Korea's 10 Must-Try Bar & Pub Restaurants in Seoul Forest

Seongsu regulars and Seoul Forest strollers gather here for a relaxed wine night where aromas of butter, citrus, and spice drift from the open kitchen and the clink of glasses sets the tone. Pairable small plates meet a clever half-bottle lineup that makes date night easy and solo sips feel just right. Expect measured seasoning and bright acidity that keeps you wanting another bite.

Fine casual by design with a welcoming mood and even a kids friendly corner, perfect for unhurried conversations under warm light.

• Order this: Seasonal small plates with a half-bottle to share; book ahead for prime window seats.

Both locals and travelers slip into this second floor hideaway for seafood forward plates lifted by sesame, perilla, and fermented sauces that perfume the room in the best way. The wine list plays well with umami driven cooking so each sip feels alive and the French rack steak draws fans who plan ahead.

A snug, lively room with a chef’s counter energy and staff who guide you to the right bottle for your spread.

• Order this: Signature oil and jang pairings with seafood, or pre order the French rack steak; ask for Coravin pours to explore.

A basement den with good music and brighter flavors where Seoulites and out-of-towners both come for well made cocktails and shareables that steam, sizzle, and crunch. From clean seasoned yukhoe to a potato pancake made like a pizza and a comforting new chicken plate, the cooking lands with confidence and balance.

Run by a team from a famed Cheongdam kitchen, now tuned to Seongsu’s relaxed rhythm without compromising craft.

• Order this: Yukhoe, pizza style potato pancake, and the current fried chicken special with a crisp highball.

If one bite should make you order a glass, it is Petta’s arancini that crackle softly then reveal a tender rice core scented with rich sauce. Locals and visitors share plates in a calm room where the sauces are the star and wine slips in as naturally as conversation.

Named after scarpette, the Italian joy of mopping sauce, the space feels tucked away and quietly celebratory.

• Order this: Arancini flight to start, then a saucy main and an aperitivo or house wine.

Sunlight filters through plants and vintage wood by day then the room gathers a wine glow by night. Familiar ingredients are treated with care so flavors stay clear and satisfying, which draws neighborhood regulars and curious travelers alike.

A cozy alley find that feels like a small discovery each time you push open the door.

• Order this: Balanced evening plates with by the glass picks recommended by the team.

Near Seoul Forest Station, UVA serves bright Italian plates that are easy to pair and even easier to share so both locals and visitors feel at home. Think bruschetta that sings with freshness and cacio e pepe that coats the tongue with a fine pepper bloom without heaviness.

A modern room with generous spacing that suits dates, friend groups, and casual work dinners with good bottles and easy conversation.

• Order this: Bruschetta and cacio e pepe with a light Italian white or a soft red by the bottle.

Start with specialty coffee among plants and wide windows then return at dusk for a whiskey flight or a low proof cocktail that smells of citrus and herbs. The mood shifts smoothly so locals linger and visitors find it a convenient perch before or after a Seoul Forest stroll.

The brand calls it a park in the city and the 5th floor view makes that feel true.

• Order this: Signature coffee in the afternoon then a house cocktail or non alcoholic mix after 4 pm.

This buzzy basement gastropub stays on locals’ shortlists and quickly hooks newcomers with fresh tuna that tastes clean and rich without heaviness. Highballs sparkle, sake flows, and the crowd hums at an energetic yet comfortable volume.

A friendly team steers you toward the good stuff and keeps the night easy from first pour to last bite.

• Order this: Tuna selection with a crisp highball or chilled sake to match the texture.

Inspired by kissaten and cha chaan teng culture, this two track spot feeds daytime cravings for crisp katsu and rich curry then shifts at night to easy drinking snacks with city pop vibes. Locals love the reliable comfort while visitors appreciate the playful concept.

The original Seongsu location stays compact and cozy which keeps the room’s energy just right.

• Order this: Katsu sando by day then canned inspired small plates with beer or highball after dark.

Few things beat the first sip of a cold mojito as the ceiling retracts and a soft night breeze slips across the deck. This is where both locals and curious travelers toast the skyline while a capable bar team mixes classics and house signatures that carry real aroma and balance.

On weekends the room warms with live jazz which adds a celebratory glow without overwhelming conversation.

• Order this: A mint forward mojito or a spirit forward classic and share a small plate while catching sunset colors.