Exploring Busan’s Vibrant Bar Scene – Three Unique Spots to Experience
Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, is famous for its stunning beaches, fresh seafood, and lively markets. But as the sun sets, the city transforms into a hub of nightlife, offering a diverse selection of bars that cater to every taste. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cocktail bar, a stylish lounge, or an innovative mixology experience, Busan has it all. Here are three standout bars that showcase the city’s dynamic drinking culture.
Make Zero – A Serene Beginning to Busan’s Cocktail Scene
My Busan adventure began with an unexpected discovery—Make Zero, a hidden gem I quite literally stumbled upon while wandering the streets. Their sign caught my eye, and the phrase “From nature to glass” pulled me in. I’m always on the lookout for unique, well-crafted bar concepts, and this one instantly intrigued me.
Make Zero embraces a clean, minimalist aesthetic, creating a tranquil atmosphere where the focus remains entirely on the drinks. The menu is small and intentionally curated, offering only a handful of cocktails—each one a thoughtful blend of traditional Korean flavours and modern mixology. Using locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices, the bar follows a simple yet powerful philosophy:
“We don’t use processed foods containing additives. The cocktail ingredients at Make Zero retain their original appearance. Let’s capture nature in a cocktail.”
The owner, with a background in brewing, brings a deep understanding of fermentation and flavour development, resulting in drinks that feel both innovative and deeply rooted in Korean culture. One standout cocktail was I’m Not an IPA, a nod to the owner’s brewing experience. Made with hop-infused gin, milk-washed vermouth, pineapple juice, and grapefruit juice, it reminded me of a Paloma—refreshing, citrusy, and served in a sealed bottle, mimicking the look of a beer.
Another memorable drink was Carrot Magic, which felt like the orange version of an Irish Coffee – only to reveal itself as a liquid carrot cake. Made with Biscoff-infused Irish whiskey, freshly squeezed carrot juice, and handmade pecan orgeat syrup, it was topped with a velvety layer of cream cheese adding richness to the earthy sweetness of the carrot.
Make Zero also offers a small food menu, carefully designed to complement the cocktails and enhance the overall experience. But beyond the drinks and food, what sets this bar apart is its thoughtful hospitality. As I was leaving, I received a farewell gift and a warming pad for the way home. A simple but meaningful gesture that perfectly reflected the bar’s refined yet personal approach.
For those who appreciate a bar where every detail matters, Make Zero is a must-visit—a place where sustainability, craftsmanship, and hospitality come together effortlessly. And if you’re in the mood for bourbon and vinyl, the owner runs another fantastic drinking den called Alt Comma Instagram —definitely worth checking out.
📍 Busan City
💡 Signature: Sustainable cocktails with Korean-inspired flavours
Corduroy Fellaz – Where Classic Warmth Meets Modern Mixology
Corduroy, historically known as “Golden” or “Gorden,” was once a symbol of aristocratic luxury in the 18th century before becoming a staple for the working class. Over time, it became a material worn by all, transcending social status. By the 1950s, it had evolved into a fashion trend, and today, it remains a classic—both warm and practical, stylish yet familiar.
Corduroy Fellaz embraces this history in two key ways. The first is universality. Just as corduroy was once worn by people from all walks of life, the bar strives to be a friendly, welcoming space, where guests are met with warm smiles and genuine hospitality. The second is what Corduroy Fellaz calls “Oldotrendy”—a spirit of maintaining the essence of classic trends while constantly evolving. Like corduroy itself, the bar balances a deep respect for tradition with a drive for innovation.
This philosophy extends into every detail of Corduroy Fellaz, starting with its golden-chic interior. Just as corduroy was once known as “Golden,” the bar’s warm, opulent design pays homage to this heritage. The back bar, where all bottles are arranged uniformly, offers a calming, balanced aesthetic, ensuring that the cocktails themselves take centre stage. The bartenders, dressed in crisp white jackets and ties, embody the bar’s commitment to both refinement and hospitality.
With a Farm to Bar approach, the drinks highlight local ingredients while offering unexpected flavour experiences.
