K-Pour Chronicles – Episode 3: Jeju Moments
We swapped the clinking glasses and skyline shimmer of Seoul for sea breeze, wide skies, and winding island roads — the kind that ask you to slow down, even when time is short. Only two weeks this time, and still so much to discover. Now, writing this in hindsight, I can still feel the warmth of the November sun, the salty air tangled with the scent of fresh tangerines, and that light island haze that makes everything feel slightly softer around the edges. This episode of the K-Pour Chronicles takes us to Jeju Island — not just far from the mainland in geography, but in mood. Life here moves differently.
To explore it properly, we picked up a tiny Kia Ray — the same kind of compact, boxy charm I once used to navigate Kyushu in Japan earlier this year. Small car, big freedom. Just enough space for two curious travelers and a few roadside snacks. We started in Jeju-si, using it as a base to explore the eastern stretches of the island — sunrise cliffs, hidden beaches, UNESCO lava tubes. Then we drove westward, hugging the coastline before arriving in Seogwipo-si in the south, where palm trees sway against black stone walls and waterfalls spill straight into the sea.
Jeju is South Korea’s largest island, but it never feels oversized. It feels spacious. Lush. Measured. A place shaped by time and nature — both patient and wild. Recognized by UNESCO for its volcanic landscape, Jeju is rich in natural wonders: from Hallasan, the dormant volcano that crowns the island, to ancient lava tubes, waterfalls, crater lakes, and stretches of coast that glow gold at sunset. And beneath the surface, stories flow just as deep — from the haenyeo, Jeju’s legendary free-diving women who’ve harvested the ocean for generations, to the island’s long-held spirit of independence and resilience.
But this wasn’t a trip for climbing mountains. We came to see what happens when cocktail culture meets island time. No tight schedules, no bar crawl checklists. Just us, the road, and a few hidden spots waiting to pour. After the sharp precision of Seoul, we were curious: What does the glass taste like when the pace softens? Who pours the drinks when the city fades away? And what stories rise up between the sea and the stones? Still thirsty. Still curious. And ready to see what Jeju had in store.
Silhouette of Mind – A Bar where Books and Cocktails breathe together
Tucked away on a quiet side street near Jeju City Hall, Silhouette of Mind doesn’t announce itself — it simply waits for you to arrive. It’s the kind of bar you find when you’re not in a rush. A place that rewards curiosity and welcomes you with calm. Walking up the narrow stairs into its softly lit interior, I immediately felt like I’d entered a secret library — only here, the books serve cocktails, and every shelf invites you to linger.
The space is intimate, warm, and intentionally gentle. Books line the walls. Conversations are hushed. Pages turn softly. The whole room feels like it breathes at a slower, more thoughtful rhythm.
It’s rare to find a bar that encourages you to read, reflect, and sip rather than perform the usual night-time routine — but Silhouette of Mind invites exactly that. It’s more than a concept; it’s a mood.
For the Cocktail Curious: seasonal, low-ABV, layered. For readers who want their cocktail to echo their book. The menu changes with the seasons — we came for autumn, and the drinks matched the mood. Most cocktails are low in ABV and nicely balanced. Some can be served without alcohol, making the experience more inclusive — and no less delicious.
One standout was a bright, cheerful dessert cocktail that looked like a soft-poached egg in a glass — playful, nostalgic, and glowing like a tiny sunrise. Made with lemon, orange, grapefruit, and a gentle creaminess, it was citrusy, silky, and mood-lifting — exactly the kind of joy you want in a glass. Another sip, The Silhouette of Autumn, paired the fresh clarity of Korean pear with Jeju’s native mailcha tea and a vanilla-kissed whisky base. Bubbly, delicate, and quietly woodsy. We shared a serving of banana pudding — creamy, layered, crunchy — and just as comforting as the bar’s energy.
That stayed with me most wasn’t just the drinks, but the atmosphere of permission this bar gives you: permission to slow down, to drink alone without feeling alone, to read a page, sip thoughtfully, reflect, and breathe. Nothing here is rushed. The cocktails aren’t flashy. They’re introverted, subtle, and layered — the kind you sip once, then think. Sip again, and something new unfolds.
No Love No Life – Cabin Fever & Fizzy Feelings
Just around the corner from the calm literary hush of Silhouette of Mind, we stepped into a completely different bar world. Imagine this: a cosy Canadian log cabin vibe meets mountain saloon, with wood beams, fireplace crackle, and a splash of cheeky humour. Picture plaid shirts, an axe on the wall, warm lighting, and coasters that look like tiny cabin rugs. We’d landed in a Jeju-style lumberjack’s cabin— rustic, and cosy.
The fire was roaring, the hospitality even warmer. That was what greeted us and stayed with us during our stay. The bar is run by a nice and down-to-earth owner — his Instagram is full of reels with daily bar wisdom and offbeat philosophies. My favourite? A reel that perfectly captures his vibe — not taking things too seriously. You’ve probably seen bartenders put a few drops of cocktail oil on the back of their hand when they’re testing their creations. But have you ever noticed that it looks like a cat washing itself? Watch the video, but be warned: you won’t be able to get the image out of your head.
