Hidden within a narrow alley near Bukchon Hanok Village is Gonggan (공간), a Korean bar serving cocktails and small plates. The Samcheong-dong bar might not be visible to those passing by but is one of immense popularity in recent days.
Gorgeous Korean Bar Near Bukchon Hanok Village
When we say Gonggan is located in a narrow alley, we really meant it. Passing by the dumplings store right next to it, we could feel the steam coming out of the steamers from the shop.
The space at Gonggan isn’t huge and can seat a maximum of 20 pax in one seating. Right in the center is a mini garden with plants encased within glass frames, which allows natural light to flood the space. There were also traditional Korean elements such as the tiled roof, which complemented well with the light wooden furniture used in the space.
Opt for the bar counter seats if you want to interact and have a quick chat with the bartenders.
Cocktails Available At Gonggan
For their signature cocktails, you can find explanations and the inspiration behind each drink on the menu (available in both English and Korean!)
For example, the Azalea Cocktail (19,000won) takes inspiration from childhood memories of extracting honey from Chuljook flowers in a blossoming floral garden. Made using Gin and sparkling wine, you can expect honey and slightly sour flavours with a medium body.
There are also drinks that make use of Korean ingredients such as the 17th Century (19,000won) which is a gin and tonic-inspired cocktail. During the same time, hot pepper became a popular ingredient in Korea, and is used in their rendition of this cocktail. Expect a light-bodied drink with fresh strawberry hints and flavours of chilli pepper!
Tarrak Juk
One of the most interesting cocktails we had here was the Tarrak Juk (21,000won). This was a warm cocktail that hopes to emanate the feeling of a warm and cozy winter. The dish, Tarrak Juk, is actually a winter season stamina-boosting dish enjoyed by the kings of Josun Dynasty. An oatmeal-like porridge made from water-soaked and granulated rice cooked with milk, the creamy cocktail had grain and spice flavours with hints of pine nut and jujube.
Courtyard
Coming in a beautiful presentation, the Courtyard (19,000won) was a light-bodied cocktail with the scent of fresh apple, sweet vanilla, and baked corn. On the side was frozen pureed apple in the shape of corn with two tiny coffee chocolates on the side.
Using roasted corn-infused bourbon, apple and vanilla cordial, coffee tincture, and soda, the resulting cocktail was a refreshing drink, perfect for sundown.
The Hanok Korean bar also serves food, however, we visited before kitchen hours, so we were unable to try them. However, they served some chips for us to go along with the drinks. If you visit after sundown, you can dig into items like the Cheese Sweet Potato Mattang (20,000won), Rose Tteok-Skewer (23,000won), or the Truffle Rice Gelato (18,000won).
Hanok Bar in Korea
If you’re a fan of cocktails or barhopping in general, Gonggan is a great spot in Korea to try out some Korea-inspired cocktails that are different from the usual cocktails.
@middleclass.sg Would 100% go day drinking again at this place #korea #koreatravel #seoul #barhopping #seoultravel ♬ Dear my X – KyoungSeo
Gonggan (공간)
서울 종로구 율곡로3길 66-4
66-4 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongro-gu, Seoul
Tues-Sun, 4pm-2am, Last Order 1:30am
Nearest Subway: Anguk Station (Line 3), Exit 1
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*This is an independent review by MiddleClass.sg.
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