Others shouldn't be given directions to, either, as the tiny, cozy atmospheres would be spoiled.

[RyanInKorea]

I am ashamed I even mentioned it.

I remember now that the anju is only required for draft beer purchase. Bottled beers are available sans anju!

I also look forward to checking out the Comfort Zone. Sounds like an excellent place to relax and play some darts.

Ryan

[Bibbitybop]

[makemischief]

Other good bars:

Sam Cooke.
10X10 (cheap even though it is on the East Side)
Jazz Story
Cat Bar
And my new favorite: Cafe Vela Solar- very bohemian. Out Exit 4 and down the side street between the bad suit shop and the baskin robbins. Walk past all the chicken and meat places to the end of the side street near where it meets the roundabout and you'll see its blue sign on the second floor past the Shilla bakery. GREAT place. Good Sangria, mulled wine, and music.

There's a growing group of Hyewha dwellers and fans on Facebook- just type Hyewha in the search box and it will pop up.

[reactionary]

bump on this thread. where is the "car bar?" i could go for some feline lovings.

[makemischief]