The bar’s motto? Straight from the heart: “We always want to do what we love, enjoy imagining wild things, and sometimes make those fantasies come true. Not all attempts lead to success, but all success comes from trying. Maybe doing what I love is just… loving myself. No life without love.”
This place isn’t about trends or performance. It’s about good people doing what they love, in a space they’ve built with intention. A little wild, a little wise — and a little kind of unexpected bar magic.
The menu comes printed in A4 paper size — no fuss, just drinks that hit the mark. It’s a thoughtful mix of classic cocktails, dry or fizzy signatures, beers, and a few bar snacks. From the craft section, we went for two long drinks with real flavour impact. I have to admit — highballs are growing on me. I used to say they lacked depth, but I’m slowly correcting myself. With modern techniques like carbonisation and clever layering, they’re becoming more and more complex. Our pick: Korean Melon & Plum Fizz — bright, refreshing, and packed with flavour. A quiet fizz with a juicy punch.
Cocktail bar fortyfive – Jeju’s High-Fidelity Cocktail Haven
The most surprising — and most recommended — bar of our Jeju adventure? FortyFive. A bar that quietly ticks all my boxes: creative cocktail menu, tiny lab, hidden location, perfect service, meaningful experiences, and a genuinely warm bar team. Nearly every bartender we asked sent us here, and once we stepped in, it was obvious why. I fell in love with the place almost immediately. A short chat with the bartenders, the first sip of our drinks — and I knew I’d be back someday. Because for all its technique and design, FortyFive is about something more: atmosphere and service.
The drinks in general, I’d say, make up 10–15% of the whole bar experience. But that doesn’t mean they’re an afterthought — not for me. I need flavour, character, and balance to really satisfy my palate. And I found exactly that, especially in the drinks paired with desserts. Even the more savoury cocktails — like the Taco’Bout Fizz and the mushroom infused Umma Mia!— were surprisingly good. Translating food flavours into cocktails isn’t easy (and doesn’t always land), but here, it worked. From the bar, you can glance into the small preparation kitchen and see all the modern tools of the trade in action — clarifiers, carbonation systems, fat-washing gear — everything you’d expect from a bar where contemporary mixology meets honest hospitality.
Located on the second floor of a modest building, FortyFive avoids the noise of street level. You won’t accidentally walk in. You have to look for it — and that makes arriving feel intentional, like a secret worth knowing.
The interior feels like a music lover’s living room: warm wood, calm beige tones, soft lighting, and open smiles behind the bar. No drama, no unnecessary glamour. Just thoughtful design, beautiful vinyl spinning behind the counter, and an atmosphere that lets you breathe out.
Music plays a starring role here. The bar features a professional vinyl sound system, with a soulful, high-fidelity soundtrack that steers the night without taking over. It’s not just background ambience — it’s part of the experience, shaping the mood as much as the drinks. FortyFive runs a seasonal cocktail menu, updated every three months. Some drinks are paired with a carefully curated dessert, inspired by the flavours and mood of the moment. When we visited in November, it was the final stretch of the autumn menu — and naturally, we went all in.
The drinks weren’t just tasty. They were elegant, expressive, and textured — the kind you remember in both flavour and feeling.
Autumn Leaves was a beautiful blend of Calvados, Rémy Martin VSOP, Amaro Montenegro, apricot liqueur, and fig leaf Lillet Blanc, all wrapped in Palo Santo-infused oak. The paired dessert mirrored the drink’s warmth: fig leaf tuile, smoked cinnamon cream, coconut mousse, hazelnut, mango, and passionfruit. Dreamy, earthy, and incredibly comforting.
Fever is one for the whisky lovers — brown butter fat-washed bourbon, Manwol (a Korean black raspberry spirit), Averna, banana liqueur, sweet vermouth, walnut orgeat, and jujube. The accompanying dessert brought jujube mousse, persimmon, raspberry, walnut nougat, and dark chocolate — warming, nostalgic, and perfectly autumnal.
When Autumn Comes, this one was light and lifting: quince-infused gin, passionfruit liqueur, Fernet Hunter, lemon, pear and balloon flower root cordial, finished with a delicate saffron air. It came with a bright pairing of pear sorbet, mint and fennel seed granita, champagne jelly, and timut pepper — fresh, zesty, and full of surprises.
And then there was a quiet standout: Mystic Island. A softer, more aromatic take on the Martini — apricot and canola tea-infused gin, eucalyptus, bergamot liqueur, Lillet Blanc, local tangerine cordial, and a whisper of absinthe. Light on the strength, heavy on the depth.
Behind the scenes, FortyFive runs like a small lab — one that doesn’t show off, but quietly elevates the cocktail experience through modern techniques and sharp execution. Everything is made to order, including a short but thoughtful food menu, which echoes the same care. But what really brings this place to life is the team. The service was warm, present, and wonderfully human. Conversations flowed naturally, and the atmosphere was never rushed. They weren’t performing hospitality — they were living it.
At FortyFive, cocktails are just one part of the magic. What makes it special is the feeling: the way the vinyl hums behind the bar, the way your glass feels weighty with intention, the way the light softens everything. It’s a bar for those who travel for flavour, mood, and connection. For cocktail travellers like us, it’s a dream: a bar with real heart, clear focus, and drinks that don’t just impress — they stay with you.
