Woo Ken Ju Lounge

As the younger crowd continues to flow into the main streets of Hongdae at the speed of vomit, the thirties are, although slightly reluctant, moving their steps towards Itaewon. To provide a comfortable yet classy home for their enduring regulars, Woo Ken Ju renovated its existing building and with it, came the advent of a lounge and club-style bar. In the beginning, Woo Ken Ju was a coffee bar serving cocktails, but with time, a DJ was introduced to the space and in turn, the bar transformed into a chill lounge. Woo Ken Ju still carries its coffee menu, as well as a surprising selection of Italian dishes. Before Woo Ken Ju, there was really no other venue like it in Seoul. Styled to emulate the environment of a crisp boutique hotel, the interior is sophisticated, and the bathroom is immaculate—definitely a far cry from the clubs of Hongdae.