My first drink was the Watermelon Sherry High. At first glance, it was crystal clear, giving no visual hint of its main ingredient. But from the very first sip, the unmistakable freshness of home-grown watermelon came through. The subtle dryness of fino sherry and the herbal brightness of basil added layers of depth, making the drink both light and unexpectedly complex.
Next was the Mexican Breakfast. Spice is deeply rooted in cuisines across the world—whether it’s Korea’s Cheongyang pepper, Italy’s peperoncino, or Southeast Asia’s chilli padi. Inspired by chile relleno, this cocktail transforms bold, savoury flavours into a surprisingly well-balanced drink. Tequila forms the base, bringing warmth and character, while aged Grana Padano, a fiery chilli tincture, and sun-ripened tomato create a rich, umami-filled experience. The result? A cocktail that captures the boldness of a hearty breakfast with the finesse of expert mixology.
I ended with From The Soil – The Taste of the Earth. But what does the earth taste like? Not in the literal sense, but through the flavours that have sustained cultures for generations—grains, warmth, and depth. This cocktail pays tribute to those foundations, blending bourbon, rice, barley, and sesame into something rich, grounding, and deeply comforting. Each sip feels familiar yet new, evoking memories of nourishment and tradition, while offering an experience shaped by personal taste and imagination.
Corduroy Fellaz is not just about serving drinks—it’s about crafting an experience that blends the past with the present. With a focus on creative cocktails, attention to detail, and originality make Corduroy Fellaz a must-visit destination for cocktail enthusiasts.
📍 Minrak-dong, Busan
💡 Signature: Trendy, handcrafted cocktails with a stylish vibe
Hongdan Bar – A Hauntingly Unique Cocktail Experience in Busan
Closing out my South Korea bar adventures in style, Hongdan Bar was the perfect final stop—moody vibes, creative cocktails, and a cozy atmosphere near Gwangalli Beach.
What makes Hongdan truly special is its fusion of tradition and mystery. The bar’s interior feels like stepping into a traditional Korean house, but with a twist—subtle haunted-house-inspired decor adds a mysterious charm. Bartenders in Hankok-style bar jackets complete the experience, making it feel like a journey back in time.
The cocktail menu is just as intriguing. One of the highlights was Darae No. 2, a Korean take on the classic Pisco Sour, made with pisco, chamdarae (Jeju kiwi), pineapple, and clear yogurt. It was tropical, tangy, and smooth—a perfect balance of flavours. Another standout was Cheondo, a refreshing mix of Korean gin, cheondo peach, bianco vermouth, coffee, and hop-tonic water. Imagine an iced tea with a delicate coffee aroma lingering in the background. The most surprising drink of the night was Takju, a bold, umami-packed whiskey cocktail featuring rye whiskey, Montenegro amaro, citrus, and black salty tomato (jap_jjari)—a deep and complex mix with a savoury edge.
Beyond the drinks, Hongdan Bar delivers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with thoughtfully paired bar snacks and excellent service. Whether you’re drawn in by the unique decor or the expertly crafted cocktails, this spot offers something truly different in Busan’s nightlife scene.
📍 Gwangalli Beach Area
💡 Signature: Fusion cocktails with local ingredients
Final Sip: Busan’s Nightlife Has Something for Everyone
From eerie-themed bars to modern cocktail lounges and eco-conscious mixology spots, Busan’s bar scene is as diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, exploring these unique establishments is a great way to experience Busan’s nightlife.
Which of these bars would you visit first?
For those looking to explore Makgeolli, 꿀꺽하우스 (GGULGGEOK HOUSE) is a must-visit. Makgeolli, Korea’s traditional rice wine, is a lightly sparkling, milky-white drink with a delicate balance of sweetness, acidity, and a subtle tang. Made from fermented rice, it has been enjoyed for centuries and continues to evolve with modern variations.
At GGULGGEOK HOUSE, guests can experience a thoughtfully curated selection of both traditional and contemporary Makgeolli, showcasing the drink’s depth and versatility. With its warm, inviting atmosphere and dedication to quality, it’s the perfect place to discover—or rediscover—this beloved Korean classic.
