Seoul Guide Makgeolli · Korean Rice Wine · Pubs

Best Unique Makgeolli(막걸리) Spots in Seoul

From matcha-kissed pours to a legendary octopus alley that made makgeolli a rite of passage, here are the Seoul spots where the rice wine sings and the food answers back.

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THE GIWA Apgujeong matcha makgeolli and Korean small plates

1. THE GIWA Apgujeong Apgujeong

Hours 11:30–23:00 Address 1F, 15, Seolleung-ro 155-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul Value Signature matcha makgeolli · terrace and rooms

The first pour arrives jade green and creamy, a gentle tea aroma lifting with the carbonation and inviting a long sip. Pair it with the lightly chewy matcha tteokbokki or the Boseong honey corn pancake and you get a playful sweet and savory duet that suits date nights and small celebrations. The space blends hanok warmth with modern polish, and recent celebrity buzz means peak hours feel lively.

  • Order this!: Matcha Makgeolli with Matcha Tteokbokki, then add the honey corn pancake for a sweet finish.
TIPS
Walk-ins are welcome, but arrivals 15 minutes late to a reservation may be canceled. Rooms and a terrace are available for different occasions.
User Review
"A delicious place with a great atmosphere."
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THE GIWA Hapjeong private room with makgeolli and small bites

2. THE GIWA Hapjeong Hapjeong

Hours 11:30–01:30 Address 1F, 25, Dongmak-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul Value Matcha makgeolli with private rooms and rooftop-style terrace

A short ride from Apgujeong, Hapjeong’s branch turns the same matcha makgeolli into a late-night companion with a calm, design-forward setting. Private rooms, warm lighting, and a menu that spans beef tartare snacks to a new grilled mackerel set let you mix and match textures with that creamy pour.

  • Order this: Matcha Makgeolli with whole pork belly kimchi pancake or the grilled mackerel set for a crisp and creamy contrast.
TIPS
Popular on weekend nights. Check private room availability in advance. Open until 01:30 for post-dinner drinks.
User Review
"Close to Hapjeong Station and tucked in an alley, it was quiet and the dishes paired perfectly with the matcha makgeolli."
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Damsori Yeonnam matcha makgeolli and assorted jeon

3. Damsori Yeonnam

Hours 17:00–01:00 Address 2F, 267, Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul Value Small, cozy pub with hot pots, jeon, and matcha makgeolli

Crisp seafood scallion pancakes arrive crackling, steam perfumed with sesame and green onion, while matcha makgeolli lands cool and lightly sweet with a gentle tea aroma. The 17-seat room and terrace make a snug backdrop for dates or after-work unwinds, and the hot pots bring savory depth that keeps the conversation flowing.

  • Order this: Matcha Makgeolli with assorted jeon, then add perilla leaf chicken tteokbokki for a spicy counterpoint.
TIPS
Compact seating fills fast around 19:00 to 20:00. Arrive early for terrace seats on breezy evenings.
User Review
"The matcha makgeolli with matcha ice cream was sweet and refreshing. Assorted jeon was generous, and the spicy perilla leaf chicken tteokbokki paired perfectly."
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THE GIWA Yongsan serene interior with traditional liquor

4. THE GIWA, Yongsan Yongsan

Hours 11:30–23:00 Address 23, Hangang-daero 38ga-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul Value Quiet lunch sets, smooth service, and traditional liquor program

A few stops east in Yongsan, the mood turns serene with white porcelain and hanji details that frame a gentle lunch service. At night it shifts toward a comfortable pub feel, and the matcha makgeolli from the house lineup becomes a centerpiece with honeyed corn pancakes or a hearty pork kimchi stew.

  • Order this: Lunch grilled fish set by day, then matcha makgeolli with pork kimchi stew by night for a warm pairing.
TIPS
Lunch 11:30–15:00 serves lunch sets only. A 2-hour limit may apply if there is waiting. Good for small groups with many four-top tables.
User Review
"Came for the matcha makgeolli and it lived up to the hype. The honey corn pancake and pork kimchi stew made a great sweet and savory combo."
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Mugyodong Yoojeong Nakji stir-fried octopus with makgeolli

5. Mugyodong Yoojeong Nakji Main Branch Gwanghwamun

Hours 11:00–22:00 Address 22, Sejong-daero 21-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, 1F, Room 101 Value 1966 octopus institution with a classic makgeolli pairing

If Apgujeong and Hapjeong show the creative side, Gwanghwamun is where the romance began. Since 1966, the heat of spicy stir-fried octopus and the cool cream of makgeolli have met here in a pairing that defined a generation. The scent of gochugaru, sesame, and garlic rises from the pan and the rice wine calms the spice with a gentle milky finish.

  • Order this: Stir-fried octopus in your preferred heat level, then a chilled makgeolli to settle into the rhythm.
TIPS
Reservations require punctual arrival within 20 minutes or they may be canceled. A reservation fee is refunded upon dining. Same-day reservations by phone only. For lunch groups of 9 or more, call ahead.
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Makgeolli with Korean small plates on a wooden table

Why book now?

The best makgeolli moments hinge on timing. Small rooms fill quickly, private spaces go first, and the most talked-about pours are at their liveliest when you sit down without a wait.

Shortest waits
Aim for early evenings on weekdays. For weekend prime time, reserve rooms at Hapjeong and Apgujeong in advance on CATCHTABLE.
Peak-proof plans
Yongsan serves set lunches for a calmer noon visit. Damsori’s compact space is best right at opening or after 22:00.
Match the mood
Romantic dates (Apgujeong, Hapjeong), cozy after-work bites (Yeonnam), quiet lunches or small groups (Yongsan), classic Seoul nostalgia (Gwanghwamun).
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