Best bars in Itaewon

Baraboom is an "eating bar," a bar that is also a restaurant. The main ingredients change from season to season, and wine, vodka, and beer are available at affordable prices. The long table that can seat lots of people at once is reminiscent of something from Europe or New York. Exhibitions, parties, or other such large-scale gatherings are possible. The food isn't that cheap, but it's reasonable, considering how fresh the ingredients are, or how creative the concoctions tend to be. This isn't so much a casual setting as it is something to save for a more elaborate, fancy night. It's perfect for enjoying wine without too much stilted fanfare. The menu, presented by two directors that have tasted some of the best stuff the world has to offer, is thoughtfully curated.

Is there any expression more sensual or fierce than “eat me?” In keeping with the name, the owner is no modest killjoy. Located across from the sweatbox that is Queen, Eat Me is the perfect place for break from the popular gay club, to sit down for a cool drink and meet people. Doors open from evening through 6am. Gay, straight, and every variety in between—all are welcome here.

Magpie is one of Seoul’s most popular craft beer houses, started by five friends with a home-brewing hobby that grew by leaps and bounds. As the craft beer scene in Seoul has boomed, Magpie expanded to locations in Hongdae and Jeju Island. They’re constantly experimenting with recipes with a variety of unique imported hops. In addition to their porter and their pale ale (now a classic that is served at bars around Seoul), they offer varieties such as The American Muscle (an American wheat) and The Ghost (a German gose). Whether you’re looking for a simple dinner or a snack to go with your beer, their pizza is one of the best in the area—it’s a simple handmade dough topped with fresh ingredients and baked to order.Magpie is as much a community center as it is a bar, hosting concerts, classes and workshops on food and drink.

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.

PP Seoul have a gorgeous night view of Seoul where you can take in the soft breezes on its beautifully designed rooftop. They use real mangos and guavas in their tropical cocktails and their signature Southeast Asian finger foods are incredibly delicious.