Seoul’s Cocktail Culture – From World-Class Bars to Unexpected Discoveries

For me, bars are more than just places to drink. They’re cultural spaces—places where you can learn about a city, its people, and its way of life. Every visit is a chance to experience something new and to support the bars that are doing things right.

Zest – A Bar with a Mission

In the vibrant heart of Gangnam, Zest has quickly become one of Seoul’s most innovative cocktail destinations. Established in December 2020 by four bartenders—Dohyung ‘Demie’ Kim, Sean Woo, Jisu Park, and Noah Kwon—Zest has redefined modern Korean mixology with a bold commitment to sustainability.

Step inside, and you’ll immediately notice what’s missing: the usual shelves stacked with liquor bottles. Instead, the bar showcases its own homemade gins, distilled from local, seasonal ingredients. This isn’t just a design choice; it’s part of Zest’s zero-waste philosophy—a concept embedded in the very name. ‘Zest’ is a play on zero and waste also Zest is the outer skin of citrus fruit used as flavouring.

Zest’s dedication to sustainability goes beyond just ingredients. They craft their own sodas, tonics, and even cola to eliminate waste from commercial packaging. Every part of an ingredient is used—fruit peels, pulps, and even spent coffee grounds find new life in creative ways. This dedication earned Zest the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award in 2024.

But sustainability isn’t the only reason to visit. The drinks themselves are an ode to Korean ingredients. The Jeju Garibaldi, for example, highlights Jeju Island’s famous hallabong oranges and Gujwa village carrots, while the bar’s inventive cocktails incorporate traditional Korean spirits like soju and makgeolli.

As part of my drinks journey, I tried their twist on a Piña Colada—aptly named No Coconut Here. Made with over-proof craft makgeolli, mezcal, lime, lacto-fermented pineapple, and walnut orgeat, it delivered a uniquely bold and complex flavor. A refreshing and unexpected take on a classic.

Zest’s approach has not gone unnoticed. It debuted at No. 18 on The World’s 50 Best Bars list in 2023—the highest entry ever for a Korean venue—before soaring to No. 9 in 2024. More than just a bar, Zest is pioneering a ‘fine-drinking’ culture in Seoul, proving that sustainability and exceptional mixology can go hand in hand.

That said, its global fame means you’ll often find a mix of international guests, which can sometimes dilute the local vibe. So, after a few drinks, I decided to keep exploring.

Kiez – A Hidden Gem with a German Twist

There’s something special about discovering a bar on your own. As I walked further down the street, a name on a sign caught my eye: Kiez.

In Hamburg, where I’m from, Kiez is what we call our nightlife districts. Curious, I stepped inside. A staircase led me up to the entrance, and as I opened the door, I was welcomed with a big smile.

It turned out that Kiez wasn’t just a great name—it had a real story behind it. The owner is a Korean bartender who grew up in Hamburg and worked at Le Lion, one of Germany’s  renowned cocktail bars. Now, he’s brought that expertise to Seoul, blending German precision with Korean hospitality.

The drinks? Well balanced. The atmosphere? A perfect balance of laid-back and sophisticated. And to top it off, the bar hosts DJs, adding a layer of energy to the experience.

Why I Travel Through Bars

Every city has its own way of drinking, and exploring its bars is one of the best ways to understand its culture. Some bars, like Zest, lead the way with groundbreaking concepts. Others, like Kiez, offer a personal connection and a story that resonates.

For me, bar-hopping isn’t just about great cocktails—it’s about discovering ideas worth supporting. And whether it’s a world-famous spot or a hidden neighborhood gem, each visit adds a new layer to the story of a city.

Seoul, it’s been a pleasure. Cheers to the next adventure!