3 Best Bars in Yeouido, Seoul

Attached to the fine dining restaurant Mariposa within the Fairmont Ambassador Hotel, this sleek and sultry bar is known for its wide whisky selection, excellent cocktails, and views of the Han River.

In the basement of the Yeouido Park Centre, Seoul—Marriott Executive Apartments lies this charming French bistro and bar. Decorated with vintage posters, black and white portraits of classic film stars, dripping candles, and fresh flowers, it’s easy to believe you made a wrong turn somewhere and ended up in Montmartre. The cocktail and whisky lineup is substantial while the food menu is limited. It just includes tapas such as prosciutto platters or bruschetta, but who needs food when a chalkboard on the wall declares cheekily that “every empty bottle is filled with stories”?

The trendy ninth floor rooftop bar and lounge is popular with a young professional crowd, and it's a great spot to catch the sunset and watch nighttime Seoul slowly come to life. The mini-table grills, craft beer, and make your own G&T menu are pluses, with a minus being the hefty price tag (note that it costs more to sit on the cozy sofas than at a regular table). But it’s all about location, thus the expense reflects the sought-after ambiance.