Best bars in Itaewon

Riding the wave of the single male whiskey trend is the second coming of the speakeasy. At Speakeasy Mortar, there is no sign—and you can't even open the door yourself. It opens only after the staff slides open a little wooden peephole to see who's outside. The “chosen” can enjoy their moderately-priced drinks in a moderately comfortable environment. Whiskey at 20,000 won a pop isn’t exactly affordable, but relatively so if you keep in mind that a certain bar in Cheongdam serves up glasses at 30,000 won each. Speakeasy Mortar is a easy place to kill time with excellent music backed by a quality sound system. It's relaxed with a mature sophistication. Note: your mobile won’t get much signal here, yet another rarity in hyper-connected Seoul (we're counting that as a plus).

Those familiar with American university culture may get a different idea from the combination of ping-pong tables and free-flowing beer, but Ping-Pong Pub was founded on the real deal: chugging beer while playing actual ping-pong. With only two tables, customers don't always get to play, but watching is a whole other form of entertainment of its own. Their fare includes beer, nachos and hotdogs, and Ping-Pong Pub regularly hosts private parties and small-scale events. This pub has definitely played a part in Gyeongridan's road to hipster fame. Since its new-found popularity, Ping-Pong Pub sometimes closes off the venue for fashion soirées on weeknights but is open to all for a good night out on the weekend. If loud crowds are your thing, this is the place for you.

For those who love art, artistry, and old movies, Hephzibah will be like love at first sight. Founded by two sisters who studied performance art and acting, they actualized their college dream of creating a secret space filled with dramatic intensity. The space includes a small screening section for visitors to get tipsy on a retro-film along and some wine. It’s the humanistic element within older movies that the sisters like while they still provide the entertainment that is needed. This is not to say that visiting Hephzibah means sipping on wine and watching a black-and-white movie. Outside of the mini-cinema is an area not filled with music and chatter like any other bar, but rather dialogues from movies playing in the background, while you sit and relax in the couch getting lost in your thoughts. Hebsiba is surely a hide out for artists, with some visitors exclaiming that that the venue is a dream come true. The fantastical venue that offers an ambience of boundless imagination is place to search for your imaginary reality.

The area behind Hannam Ogeori’s Richensia building is quite an interesting one — while filled with unique shops, bars and restaurants, it is usually quiet and peaceful. One of the newest additions of the alleys, which we’re welcoming with both arms, is Ox Bar. Living up to its name, the bar serves up quality beef (Hanwoo) menus (even the welcome drink is — instead of any classic or creative cocktail — genuine seolleongtang, Korean ox bone soup) along with great cocktails. The menu’s actually quite large, and includes T-bone steak, roast beef and ossobuco. The service is top-notch, yet “How would you like your steak done?” is a question that’s never asked around here. Instead, everything is cooked to the level that’s the most ideal for each cut and the type of dish. Exclusively on Mondays, the kitchen serves up burgers (18,000 won), which is another reason to find this bar. At the bar section, manager Lee Su-won and bartender Choi Beomgyu create delicate cocktails. From classics to be paired with the Hanwoo dishes to fresh fruit cocktails including the Halla Fizz made with a whole hallabong orange, their creations are smart, witty and well-balanced. Wrapped in the skillful service and attractive atmosphere, what Ox Bar serves every day is a special type of authenticity. It’s so warm, charming and genuine that we wouldn’t be surprised to see this young and hidden venue become a landmark of its own in a near future.

About Opened in 2013, they boast a reputation as Korea’s first all craft beer taphouse. The 28+ beers they have on tap operate on a direct refrigeration system and the bar itself is managed by one of Korea’s only beer cicerones.  The vibe The bar’s décor is nothing fancy but it’s well-lit and spacious, playing mainstream pop music in the background. While no longer officially on the menu, they do still serve their ever popular beer cocktails.